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Affordable & Income-Based Housing in Cambridge

Affordable Housing in Cambridge, MA

Cambridge has 41 income-based rental properties offering 3,775 units across the city, in a rental market where the median asking rent reaches $2,787 per month, according to Census ACS 5-Year data. With a median household income of $130,748, costs here can still stretch budgets, making these affordable options especially valuable. Of the 14 properties with inspection scores on file, 9 earned an excellent rating and 5 a good rating -- none scored fair or poor.

41
Properties
3,775
Total units
90/100
Avg HUD score

At a glance

🏠 Affordability
$2,787/mo

Affordability

Cambridge is a high-cost rental market. According to Census ACS 5-Year data (as of 2024), the median asking rent is $2,787 per month and the median household income is $130,748, while 67% of households rent rather than own. The 2,022 income-restricted units tracked by Lease Lantern across 14 HUD-assisted and LIHTC properties represent an important resource for renters who cannot afford market-rate housing here.

Census ACS 5-Year
🛡️ Safety
437 / 100k · 2024

Safety

According to FBI Crime Data Explorer, the Cambridge Police Department reported a violent crime rate of 437 per 100,000 residents in 2024. Crime rates are not directly comparable across cities due to differences in reporting practices and local definitions.

FBI Crime Data Explorer
🚶 Getting around
Walk Score 93 · Walker's Paradise

Getting Around Cambridge

According to Walk Score, the area around Cambridge's assisted properties earns a Walk Score of 93 (Walker's Paradise), a Transit Score of 81 (Excellent Transit), and a Bike Score of 100 -- reflecting strong options for getting around without a car.

Walk Score
🎓 Schools
20 schools · 4 districts

Schools

According to NCES Common Core of Data, 20 public schools across 4 districts serve Cambridge, including 13 elementary, 4 middle, and 3 high schools. Quality and programs vary by school and district, so renters should check which schools are assigned to any specific address they are considering.

NCES Common Core of Data
📊 Cost of living
$130,748 median income

Cost of Living

Cambridge is one of the most expensive rental markets in Massachusetts. The median asking rent is $2,787 per month and the median household income is $130,748 per year, according to Census ACS 5-Year estimates.

For renters who qualify, the 2,022 income-restricted units across Cambridge's 14 HUD-assisted and LIHTC properties can represent significant savings compared to market-rate housing in the area.

Census ACS 5-Year
🌊 Environment & risk

Environment & Flood Risk

All 14 HUD-assisted properties in Cambridge have been mapped for flood risk. None are located in a high-risk flood zone, according to flood mapping data.

FEMA · EPA AirNow
HUD Inspection Scoresavg 90/100(14 of 41 scored)
90+ (9)70–89 (5)No score (27)

41 properties on the map

Top-rated properties

Browse all 41 affordable apartments in Cambridge→

Other cities in MA

› Affordable housing in Boston› Chelsea income-based apartments› Income-restricted rentals in Chicopee› Dorchester affordable apartments› HUD & Section 8 housing in Fall River› Affordable housing in Framingham› Haverhill income-based apartments› Income-restricted rentals in Holyoke› Jamaica Plain affordable apartments› HUD & Section 8 housing in Lawrence› Affordable housing in Lowell› Lynn income-based apartments

Your rights & resources

› How HUD & Section 8 housing works› Tenant rights in MA› Housing assistance & waitlists› Free legal aid (LawHelp)› Energy bill help (LIHEAP)

Read more

Cambridge, MA: Affordable Housing Overview

Cambridge is a highly walkable, transit-connected city where 67 percent of residents rent their homes, according to Census ACS 5-Year data. With a median market rent of $2,787 per month, income-restricted housing can make a meaningful difference for renters here.

Affordable Housing Stock

Lease Lantern tracks 14 HUD-assisted properties in Cambridge, covering 2,022 income-restricted units. All 14 properties have been scored, and the portfolio is in strong shape: 9 rated Excellent and 5 rated Good, with no Fair or Poor ratings.

Flood Risk

All 14 tracked properties have been mapped for flood risk. None carry a high flood-risk designation, which is a reassuring finding for prospective residents.

Getting Around

Cambridge earns a Walk Score of 93 ("Walker's Paradise"), a Transit Score of 81 ("Excellent Transit"), and a Bike Score of 100, according to Walk Score. Most daily needs and commutes are easily managed without a car.

Schools

The city is served by 4 school districts, with 20 public schools -- including 13 elementary, 4 middle, and 3 high schools -- according to NCES Common Core of Data.

Eligibility & how to apply

Massachusetts income limits (2026)Massachusetts public housing authoritiesSection 8 waitlists in Massachusetts

Helpful guides

How Section 8 Vouchers WorkWhat Is Income-Based Housing?How to Apply for Affordable HousingSection 8 vs. LIHTCUnderstanding HUD Inspection ScoresHow Affordable Housing Waitlists Work
Research: what 22,600 HUD inspection scores reveal →