Average Rent in Berkshire County, MA↑ Rents rising 15.4% YoY
HUD FY2025 · Official government data · Updated annually · Metro pop. 128,047
Market Overview
Berkshire County, MA has rental prices ranging from $1,148/month to $2,811/month in 2025, depending on unit size. The typical 1-bedroom apartment rents for $1,276/month — 9% below the national average of $1,400/month. With a median household income of $72,565/year, spending $1,276/month on a 1-bedroom represents 21% of gross income — within the recommended 30% threshold.
How Berkshire County Compares
With an average 2-bedroom rent of $1,674/month, Berkshire County ranks #12 most expensive of the 21 cities tracked in Massachusetts — pricier than 95% of all US cities in our data.
The Berkshire County Rental Market
The Berkshire County, MA area has a population of about 128,047 and 30% of households renting rather than owning. That is close to the US average renter share of ~34%.
Rent Trends
2-bedroom rents in Berkshire County, MA have risen by $223/month (15.4%) over the past year, from $1,451 to $1,674. This rate of increase is significant and reflects strong rental demand and limited housing supply in the local market.
Affordability
To afford a 1-bedroom apartment in Berkshire County, MA without exceeding the 30% housing cost guideline, a renter needs an annual income of approximately $51,040. The local median household income of $72,565 exceeds that threshold by $21,525, making Berkshire County relatively accessible compared to local wages.
Economy & Jobs
Berkshire County, MA has an unemployment rate of 4.5%, 0.6 percentage points above the national average of 3.9%. A higher unemployment rate can moderate rental demand over time, which may help keep rent growth in check compared to tighter job markets.
Neighborhoods
Home values — and by extension rent levels — vary significantly across Berkshire County's neighborhoods. Among the highest-value areas are Westside ($199,272 median home value), Morning Side ($223,288 median home value), Housatonic ($420,322 median home value). Renters on a tighter budget may find better value in less central neighborhoods or in adjacent metros with lower overall rent levels.
Fair Market Rents
HUD FY2025Is Berkshire County, MA Affordable?
Income needed to rent or buy, price history, and how this city compares to nearby metros.
Affordability Index(30% income rule)
Nearby Cities in MAlargest metros in the state
| City | Studio | 1BR | 2BR | 3BR | Home Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lawrence | $1,346 | $1,498 | $1,963 | $2,365 | — |
| Brockton | $1,607 | $1,652 | $2,155 | $2,730 | — |
| Lowell | $1,537 | $1,709 | $2,242 | $2,701 | — |
| Boston | $2,263 | $2,394 | $2,837 | $3,418 | — |
| New Bedford | $1,081 | $1,177 | $1,448 | $1,745 | — |
| Providence | $1,233 | $1,319 | $1,614 | $1,945 | — |
Rent or Buy in Berkshire County?
Break-even analysis and mortgage estimates based on local market data.
Should I Rent or Buy?
Break-even analysis using real Berkshire County data
Buying breaks even after 1 year — worth it if you stay 1+ years.
Living in Berkshire County
Cost of living, job market, crime rates, and moving cost estimates.
Moving Cost Estimator
Estimate your moving costs based on FMCSA public mover data
Select your origin state to see the estimate
Frequently Asked Questions
Explore More
Compare rent & home prices by neighborhood
💵Rent Affordability in Berkshire CountySalary needed to afford rent here
🗺️All Cities in MASee how Berkshire County ranks statewide
⚖️Compare Berkshire CountySide-by-side rent & cost of living with any city
📋MA Tenant RightsDeposit limits, eviction laws & renters protections