Apartments for Rent In Boston, MA

Q: Can I afford an apartment for rent in Boston, MA?

To help you better understand how much rent you can afford , check out Zumper's rent calculator. Our rent calculator can help you learn more about Boston average rent prices .

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Renter's guide to Boston, MA

Welcome to Beantown, a proud beacon of American independence. You cannot turn a corner without encountering a place that played a role in American history. In addition to its rich history, this town kills it with top-notch museums, music, comedy, and theatre options.

Remember your days in the library at four am finishing a paper? Stumbling home from that frat party? Consuming absurd amounts of Ramen noodles? Scholastic and fantastic, Boston is home to a whopping 43 colleges and universities – a true college town. Not only do the myriad students of Boston make this town an intellectual assembly, they contribute to the city's well-being and financial success. Hungry? You're in luck because the restaurant scene is incredible. Hello lobster rolls and clam chowda. Looking for a night out on the town after dinner? Boston's creative scene eschews the glitz and glam of New York or LA and the bars close at 2 am. Oh, and if you're from out of town, put down that Starbucks – your new spot is Dunkin Donuts.

Boston is a city defined by its pride. Neighborhood pride, general Boston pride, and most notably, Red Sox and Bruins pride. Sports are taken very seriously in this town. If you aren't a big sports fan, you should probably fake it. Just be sure to know what you are talking about if you're going to opine. If there is one word to describe a Red Sox fan, it is passionate.

The Boston economy keeps on ticking, with over 100 colleges and universities located in the Greater Boston Area, and an even larger number of company headquarters. The people here are some smart cookies, with major employers such as MathWorks (the company that brought us MATLAB and Simulink) and internet startup HourlyNerd. Not to mention the major players in the technology and biotech sectors, including Abbott Laboratories, Advanced Cell Technology, GenZyme Corporation, Boston Scientific Corporation, Charles River Laboratories, AMD (Advanced Micro Devices), ADI (Analog Devices), Avid Technology, and Azimuth Systems. Meanwhile, companies such as Bain Capital are still going strong in the financial sector, and the local universities and landmarks continue to push the education and tourism industries.

Boston rent data for:

Apartments for rent

Average Rent

$3,558

Year Over Year Change

10%

$328

Rentals available, last 30 days

8,620

Rent ranges for Boston apartments

$3,800 - $43,499

$2,850 - $3,799

$200 - $2,849

$3,800 - $43,499

36%

$2,850 - $3,799

34%

$200 - $2,849

32%

36%

34%

32%

Boston, MA rent trends

The average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in Boston, MA is $2,875. This is a 6% increase compared to the previous year.

Over the past month, the average rent for a studio apartment in Boston remained flat. The average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment increased by 1% to $2,875, and the average rent for a 2-bedroom apartment increased by 1% to $3,500.

Compare neighborhood median rent prices in Boston, MA

$2,300

2% lower than city median

$3,131

33% higher than city median

The median rent for studio apartments in Fenway - Kenmore - Audubon Circle - Longwood is 27% lower than the median rent in D Street - West Broadway.

Schools in Boston, MA

Families can find schools in the city for their children to attend. The public school district is Boston Public Schools.

University Of Massachusetts-Boston, Northeastern University, and Boston University, as well as other colleges and universities, are available near Boston if you are planning to continue with your education.

Source: Homeland Infrastructure Foundation

117

schools

50,480

students

About Niche: Niche compiles and analyzes the latest data from public sources like the US Census Bureau and the Department of Education to generate rankings for schools and neighborhoods across the US.

Disclaimer: School ratings from Niche are intended for informational purposes only. Check with the nearby schools to verify eligibility and zoning criteria before using this data to decide on your next home.

