Location: Boston-Cambridge-Quincy, MA | Metro: Boston-Cambridge-Quincy, MA-NH HUD Metro FMR Area
Based on 1% Rule: A+ (≥1.5%) | A (≥1.2%) | B (≥1.0%) | C (≥0.8%) | D (≥0.6%) | F (<0.6%)
| Unit Size | Monthly FMR |
|---|---|
| Studio | $2,760 |
| 1 Bedroom | $2,850 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $3,400 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $4,050 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $4,470 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $5,185 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $5,807 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $6,272 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $6,586 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-08-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1BR | $2,850 | $444,954 | 0.64% | D |
| 2BR | $3,400 | $598,822 | 0.57% | F |
| 3BR | $4,050 | $777,926 | 0.52% | F |
| 4BR | $4,470 | $931,379 | 0.48% | F |
| 5BR | $5,185 | $1,120,128 | 0.46% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The economics of Section 8 in ZIP code 02134, located in Boston, MA, and part of Suffolk County, are defined by the SAFMR (Small Area Fair Market Rent) for a two-bedroom unit, which is set at $3100 for fiscal year 2024. This SAFMR figure is specific to this ZIP code, reflecting the localized rental market conditions. For context, the local market rent for a two-bedroom apartment, measured by ZORI (Zillow Observed Rent Index), is $3,009.
A landlord participating in the Section 8 program receives rental assistance payments from the government on behalf of eligible tenants. These payments cover the difference between the tenant's contribution and the total rent. The tenant's portion is typically 30% of their adjusted income, while the government covers the remainder up to the SAFMR limit.
To illustrate, if a tenant has an adjusted income of $2,000 per month, they would contribute 30% of that amount, or $600, towards the rent. The government would then pay the remaining balance up to the SAFMR limit. In this case, the reimbursement would be $2,500 ($3,100 SAFMR - $600 tenant contribution).
In addition to the base rent, landlords also receive utility allowances. These allowances vary based on the size of the unit and the region but are generally less than the actual cost of utilities. For ZIP 02134, the utility allowance for a two-bedroom unit is included in the SAFMR calculation but is not separately stated here. Landlords should check with their local housing authority for precise utility allowance amounts.
The SAFMR of $3100 is higher than the local market rent of $3,009, indicating that landlords can potentially charge slightly above the average market rate without exceeding the SAFMR. However, the reimbursement gap or surplus is calculated based on the actual rent charged versus the SAFMR. If a landlord charges $3,009, the reimbursement gap would be minimal, with the government paying the difference between the tenant's contribution and the total rent, ensuring full coverage within the SAFMR limits.
Given these figures, a landlord in ZIP 02134 can expect a reimbursement that closely aligns with the local market rent, with a slight potential surplus due to the SAFMR being higher than the ZORI. This surplus allows landlords to charge slightly above the average market rate without risking non-payment. However, it is important to note that the actual reimbursement amount will depend on the tenant's income and the specific terms of the voucher.
Data Sources: FMR data from HUD (2027). Median home prices from Zillow (2026-08-31). Demographics from U.S. Census (2024).
About FMR: Fair Market Rent (FMR) is used to determine payment standards for the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher program, initial renewal rents for some expiring project-based Section 8 contracts, and rent ceilings for HOME Investment Partnerships.