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    Average Rent in Worcester, MA (2026)

    The average 1-bedroom rent in Worcester, MA is $1,576/month as of 2026, based on HUD data across 20 ZIP codes. Rents have changed +3.0% year over year. Rents range from $1,300 to $1,750.

    Average Rent · 1-Bedroom

    $1,576/mo

    Source: HUD Fair Market Rent · 20 zip codes

    Year-over-Year

    ↑ +3.0%

    Source: Apartment List, Zillow ZORI, HUD Fair Market Rent

    Data through

    The average 1-bedroom rent in Worcester, MA is $1,576/month according to HUD FY2026 Fair Market Rent data, covering 20 ZIP codes. Rents have increased 3.0% year-over-year. The average 1-bedroom rent in Worcester is 32% above the national average of $1,196/month.

    Average rent in Worcester, MA ranges from $1,300 to $1,750 across 20 ZIP codes.

    Based on local market data, a fair rent increase in Worcester, MA is approximately 3.0% for 2026. An increase above 3.0% exceeds the local market trend and may be worth negotiating.

    Key Facts

    Average 1-BR rent: $1,576/mo
    Year-over-year change: +3.0%
    Coverage: 20 ZIP codes
    Data source: HUD Small Area FMR FY2026
    vs. national avg: 32% above ($1,196/mo)

    Sources: Apartment List, Zillow ZORI, HUD Fair Market Rent, HUD SAFMR, Rentcast. Updated February 2026.

    How much is rent in Worcester, MA?

    The average 1-bedroom rent in Worcester, MA is $1,576/month as of 2026, based on HUD data across 20 ZIP codes. Rents range from $1,300 to $1,750 depending on neighborhood — a $450/month spread. To afford this at the 30% rule, a household would need approximately $63,040/year.

    Is rent going up in Worcester?

    Rents in Worcester have increased 3.0% year over year based on local market data. This suggests a relatively stable rental market.

    What is a fair rent increase in Worcester?

    Based on local market data, a rent increase around 3.0% is in line with the Worcester market for 2026. An increase above that level exceeds the local trend and may be worth pushing back on. Check your specific increase with RenewalReply's free rent analysis tool.

    Rent Trends in Worcester

    +3.0%

    Rents in Worcester are rising at +3.0% year-over-year.

    ⚠ Mixed signals

    Market sources range from +0.1% to +11.7%

    Why the range? Zillow ZORI tracks what landlords are asking for units (+4.5%), while Apartment List tracks what renters actually sign leases at (+0.1%).Landlords are asking more than renters are paying — this suggests renters may have negotiating leverage in Worcester right now.

    Sources: Apartment List, Zillow ZORI, HUD Fair Market Rent

    What Should Rent Cost in Worcester?

    Typical rent ranges based on HUD benchmarks and market data. In areas with limited listing data, ranges reflect federal benchmarks and may be wider than actual market conditions.

    Studio$1,566 – $1,801

    A studio in Worcester typically rents for $1,566 – $1,801.

    Rents above $2,071 are in the top 25% for this area.

    1-Bedroom$1,576 – $1,812

    A 1-bedroom in Worcester typically rents for $1,576 – $1,812.

    Rents above $2,084 are in the top 25% for this area.

    2-Bedroom$2,025 – $2,329

    A 2-bedroom in Worcester typically rents for $2,025 – $2,329.

    Rents above $2,678 are in the top 25% for this area.

    3-Bedroom$2,510 – $2,887

    A 3-bedroom in Worcester typically rents for $2,510 – $2,887.

    Rents above $3,320 are in the top 25% for this area.

    4-Bedroom$2,778 – $3,195

    A 4-bedroom in Worcester typically rents for $2,778 – $3,195.

    Rents above $3,674 are in the top 25% for this area.

    Federal Rent Benchmarks for Worcester

    HUD Fair Market Rents are federal rent benchmarks published annually by HUD. They provide a consistent baseline for comparing rents across areas.

    Studio

    $1,566

    HUD Fair Market Rent

    1-Bedroom

    $1,576

    HUD Fair Market Rent

    2-Bedroom

    $2,025

    HUD Fair Market Rent

    3-Bedroom

    $2,510

    HUD Fair Market Rent

    4-Bedroom

    $2,778

    HUD Fair Market Rent

    Source: HUD SAFMR FY2026 · Updated

    Zip Codes in Worcester

    Click any zip code for detailed rent data including zip-specific SAFMR rates, nearby comparables, and a free rent increase check.

    Zip Code1-BR SAFMR
    01604$1,750
    01602$1,740
    01606$1,730
    01608$1,700
    01605$1,660
    01607$1,590
    01525$1,550
    01610$1,530
    01603$1,520
    01609$1,500
    01074$1,300
    01508$1,550
    01509$1,550
    01526$1,550
    01538$1,550
    01546$1,550
    01586$1,550
    01613$1,550
    01614$1,550
    01655$1,550

    SAFMR rates are zip-specific.

    How Does Worcester Compare?

    Northborough, MA
    $2,390/mo+52%
    Hopkinton, MA
    $2,710/mo+72%
    Marlborough, MA
    $2,160/mo+37%
    Auburn, MA
    $1,400/mo-11%
    Boylston, MA
    $1,960/mo+24%

    Questions about rent in Worcester

    What is the average 1-bedroom rent in Worcester, MA?

    The average 1-bedroom fair market rent in Worcester, MA is $1,576/month as of 2026, based on HUD rent data across 20 ZIP codes in the city. This is 32% above the national average of $1,196/month. Rents range from $1,300 to $1,750 depending on ZIP code.

    What is a fair rent increase in Worcester?

    A rent increase up to about 3.0% is broadly in line with the recent market trend in Worcester. Increases above that level are above trend and should be tested against neighborhood-level pricing and comparable rentals. The current average 1-BR rent is $1,576/month.

    Are rents going up or down in Worcester?

    Rents in Worcester have increased 3.0% year over year based on local market data. This reflects local market conditions across 20 ZIP codes in the Worcester, MA HUD Metro FMR Area area.

    How much do rents vary across Worcester?

    1-bedroom rents across Worcester range from $1,300 to $1,750 on this page, a $450/month spread. This shows that rent can vary materially across ZIP codes within the same city, reflecting neighborhood-level differences in housing stock and demand.

    Can my landlord raise my rent in Worcester?

    We could not identify a city-specific rent cap for Worcester. Landlords must still follow applicable state and local notice rules before raising rent at lease renewal. Requirements vary — check your state's landlord-tenant statute for specifics on notice periods and timing.

    How much should I spend on rent in Worcester?

    The general guideline is to spend no more than 30% of your gross income on rent. With average 1-bedroom rent in Worcester at $1,576/month, a household would need approximately $63,040/year in gross income to afford this comfortably. Many renters in high-cost areas spend above this threshold — our free tool can help you assess whether your specific rent is fair for your ZIP code.

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    Renter Tools

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    Market data updated monthly from public and third-party sources. Actual rents vary by unit, building, and lease terms. For informational purposes only — not legal or financial advice. See methodology →