Showing 1 - 5 of 5 results

Average rent in Boston, MA

$3,000/mo

$3,754/mo

$3,419/mo

$2,800/mo

$3,632/mo

$2,800/mo

$2,775/mo

Discover neighborhoods near Boston, MA

Most popular neighborhoods in Boston

Commonwealth	1530 listings
Fenway - Kenmore - Audubon Circle - Longwood	1231 listings
St. Elizabeth's	904 listings

Most affordable neighborhoods in Boston

Uphams Corner - Jones Hill	$1,800/mo
St. Elizabeth's	$2,250/mo
Oak Square	$2,300/mo

Most expensive neighborhoods in Boston

D Street - West Broadway	$3,754/mo
Downtown Boston	$3,632/mo
North Allston	$3,502/mo

Fenway - Kenmore - Audubon Circle - Longwood

Beer, students, and baseball. Rowdy crowds bring life to this neighborhood on game day, so you are sure to experience the fervor of Boston pride in any of the area's sports bars or restaurants. This neighborhood is located close to multiple universities as well as Boston's Museum of Fine Arts – good neighborhood if you're looking for apartments near Northeastern, near BU or other in the area. Studying too hard? Put down the books, grab a classic Fenway Frank and get yourself over to The Green Monster in your Red Sox spirit wear.

Back Bay

This heavenly neighborhood is home to Newbury Street, the fashion capital of Boston. You pay for your location when you rent an apartment in the Back Bay, because you're ideally situated between Boston Common and the Charles River. You'll pay the big bucks here even for a studio, and you'll certainly be cozy. Lookin' for a luxurious apartment with a roof deck and maybe a river view? Check out Avalon at Prudential Center for pet friendly apartments with utilities included.

Mission Hill

A young, friendly, energetic neighborhood primarily geared toward college students with a sophisticated edge. Home to sizable African American and Hispanic populations. Get intellectual by day at the Museum of Fine Arts and embrace your wild side by night in this hood's college dive bars. Relax and rejuvenate in Mission Hill's beautiful green parks after a busy day in adjacent downtown Boston.

St. Elizabeth's

One of Boston's quieter and more residential neighborhoods favored by students from Boston University and Boston College, in addition to families and young professionals. Looking for an affordable and low-key night on the town? Take a stroll down Washington Street and discover great ethnic food, pubs, bakeries and other small businesses. No weekend plans? Catch some rays in Rogers Park.

Downtown Boston

Think Manhattan without the madness. Exciting, vibrant, and convenient, this area is in the middle of the action. Step outside your apartment and you're minutes away from great food, shopping, and the revived theatre district. Access to the Boston Opera House, the Modern Theatre, and the Paramount Center as well as a wealth of art, music and film offerings.

North End

Ciao! Welcome to the land of cannoli, cappuccinos and caprese. The North End is Boston's quaint Italian district and one of the city's most beloved and historic neighborhoods. A bonus for this hood is its proximity to the financial district. Residents cherish the sense of community and the European feel. What could be sweeter? Besides the sugar dusted pastries made with love, of course.

Chinatown - Leather District

Did someone say dim sum? One of the most densely populated hoods in Boston, Chinatown appeals to both tourists and locals with its array of inexpensive Asian food options and fresh groceries. Enjoy sweet cakes and observe from your new apartment as this hood lights up with colored lanterns during the August Moon Festival. A short commute to the financial district for work and close to the theatre district for entertainment, this neighborhood is all about affordability and convenience.

South End

A vibrant neighborhood with great proximity to downtown and a friendly vibe, this part of town is becoming ultra chic and trendy. You may find that both residents and their dogs are well groomed and clad in designer attire. The streets of the South End are adorned with brick row houses, art galleries, boutiques, bakeries (and even cupcakeries!) and local markets with fancy wine and cheese.

Beacon Hill

Even the name is fancy. Welcome to the priciest and most exclusive neighborhood in Boston. Think tree-lined streets, crafted iron gates, and carefully manicured homes with a colonial vibe. You'll find mostly black-shuttered brownstones, cobblestone streets and the high-profile homies in this prestigious neighborhood. Home to the Massachusetts State House and overlooking the Boston Common, Beacon Hill hews so rigidly to tradition that even the neighborhood Starbucks looks regal. If you're looking for apartments near Suffolk University, this is your hood.

East Cambridge

An intellectual mecca and the most ethnically diverse part of Boston, East Cambridge is the eclectic sector of Cambridge. This neighborhood is home to the Charles Hayden Planetarium, The Children's Museum and The Esplanade, and is dominated by tech companies and students living in apartments near Harvard and MIT. Former factories are now trendy bars, restaurants and apartments for rent. One of them could be your new pad!

