Rental Benchmark Overview
2-Bedroom Benchmark Rent
$2,004$24,048 per year · HUD Fiscal Year 2026Fair market rent & 30% rule in Northampton, MA
Official HUD Fair Market Rents evaluated against local household income benchmarks.
Fair Market Rent Schedule & Wage Requirements: Northampton, MA
Calculations assume standard housing affordability guidelines where shelter costs consume no more than 30% of gross income, based on full-time employment of 2,080 annual working hours.
| Bedroom Type | Monthly Rent | Annual Rent | Min. Annual Income | Hourly Wage (40h/wk) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / Efficiency | $1,382 | $16,584 | $55,280 | $26.58/hr |
| 1-Bedroom Apartment | $1,580 | $18,960 | $63,200 | $30.38/hr |
| 2-Bedroom ApartmentStandard Benchmark | $2,004 | $24,048 | $80,160 | $38.54/hr |
| 3-Bedroom Home | $2,504 | $30,048 | $100,160 | $48.15/hr |
| 4-Bedroom Home | $2,702 | $32,424 | $108,080 | $51.96/hr |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Rent in Northampton, MA
What is the Fair Market Rent for a 2-bedroom in Northampton, MA?
For Fiscal Year 2026, the official HUD Fair Market Rent for a 2-bedroom home in Northampton, MA is $2,004 per month ($24,048 per year).
What hourly wage is needed to afford rent in Northampton, MA?
To comfortably afford a 2-bedroom apartment at $2,004/month without exceeding 30% of income on rent, a full-time worker (40 hours/week, 52 weeks/year) must earn at least $38.54 per hour ($80,160/year).
What are the HUD Fair Market Rents by bedroom count in Northampton, MA?
Official 2026 HUD rents in Northampton, MA are: Studio: $1,382/mo, 1-Bedroom: $1,580/mo, 2-Bedroom: $2,004/mo, 3-Bedroom: $2,504/mo, and 4-Bedroom: $2,702/mo.
How do HUD Fair Market Rents compare to local incomes in Northampton, MA?
At the local Census ACS median household income of $80,288/year ($6,691/month), the benchmark 2-bedroom Fair Market Rent represents 30% of monthly income.
How is the 30% housing affordability standard calculated in Northampton, MA?
The federal 30% rule states that housing costs should not exceed 30% of gross household income. For a 2-bedroom rent of $2,004/month, the required minimum annual gross income is calculated as ($2,004 × 12) ÷ 0.30 = $80,160 per year.