Massachusetts

Worcester, MA Rental Market

Worcester is Massachusetts's second-largest city and an emerging healthcare and biotechnology hub anchored by UMass Chan Medical School, Saint Vincent Hospital, and a growing biosciences cluster. Often called a "Boston for less," Worcester offers Boston-quality institutional employment at significantly lower rent and home price levels, making it an increasingly attractive destination for healthcare professionals, graduate students, and remote workers priced out of the Boston metro.

Get a rent estimate for an address in Worcester

Average Rent in Worcester, MA

$1,650

per month · 2026-06

+4.0% year-over-year

Market Score

7/10

Key Facts — Worcester, MA Rental Market

  • Average rent in Worcester, MA:$1,650/mo
  • Median rent:$1,518/mo
  • Rent range:$825 – $3,650/mo
  • Most common rental (2 bedrooms):$1,450/mo
  • Active listings:1,200
  • Avg days to lease:27 days
  • Year-over-year change:+4.0%
  • Median home value:$340,000
  • Est. gross annual yield:5.8%
  • Data as of:2026-06

Rent by Bedroom in Worcester, MA

Average monthly rent for each bedroom type based on current active listings in Worcester.

Bedroom TypeAvg Rent/mo
1 Bedroom
$1,175/mo
2 Bedrooms
$1,450/mo
3 Bedrooms
$1,850/mo
4 Bedrooms
$2,275/mo
5 Bedrooms
$2,600/mo

Worcester Rental Market Statistics

Key indicators from the current Worcester, MA rental market.

Active Listings

1,200

Available now in Worcester

Avg Days on Market

27

From list to lease

Rent per Sq Ft

$1.29

Average across listings

Avg Square Footage

1,275 sq ft

Typical rental size

Rent Range

$825 – $3,650

Min to max active listings

Year-over-Year Change

+4.0%

Avg rent vs. prior year

Investing in Worcester, MA Rental Properties

Estimated returns based on current market rents and median home values. Perform full due diligence before investing.

Median Home Value

$340,000

Typical purchase price in Worcester

Est. Gross Annual Yield

5.8%

Before expenses & vacancy

Avg Monthly Income

$1,650

At average market rent

Gross yield = (avg rent × 12) ÷ median home value. Does not include expenses, financing, vacancies, or management fees. Analyze a specific property in Worcester for a full cash-flow breakdown including all costs.

Worcester, MA Rental Market FAQ

Common questions about renting and investing in Worcester, MA.

What is the average rent in Worcester, MA?

The average rent in Worcester, MA is $1,650 per month as of 2026. One-bedroom apartments average $1,175/mo, two-bedrooms average $1,450/mo, and three-bedroom homes average $1,850/mo. The Main South and Shrewsbury Street neighborhoods near Clark University and WPI command premium rents among students and professionals, while the Canal District arts corridor is rapidly attracting young professional tenants.

Is Worcester, MA a good place to invest in rental property?

Worcester offers a 5.8% estimated gross annual yield with 4.0% year-over-year rent growth — among the strongest in Massachusetts. UMass Chan Medical School, WPI, Clark University, and Holy Cross provide a deep, multi-institution student and academic tenant base. As Boston rents push more residents toward secondary markets, Worcester is benefiting from accelerating in-migration that supports its above-average rent growth trajectory.

How competitive is the Worcester, MA rental market?

Worcester has approximately 1,200 active listings and averages 27 days on market — a competitive pace that reflects its growing status as a Boston-area value alternative. Demand peaks in August ahead of the fall university semester across WPI, Clark, Assumption, and Holy Cross. The Canal District and Shrewsbury Street neighborhoods attract the most professional tenant interest year-round. Quality 2- and 3-bedroom units in desirable neighborhoods rarely sit vacant for more than two weeks.

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