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City Report · MA

Boston

Pop. 666,442·10th most expensive in Massachusetts·One of the pricier rental markets in the US
Median rent (all units)
$3,469/mo
Year-over-Year
-0.5%
Month-over-Month
+0.4%
vs US Median
+$1,504
Stable (Monthly)
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Most AffordableMost Expensive
Boston · $3,469
More expensive than 95% of US cities · National median $1,965/mo
Rent Reality Score
48/100
Fairly priced
OverheatedFairGreat value

Rents are right about where Boston's 10-year trend predicts.

Actual rent
$3,469/mo
Expected by trend
$3,438/mo
The Rent Reality Score compares today's median rent to where Boston's own long-run trajectory projects it should be. See the full rankings →
Medians by bedroom

Rent by unit size

Studio
$2,544
1 BR
$2,698
2 BR
$3,200
3 BR
$3,856
4 BR+
$4,244
Research median
$3,200/mo

Bedroom estimates are gross rents that include essential utilities (electricity, water, gas, sewer, trash).

Rent trends

12-month history

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Last updated: July 20, 2026

Annual cost
$41,628/yr
At $3,469/mo median
Rent Market Meter
Balanced Market
Renter's MarketBalancedLandlord's Market
Rents are roughly steady, with neither renters nor landlords holding a strong edge right now.
Based on rent-price momentum (-0.5% YoY, +0.4% MoM), not inventory.
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Demographics

Who lives here

Boston, MA is majority renter-occupied, skews toward younger working-age adults, has a median income above the national average, 54.9% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher.

Population
666,442
Median income
$97,344
Median age
33.3
Renters
64.3%
Age distribution
15.1%
38%
23.4%
13%
Under 1815.1%
18–3438%
35–5423.4%
55–6410.4%
65+13%
Gender
48%
52%
Male48%
Female52%
Race & ethnicity
46.3%
20.5%
19.3%
White46.3%
Black20.5%
Hispanic19.3%
Asian10.4%
Other3.6%
Education (25+)
18%
16%
54.9%
No HS diploma11.1%
HS diploma18%
Some college16%
Bachelor's+54.9%
Housing tenure
35.7%
64.3%
Owner35.7%
Renter64.3%

Source: U.S. Census Bureau · ACS 2024 5-Year Estimates

2021 vs 2026

How Boston, MA has changed in 5 years

Rent
$2,592 → $3,469
up 33.8%
Income
$81,744 → $97,344
up 19.1%
Population
672,814 → 666,442
down 0.9%
Renter share
65.2% → 64.3%
-0.9 pts
Bachelor's+
52.1% → 54.9%
+2.8 pts
Median age
32.6 → 33.3
+0.7 yrs

The median rent in Boston, MA stood at $2,592 in 2021 and currently runs about $3,469, reflecting a 33.8% increase over the period. Census figures show median household income at $97,344 today, compared with $81,744 five years earlier. That spread, with rent up faster than earnings, points to a tougher affordability environment than five years ago. College-educated residents now make up 54.9% of adults here, versus 52.1% in 2021. The combined trend lines point to a market that has changed measurably from where it stood in early 2021.

Community

Discussions about Boston

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View Boston rent history (2015–2026) →
Salary vs rent

Can you afford rent in Boston on your salary?

At $3,469/mo, how Boston rent compares to typical pay (30% rule).

By apartment size

Boston rent by bedroom count

Median rent for each apartment size in Boston. Click any size for full breakdown.

Local insights

Tips for renters in Boston

About renting in Boston, MA

Last updated: July 20, 2026

The median rent in Boston is $3,469/mo as of July 2026. A studio apartment averages $2,544/mo while a 2-bedroom runs $3,200/mo. One-bedroom apartments average $2,698/mo and 3-bedroom units go for $3,856/mo.

At 43% of local median household income ($97,344/yr), Boston ranks as moderate compared to the national benchmark of 30%. Rents have decreased 0.5% over the past year.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Is Boston an affordable city for renters?

Boston is considered stretched for renters. At $3,469/mo, rent takes approximately 43% of the local median household income ($97,344/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%. Boston significantly exceeds that threshold, making it challenging for many renters.

How much income do you need to rent in Boston?

To keep rent at or below 30% of gross income, you would need to earn at least $139,000/year (~$67/hour full-time) to afford the median rent of $3,469/mo in Boston. The local median household income is $97,344/yr, meaning the typical Boston household falls short of that threshold.

Is rent going up or down in Boston?

Rent in Boston has been relatively stable over the past year, with a 0.5% change year over year as of July 2026.

Which Boston neighborhoods have the lowest rent?

The most affordable ZIP codes in Boston are 02136 ($2,656/mo), 02132 ($2,726/mo), and 02131 ($3,037/mo). Citywide, the median rent in Boston is $3,469/mo.

How does Boston rent compare to other cities in Massachusetts?

Boston is one of the pricier cities in Massachusetts for rent, ranking #10 out of 107 tracked cities at $3,469/mo.

Which nearby cities are cheaper to rent in than Boston?

Several nearby cities have lower median rents than Boston ($3,469/mo): Chelsea ($2,628/mo), Everett ($2,815/mo).

What percentage of Boston residents rent vs. own?

According to Census data, approximately 64.3% of Boston households are renters, while 35.7% are owner-occupied. With a majority renter population, Boston has a strong rental market.

How does Boston rent compare to the national average?

Boston's median rent of $3,469/mo is $1,504 (77%) above the US national median of $1,965/mo. Within Massachusetts, it ranks #10 out of 107 tracked cities.
Income Affordability
43%
STRETCHED

At $3,469/mo, rent takes ~43% of Boston's median household income ($97,344/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%.

Boston 43%Benchmark 30%
State income tax5%
Run the Boston affordability calculator →
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Neighborhoods

Estimated from ZIP-level data

Schools nearby

Public schools near Boston, MA

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