Can A Physical Therapist Afford Rent in Boston, MA?
Stretched but workable — rent takes 36% of gross income.
Boston rent: June 2026. Salary: BLS OEWS May 2024 (Massachusetts state estimate).
About rent and a physical therapist salary
Physical therapist pay covers comfortable rent across most US metros. At the national-average PT salary, the 30% rule supports about $2,493 a month in rent, which is above the median in most cities tracked here.
Cheaper rent nearby
These Massachusetts cities have lower median rent than Boston, which improves the affordability math on a physical therapist salary:
Compare with full rent data for Boston
View full rent data for Boston, MA →Frequently asked questions
Can a physical therapist afford rent in Boston, MA?
Median rent in Boston is $3,469 a month. A typical physical therapist in Massachusetts earns about $115,664 a year, which makes that rent 36% of gross monthly income. Under the 30% rule, the answer is no — rent exceeds the 30% threshold.
How much rent can a physical therapist afford in Boston?
Using the 30% rule, a physical therapist salary in Massachusetts (~$115,664/yr) supports up to $2,892 a month in rent. Boston's current median rent is $3,469/mo, which is $577/mo over the affordability threshold.
How many hours does a physical therapist work to cover rent in Boston?
At an hourly equivalent of about $56 an hour, a physical therapist in Massachusetts works roughly 62.4 hours a month to cover Boston's median rent of $3,469.
Where is rent cheaper than Boston for a physical therapist?
Nearby Massachusetts cities with lower median rent include Winchester ($3,462/mo), Cambridge ($3,456/mo), Hingham ($3,454/mo). Each shifts the affordability math materially on a physical therapist salary.