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ZIP Code · MA

ZIP 02118

Part of Boston, MA
Pop. 28,946·Suffolk County·8th most expensive ZIP in Massachusetts
Median rent (all units)
$3,842/mo
Year-over-Year
-5.5%
Month-over-Month
+1.4%
vs US Median
+$1,877
Rising (Monthly)
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Most AffordableMost Expensive
ZIP 02118 · $3,842
More expensive than 97% of US ZIP codes · National median $1,965/mo
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Medians by bedroom

Rent by unit size

Studio
$2,110
1 BR
$2,210
2 BR
$2,630
3 BR
$3,150
4 BR+
$3,480
Research median
$2,630/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
$46,104/yr
At $3,842/mo median
Location
CityBoston
StateMA
CountySuffolk County
Rent Market Meter
Renter's Market
Renter's MarketBalancedLandlord's Market
Rents are softening (down 5.5% YoY), so renters have negotiating leverage.
Based on rent-price momentum (-5.5% YoY, +1.4% MoM), not inventory.
Demographics

Who lives here

ZIP 02118 (Boston, MA) is majority renter-occupied, skews toward younger working-age adults, has a median income above the national average, 60.8% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher.

Population
28,946
Median income
$98,224
Median age
36.9
Renters
67.5%
Age distribution
13.9%
32%
26.6%
13.5%
13.9%
Under 1813.9%
18–3432%
35–5426.6%
55–6413.5%
65+13.9%
Gender
50.5%
49.5%
Male50.5%
Female49.5%
Race & ethnicity
51.1%
14.4%
14.9%
15%
White51.1%
Black14.4%
Hispanic14.9%
Asian15%
Other4.7%
Education (25+)
12.6%
15.5%
60.8%
No HS diploma12.6%
HS diploma15.5%
Some college11.1%
Bachelor's+60.8%
Housing tenure
32.5%
67.5%
Owner32.5%
Renter67.5%

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

2021 vs 2026

How ZIP 02118 in Boston, MA has changed in 5 years

Rent
$2,926 → $3,842
up 31.3%
Income
$71,096 → $98,224
up 38.2%
Population
27,718 → 28,946
up 4.4%
Renter share
72.4% → 67.5%
-4.9 pts
Bachelor's+
55.4% → 60.8%
+5.4 pts

Across the past five years, the going rent in ZIP 02118 in Boston, MA has shifted from $2,926 to $3,842, up 31.3% since 2021. Local incomes tracked alongside that move, going from a median of $71,096 in 2021 to $98,224 more recently. With wages climbing faster than rent over the same window, renters here have a bit more breathing room than they did five years back. Census counts show ZIP 02118 in Boston, MA adding about 1,228 residents over the five-year window, up 4.4% on net. The renter share has eased from 72.4% to 67.5%, with owner-occupied housing accounting for the remainder. Bachelor's-degree-or-higher attainment moved from 55.4% to 60.8% across the same window. These shifts give renters and would-be renters a longer baseline for sizing up today's listings against the ZIP 02118 in Boston, MA market of 2021.

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Local insights

Tips for renters in ZIP 02118

About renting in ZIP 02118

Last updated: July 20, 2026

ZIP code 02118 covers Boston, MA. The median rent here is $3,842/mo as of July 2026. A 1-bedroom rents for a median of $2,210/mo. A 2-bedroom rents for a median of $2,630/mo.

At 47% of local median household income ($98,224/yr), ZIP 02118 ranks as moderate compared to the national benchmark of 30%. Rents have decreased 5.5% over the past year.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

How much is rent in ZIP code 02118?

As of July 20, 2026, the median monthly rent in ZIP 02118 (Boston, MA) is $3,842. This is based on aggregated data from public sources and community submissions.

How does ZIP 02118 rent compare to the US average?

ZIP 02118's median rent of $3,842/mo is $1,877 (96%) above the US national median of $1,965/mo.

How does ZIP 02118 compare to other ZIPs in Massachusetts?

ZIP 02118 is one of the pricier ZIP codes in Massachusetts, ranking #8 out of 168 ZIPs tracked at $3,842/mo.

How much income do you need to rent in ZIP 02118?

To keep rent at or below 30% of gross income, you would need to earn at least $154,000/year (~$74/hour full-time) to afford the median rent of $3,842/mo in ZIP 02118. The local median household income is $98,224/yr, meaning the typical household falls short of that threshold.

Is rent going up or down in ZIP 02118?

Rent in ZIP 02118 has decreased 5.5% over the past year as of July 20, 2026, offering some relief compared to 12 months ago.

Is ZIP 02118 an affordable place to rent?

ZIP 02118 is considered stretched for renters. At $3,842/mo, rent takes approximately 47% of the local median household income ($98,224/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%. ZIP 02118 significantly exceeds that threshold, making it challenging for many renters.

What percentage of ZIP 02118 residents rent vs. own?

According to Census data, approximately 67.5% of ZIP 02118 households are renters, while 32.5% are owner-occupied. With a majority renter population, ZIP 02118 has a strong rental market.

How does ZIP 02118 compare to the rest of Boston?

ZIP 02118 is pricier than Boston as a whole. At $3,842/mo, it's $373 above the Boston citywide median of $3,469/mo.

When was rent data for ZIP 02118 last updated?

Rent data for ZIP 02118 reflects July 20, 2026. RentDataNow refreshes all data monthly using public and private datasets.
Income Affordability
47%
STRETCHED

At $3,842/mo, rent takes ~47% of ZIP 02118's median household income ($98,224/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%.

ZIP 02118 47%Benchmark 30%
State income tax5%
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Schools nearby

Public schools near ZIP 02118 (Boston, MA)

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