What is the Fair Market Rent in Essex County, MA for 2026?

For FY2026, HUD's Fair Market Rent in Essex County (Boston-Cambridge-Quincy, MA-NH HUD Metro FMR Area) is $2,359 for a studio, $2,476 for 1 bedroom, $2,941 for 2 bedrooms, $3,526 for 3 bedrooms, and $3,894 for 4 bedrooms.

How much will a Section 8 voucher cover in Essex County?

Housing authorities set the payment standard between 90% and 110% of the Fair Market Rent. For a 2-bedroom in Essex County that range is about $2,647–$3,235 per month. Your local PHA sets the exact figure, and your share is generally about 30% of your adjusted monthly income.

Is Fair Market Rent the same as the voucher amount?

No. FMR is HUD's rent estimate for the area; the voucher payment standard is set by your local Public Housing Authority within 90–110% of FMR, and the rent must also pass a "rent reasonableness" review and a housing-quality inspection.

Essex County, MA Fair Market Rent & Section 8 (FY2026)

Official HUD Fair Market Rent for Essex County (Boston-Cambridge-Quincy, MA-NH HUD Metro FMR Area), with the typical 90–110% Section 8 voucher payment-standard range.

$2,941 / mo · 2 BR FMR

Unit size	Fair Market Rent	Voucher range (90–110%)
Studio	$2,359	$2,123–$2,595
1 BR	$2,476	$2,228–$2,724
2 BR	$2,941	$2,647–$3,235
3 BR	$3,526	$3,173–$3,879
4 BR	$3,894	$3,505–$4,283

Source: HUD FY2026 Fair Market Rents. Voucher range = 90–110% of FMR (your PHA sets the exact standard).

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What this means

If you rent (or are renting out) a home in Essex County with a Housing Choice Voucher, the housing authority caps assistance at its payment standard — usually 90–110% of the Fair Market Rent above. A 2-bedroom payment standard here is roughly $2,647–$3,235/month. The tenant generally pays about 30% of adjusted income toward rent and utilities, and the voucher covers the rest up to the standard. The unit must also pass a housing-quality inspection and a rent-reasonableness check.

Heads up: The figure above is the HUD Fair Market Rent. Your local Public Housing Authority (PHA) sets the actual payment standard — usually between 90% and 110% of it — so confirm your exact amount with the PHA that issued the voucher.

Frequently asked questions

What is the Fair Market Rent in Essex County, MA for 2026?: For FY2026, HUD's Fair Market Rent in Essex County (Boston-Cambridge-Quincy, MA-NH HUD Metro FMR Area) is $2,359 for a studio, $2,476 for 1 bedroom, $2,941 for 2 bedrooms, $3,526 for 3 bedrooms, and $3,894 for 4 bedrooms.
How much will a Section 8 voucher cover in Essex County?: Housing authorities set the payment standard between 90% and 110% of the Fair Market Rent. For a 2-bedroom in Essex County that range is about $2,647–$3,235 per month. Your local PHA sets the exact figure, and your share is generally about 30% of your adjusted monthly income.
Is Fair Market Rent the same as the voucher amount?: No. FMR is HUD's rent estimate for the area; the voucher payment standard is set by your local Public Housing Authority within 90–110% of FMR, and the rent must also pass a "rent reasonableness" review and a housing-quality inspection.

This page shows official HUD Fair Market Rent data for general educational use — it is not legal, financial, or housing advice, and is not a guarantee of any voucher amount. Your local Public Housing Authority sets the actual payment standard and approves rents. Always confirm with your PHA and the official HUD FMR data.

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