Average Rent in Boston, MA🔺 2nd priciest in MA

Boston, MA has rental prices ranging from $2,263/month to $3,761/month in 2025, depending on unit size. The typical 1-bedroom apartment rents for $2,394/month — 71% above the national average of $1,400/month. With a median household income of $112,484/year, spending $2,394/month on a 1-bedroom represents 26% of gross income — within the recommended 30% threshold.

How Boston Compares

With an average 2-bedroom rent of $2,837/month, Boston ranks #2 most expensive of the 21 cities tracked in Massachusetts — pricier than 100% of all US cities in our data.

The Boston Rental Market

The Boston, MA area has a population of about 4,917,661 and 38% of households renting rather than owning. That is close to the US average renter share of ~34%.

Rent Trends

2-bedroom rents in Boston, MA have risen by $10/month (0.4%) over the past year, from $2,827 to $2,837. Rents have remained relatively stable year over year, indicating a balanced rental market in the area.

Affordability

To afford a 1-bedroom apartment in Boston, MA without exceeding the 30% housing cost guideline, a renter needs an annual income of approximately $95,760. The local median household income of $112,484 exceeds that threshold by $16,724, making Boston relatively accessible compared to local wages.

Rent vs. Buy

The median home value in Boston, MA is $786,208, giving a price-to-rent ratio of 23.1. With a break-even horizon of approximately 23 years, renting is likely the more financially prudent option for most residents unless they plan to stay long-term.

Safety

Crime statistics for Boston, MA show a violent crime rate of 327.22 per 100,000 residents (moderate) and a property crime rate of 1149.53 per 100,000 residents (low). As with any metro area, crime rates vary widely by neighborhood — prospective renters are encouraged to research specific areas within Boston before signing a lease.

Neighborhoods

Home values — and by extension rent levels — vary significantly across Boston's neighborhoods. Among the highest-value areas are West End ($511,596 median home value), Mattapan ($606,648 median home value), Roxbury ($646,669 median home value). Rental prices typically follow home value patterns, with premium neighborhoods commanding higher rents than outer areas. Renters on a tighter budget may find better value in less central neighborhoods or in adjacent metros with lower overall rent levels.

Is Boston, MA Affordable?

Income needed to rent or buy, price history, and how this city compares to nearby metros.

Rent or Buy in Boston?

Break-even analysis and mortgage estimates based on local market data.

Living in Boston

Cost of living, job market, crime rates, and moving cost estimates.