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Studio Apartments for Rent in Melrose, MA

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  • /27

    $1,900 - $2,400

    Total Monthly Price

    • Studio - 1 Bed
    • 1 Bath
    • 550 Sq Ft
    • Condo for Rent

    147 W Wyoming Ave, Melrose, MA 02176

    147 W Wyoming Ave, Melrose, MA 02176
  • /15

    $1,485

    Total Monthly Price

    • Studio
    • 1 Bath
    • 500 Sq Ft
    • Townhouse for Rent

    104 W Emerson St Unit 5a, Melrose, MA 02176

    Renovated 1BR w/ Private Porch – Steps from Melrose Center & Commuter Rail. Spacious and updated 1-bedroom apartment in a prime Melrose location! Enjoy your own private seasonal porch, a large bedroom, and shared laundry in the building. Off-street parking available. Conveniently located near shops, restaurants, and the commuter rail – perfect for professionals or commuters. Available 9/1 – don’t

    104 W Emerson St Unit 5a, Melrose, MA 02176
  • /27

    $1,900 - $2,400

    Total Monthly Price

    • Studio - 1 Bed
    • 1 Bath
    • 550 Sq Ft
    • Condo for Rent

    147 W Wyoming Ave, Melrose, MA 02176

    147 W Wyoming Ave, Melrose, MA 02176

Why Live in Melrose

Melrose, MA, located less than 10 miles north of Boston, offers a suburban feel with historic charm and modern amenities. The city is known for its walkability, abundant open spaces, and quick access to Boston via car or train. Melrose boasts a thriving local business community on Main Street, featuring classic red brick buildings, locally owned shops, and restaurants. Notable dining spots include Turner's Fish Market and Buckalew's General Store. The downtown area, added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1982, is adorned with decorative lampposts and festive holiday lights. Melrose is home to the oldest all-volunteer orchestra in the nation, the Melrose Symphony Orchestra, founded in 1918. The city hosts several community events, such as the Summer Stroll, Victorian Fair, and Home for the Holidays. The Beebe Estate, dating back to 1828, serves as an arts and events center. Residential areas feature Victorian and colonial-inspired architecture, with many homes built before the 1940s. Melrose offers a greenbelt of parks, trails, and ponds, including Middlesex Fells Reservation and Ell Pond. Golf enthusiasts can enjoy Bellevue Golf Club and Mount Hood Golf Course. Families benefit from the highly rated Melrose Public Schools, including Hoover Elementary, Melrose Veterans’ Memorial Middle School, and Melrose High School. Commuters have access to the T Orange Line, Interstate 93, and Route 1. Melrose has lower crime rates compared to the national average, though some areas may experience flooding during heavy rain.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to rent a home in Melrose, MA?
The median rent for a home in Melrose, MA is $2,600 per month, though prices vary by neighborhood, size, and property type. As of July 2026, townhouses tend to be the most affordable option while condos and single-family homes are currently more expensive.
How much do you need to make to afford rent in Melrose, MA?
To comfortably afford the median rent in Melrose, MA, a household needs to earn roughly $104,000 per year. This is based on the common guideline that households should spend no more than 30% of gross income on housing. Most landlords require monthly household income of at least 3x the monthly rent, and with a median rent of $2,600 per month in Melrose, MA, renters typically need to show $7,800 per month in gross income to qualify. Actual affordability will vary depending on household debts, other living expenses, and overall budget.
Is it more affordable to rent or buy in Melrose, MA?
In Melrose, MA, the price-to-rent ratio is 29.6, which generally favors renting. This ratio divides the median home price by the annual median rent: below 15 typically favors buying, 15 to 20 is balanced, and above 20 typically favors renting. Your finances, how long you plan to stay, and costs like mortgage rates, taxes, and maintenance all factor into the decision.
What neighborhoods in Melrose, MA are best for renting a home?
The best neighborhood for renting in Melrose, MA depends on your priorities: commute, walkability, budget, and lifestyle all play a role. Popular areas for renting a home include Oak Grove, Malden Center, West End, West Revere and Glenwood, each with its own character and price range.

Rental Home Trends

Number of Homes for Rent
3
Median Rent
$2,600
Median Single Family Home Rent
$3,450
Median Townhouse Rent
$2,300
Median Condo Rent
$2,300
How to Rent a Home