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Apartments for Rent in Boston, MA

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Updated: December 4, 2025

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Learn more about renting in 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.

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Local insights: What it's like to live in Boston, MA

Boston, MA, offers a vibrant urban atmosphere filled with history and plenty of cultural attractions. Residents appreciate the accessibility of public transportation, making it easy to navigate the city and access various neighborhoods. Parks and recreational activities are also well-loved, contributing to a fulfilling daily life. However, some locals express concerns about the high cost of living and housing prices, which can be a notable challenge for renters looking for affordable options.

How much is the average rent in Boston, MA for 1-bedroom and 2-bedroom apartments?

The average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in Boston, MA is approximately $2,828, while a 2-bedroom apartment costs around $3,407.

Are rents going up or down in Boston, MA?

Rents in Boston, MA have remained relatively stable, with a slight decrease of less than 1% overall. The average rent for a 1-bedroom has decreased by about 4%, and for a 2-bedroom, it has decreased by less than 1%.

When is the best time to look for an apartment in Boston, MA?

The best time to look for an apartment in Boston is in December or November when demand is lower compared to the available inventory, offering better deals. July is the most competitive month, while August sees the highest rent prices.

What are the best neighborhoods to rent an apartment in Boston, MA?

Popular neighborhoods for renting in Boston include Meeting House Hill, Commonwealth, and St. Elizabeth's, known for their unique amenities and attractions. Bay Village, West End, Downtown Boston, and Chinatown - Leather District are ideal for those valuing social living.

What areas of Boston, MA are best for budget-conscious renters?

Budget-conscious renters should consider neighborhoods like Stony Brook Cleary Square, Franklin Field South, Jamaica Hills Pond, and Readville, where 1-bedroom rents are 14-20% lower than the city median.

Are there pet-friendly apartments in Boston, MA?

Yes, there are pet-friendly apartments in Boston, with 46.61% of listings being pet-friendly, amounting to 5,932 pet-friendly listings.

Are utilities usually included in rent in Boston, MA?

Utilities are included in about 6% of apartment listings in Boston, MA.

Methodology: How we got this data

Zumper’s proprietary rental data fuels our analysis. Rent and market trends, availability, neighborhood popularity, and lifestyle scores are all calculated using real-time and 2024 rental inventory and prices.

Our Lifestyle Categories ("great for eco-living," "great for social life," "great for pet owners," etc.) are determined by set criteria, against which we score each listing and its available features. At the neighborhood level, we calculate the listing count for each category to determine which lifestyles best fit each area.

Zumper, founded in 2012, is North America’s largest privately-owned rental platform, offering over 1 million listings across the U.S. and Canada. Stay informed on the latest trends and shifts in the rental market with our monthly National Rent Report, your go-to resource for key insights into the evolving rental landscape.

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