Key Economic Benchmarks
Median Household Income
$80,288$6,691 per month · U.S. Census Bureau ACS 5-YearFair market rent & 30% rule in Northampton, MA
Official HUD Fair Market Rents evaluated against local household income benchmarks.
2026 HUD Fair Market Rent Schedule: Northampton, MA
Official FY2026 HUD Fair Market Rents for Amherst Town-Northampton, MA MSA. Under the federal 30% housing affordability standard, housing costs are sustainable when they consume 30% or less of gross household income.
| Unit Size | Monthly Rent | Annual Rent | 30% Rule Min. Income | % of Median Income |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / Efficiency | $1,382 | $16,584 | $55,280 | 20.7% |
| 1-Bedroom Apartment | $1,580 | $18,960 | $63,200 | 23.6% |
| 2-Bedroom ApartmentBenchmark | $2,004 | $24,048 | $80,160 | 30% |
| 3-Bedroom Home | $2,504 | $30,048 | $100,160 | 37.4% |
| 4-Bedroom Home | $2,702 | $32,424 | $108,080 | 40.4% |
50/30/20 Living Budget in Northampton, MA
Based on the local median household income of $80,288/year ($6,691/month), here is how a balanced budget allocates expenses:
Take-Home Pay & Tax Explorer in Massachusetts
Explore net income after federal income tax, FICA, and Massachusetts state income tax based on the local median baseline.
Related Regional & Financial Profiles
Compare earnings and living costs across Massachusetts with official federal datasets:
Frequently Asked Questions About Living in Northampton, MA
What is the median household income in Northampton, MA?
According to the latest U.S. Census Bureau ACS 5-Year survey, the median household income in Northampton, MA is $80,288 per year (approximately $6,691 per month).
What is the average rent in Northampton, MA?
According to HUD Fair Market Rent (FMR) benchmarks for 2026, standard monthly rents in Northampton, MA are $1,382 for a studio, $1,580 for 1 bedroom, $2,004 for 2 bedrooms, $2,504 for 3 bedrooms, and $2,702 for 4 bedrooms.
How does the cost of living in Northampton, MA compare to the national average?
Based on the Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) Regional Price Parity index, the general price level in Northampton, MA is 100.2 (0.2% higher than the U.S. national baseline of 100.0).
How much do you need to earn to comfortably afford rent in Northampton, MA?
Under the standard 30% housing affordability standard, renting a median 2-bedroom home ($2,004/month) in Northampton, MA requires a minimum gross household income of $80,160 per year ($6,680 per month).
What is a balanced 50/30/20 monthly budget in Northampton, MA?
For a typical household earning the median income of $80,288/year ($6,691/month) in Northampton, MA, a balanced 50/30/20 budget allocates $3,345/month to essential needs (rent, utilities, groceries), $2,007/month to discretionary spending, and $1,338/month to savings and debt repayment.
What are typical electricity and utility costs in Northampton, MA?
Residential electricity rates in Massachusetts average 29.6¢ per kWh according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA). For an average home using 900 kWh per month, the estimated electric bill is approximately $266 per month.