Boston, MA Rent History

138 months of data, 2015–2026. Source: ZORI (Zillow Observed Rent Index, smoothed seasonally adjusted).

Today (2026-09)
$3,271
1-year change
+2.8%
$90/mo
5-year change
+27.9%
$714/mo
10-year change
+42.7%
$978/mo

Monthly rent trend

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Year-by-year rent in Boston

YearMedian rentYoY changevs 2015
2015$2,172/mo—0.0%
2016$2,249/mo+3.5%+3.5%
2017$2,340/mo+4.0%+7.7%
2018$2,409/mo+2.9%+10.9%
2019$2,480/mo+2.9%+14.2%
2020$2,543/mo+2.5%+17.1%
2021$2,419/mo-4.9%+11.4%
2022$2,683/mo+10.9%+23.5%
2023$2,933/mo+9.3%+35.0%
2024$3,070/mo+4.7%+41.3%
2025$3,150/mo+2.6%+45.0%
2026$3,219/mo+2.2%+48.2%

Frequently asked questions

How much has rent in Boston changed since 2015?

Median rent in Boston, MA was $2,145 in 2015-01 and is $3,271 as of 2026-09 — a change of $1,126 per month over 11 years.

How much has Boston rent increased in the last 5 years?

Over the past 5 years, median rent in Boston, MA has changed +27.9% ($714 per month). The current median is $3,271.

What has rent in Boston done over the past decade?

Over the past 10 years, median rent in Boston, MA has changed +42.7% ($978 per month). It is now $3,271.

Is rent in Boston going up or down year over year?

Year over year, median rent in Boston, MA has increased +2.8% ($90/mo). Current median: $3,271.

See full rent data for Boston, MA →
Methodology: Rent figures use ZORI (Zillow Observed Rent Index) monthly smoothed seasonally-adjusted values for all properties (single family + condo + multifamily). Year-by-year table uses April readings (or nearest available month) for consistency across years. 1-/5-/10-year change uses the same month 2026 as the anchor.