Kendall Square-MIT

Innovative and lively, Kendall Square is full of top notch office and lab spaces, beautiful houses for rent, a Farmer's Market, and plenty of restaurants and retail shops. Its prime location on the Charles River provides spectacular views, its nightlife is thriving and it has its own stop on the red line! A fan of independent and foreign films? You'll love Kendall Square Cinema.

Demographics for Boston, MA

We currently have 10,820 Houses and Apartments for Rent across all neighborhoods in Boston, MA. Boston rent prices vary across neighborhoods from Commonwealth to City Point. Overall, 65% of residents are renters, and 33% have a Bachelor's degree. 44% drive their car to work, 31% take public transportation, and 3% walk. Before making your move, learn more about renting in each neighborhood, and Boston itself.

Gender

48% Male

52% Female

Age Range

0-19

20%

20-34

34%

35-44

12%

45-64

20%

65+

11%

Language

English

62%

Spanish

16%

Indo Euro

11%

Asia Pac

Other

Education

No HS

12%

High School

31%

Bachelor's

32%

Master's

15%

Prof Degree

Doctorate

Boston, Ma Households

Families

31% Families

69% Single

Property

65% Renters

35% Owners

Household Income

0-25k

23%

25-50k

14%

50-75k

12%

75-100k

10%

100-150k

15%

150k+

24%

Getting around Boston, MA

Boston locals spend about 30 minutes commuting, and most drive to get to work. Residents or visitors looking to take public transit can hop on a bus, train or subway run by Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) to navigate Boston and nearby areas. The best way to fly in or out of Boston is through Logan International Airport, 5.25 miles away.

Walking

2/10

You’ll need another mode of transportation for getting around. Scooter, anyone?

Driving

10/10

Commuting is easy with multiple accessible routes and plenty of parking.

Transit

3/10

There are a few mass transit options within the area.

Scores for Boston are calculated based on the proximity to and amount of infrastructure supporting each method of transportation.

Satisfaction survey results for Boston, MA

We surveyed 10,000 renters across the country about what it's like living in their cities and neighborhoods. In Boston, 81% of residents reported feeling satisfied or very satisfied with the city overall, which is higher than the national average of 59.8%.

Top Three Reasons to Live in Boston

Pet friendly

92%Satisfaction rating

Quality schools

86%Satisfaction rating

Job market

81%Satisfaction rating

Other Things to Consider

Public transportation

Parks & recreation

Dating scene

Nightlife

Affordable housing

Weather

Cost of living

Public transportation

75%

Parks & recreation

69%

Dating scene

69%

Nightlife

64%

Affordable housing

42%

Weather

36%

Cost of living

22%

75%

69%

64%

42%

36%

22%

Data last updated in 2023. Do you live here? Take our survey and share your experience.

How we got this data

Moving companies and storage in Boston, MA

Moving companies in Boston, MA

TLC Moving & Storage

A-Plus Moving & Storage

Exela Movers

Raimond's Movers Inc.

Stairhopper Movers

Storage units in Boston, MA

Boston Seaport Self Storage

Public Storage

Extra Space Storage

CubeSmart Self Storage

Prime Storage

Cost of living in Boston, MA

The overall cost of living in Boston, MA is 48% higher than the national average, according to the Cost of Living Index published by the Council for Community and Economic Research. This is calculated by comparing several expenses, including food and basic necessities like energy and healthcare. When it comes to comparing these expenses to the rest of the country, in Boston you can expect groceries to cost more than the national average, and healthcare to cost more. Eggs run about $3.61 per carton, and milk $4.02. Regarding healthcare costs, a doctor’s visit could amount to $154 on average—but this will likely vary depending on several factors, including insurance and medical specialty.

Weather in Boston, MA

Summers are typically hot, humid and rainy and winters fluctuate between periods of rain and snow with generally cold temperatures. Late spring and early fall are usually beautiful, and fog is common in the spring and early summer.

Life in Boston, MA

The 7 Best Neighborhoods in Boston

Boston is more than hard accents, Dunkin’ Donuts, and Fenway Park. Here’s our guide to the best neighborhoods in Boston.

