2026 Area Median Income (AMI) Limits

Annually, the Office of Policy Development and Research (PD&R) of the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) sets income limits used to determine eligibility for housing programs. These income limits are defined by the Area Median Income (AMI). On May 1, 2026, HUD released its yearly AMI update.

The complete numbers for the Boston-Cambridge-Quincy, MA-NH HUD Metro FMR Area, which includes Newton, are available for download here. Read more about HUD's methodology on the agency's website. 

2026 Maximum Rents for Affordable Units

Per 24 CFR (Code of Federal Regulations) Part 92.252, rent in an affordable unit cannot exceed more than 30% of that affordable unit's AMI designation.

For example, a household living in an "affordable" two-bedroom unit classified as a 50% AMI unit will not pay more than $1,928.75 per month in rent. The Planning Department calculates the maximum affordable rents each year. They are posted on this page (scroll down). 

NOTE: Although the income maximum for a household of two at 50% of AMI is $68,600, rent maximums are calculated with the assumption that a household of three will live in a a two-bedroom unit. So, to calculate the rent maximum for a two-bedroom, 50% AMI unit, find thirty percent of $77,150, the income maximum for a household of three at 50% of AMI. Then, divide that number by twelve to get the rent maximum.

To calculate the rent maximum for a one-bedroom unit, use the income maximum for a household of two. To calculate the rent maximum for a three-bedroom unit, use the income maximum for a household of four, and so on.

View the rent maximums for affordable units and for units funded in part by LIHTC below. To download a .csv file, click, "Get the data" under each table.