Boston Neighborhood Guide: Living in Cambridge

Explore our Boston neighborhood guide and learn where to eat, shop, and how to get around while living in Cambridge.

The 10 Best Cities for Newlyweds 2022

We ranked 100 cities to find the best places to live for newlyweds. Consider saying “I do” to one of these top cities.

Employment & economy in Boston, MA

Top Employers

Massachusetts General Hospital

12,000+ employees

Fidelity Investments

10,000+ employees

Harvard University

10,000+ employees

Brigham And Women's Hospital

9,000+ employees

State Street

9,000+ employees

Massachusetts Institute Of Technology

8,000+ employees

Top Industries

INDUSTRY	EMPLOYED
Higher Education	109,000+
Hospital & Health Care	102,000+
Financial Services	75,000+
Information Technology & Services	65,000+
Management Consulting	57,000+

If you work in higher education or hospital & health care, you’re in luck. Boston is known for these industries, but job-seekers can also find roles in financial services. Most locals work for companies like Massachusetts general hospital, Fidelity investments, and Harvard university.

Source: People Data Labs

Things to do in Boston, MA

Some of the popular attractions in Boston include Museum of Fine Arts, Boston and Fenway Park. When you’re feeling hungry, check out one of Boston’s top spots for food, such as Ostra or Sorellina. Craving green spaces or culture? Head over to Public Garden — just one of the parks in Boston — or spend an afternoon at a museum, like Otis House Museum. And from moving companies to cafes, you’ll find plenty of resources and activities nearby.

Top Parks in Boston

Public Garden

Franklin Park

Norman B. Leventhal Park

Paul Revere Park

Langone Park

Top Museums in Boston

Museum of Science

Museum of Fine Arts, Boston

Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum

Otis House Museum

Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum

Top Cafes in Boston

Thinking Cup

Render Coffee

Gracenote Coffee Boston

The Well Coffee House

George Howell Coffee

Top Restaurants in Boston

Ostra

Sorellina

Saltie Girl

Toro

Row 34

Top Bars in Boston

Biddy Early's

City Bar Back Bay

Bukowski Tavern

The Tam

Corner Pub

Apartment rentals Boston, MA FAQ

What is the average rent for 1 bedroom apartments for rent in Boston, MA?

The average rent for 1 bedroom apartments for rent in Boston is $2875 per month. There are 2034 1 bedroom apartments for rent in Boston, MA.

What is the average rent for 2 bedroom apartments for rent in Boston, MA?

The average rent for 2 bedroom apartments for rent in Boston is $3500 per month. Currently, there are 2127 2 bedroom apartments for rent in Boston, MA.

What is the average price for 3 bedroom apartments for rent in Boston, MA?

The average price for 3 bedroom apartments for rent in Boston is $3950 per month. As of today, there are 1464 3 bedroom apartments for rent in Boston, MA.

How expensive is it to rent an apartment in Boston, MA?

The average rent price in Boston, MA for a 2 bedroom apartment is $3500 per month. Boston average rent price is above the average national apartment rent price which is $1750 per month. Aside from rent price, the cost of living in Boston is also important to know. Cost of living includes but is not limited to: groceries, gas, utilities, water, and electric.

What is the average size of an apartment in Boston, MA?

The average size of a 1 bedroom apartment rental in Boston is 745 square feet. The average size of a 2 bedroom apartment rental in Boston is 999 square feet. The average size of a 3 bedroom apartment rental in Boston is 1224 square feet.

Can I afford an apartment for rent in Boston, MA?

To help you better understand how much rent you can afford, check out Zumper's rent calculator. Our rent calculator can help you learn more about Boston average rent prices.

Looking for apartments in Boston, MA near you?

🔑Available apartment rentals	6,070
💰Best rent deal	162 Cottage St
✨Popular amenities	, ,
🧦In-unit laundry
🍽With dishwasher
🏠With photos

Every month we review our top markets and provide insight, trends, top neighborhoods and more. You can view the rent report here.

For more in depth rent prices, check out our Boston, MA rent data, which covers average and median rents in Boston, MA.

To know how much rent you can afford in Boston, MA, use our rent affordability calculator.

If you're looking for a specific type of apartment near Boston, MA, use our helpful filters to find an apartment you will love!