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ZIP Code · MA

ZIP 02121

Part of Boston, MA
Pop. 29,040·Suffolk County·36th most expensive ZIP in Massachusetts
Median rent (all units)
$3,265/mo
Year-over-Year
+5.8%
Month-over-Month
+3.4%
vs US Median
+$1,300
Rising (Monthly)
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Most AffordableMost Expensive
ZIP 02121 · $3,265
More expensive than 93% of US ZIP codes · National median $1,965/mo
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Medians by bedroom

Rent by unit size

Studio
$2,040
1 BR
$2,160
2 BR
$2,560
3 BR
$3,080
4 BR+
$3,390
Research median
$2,560/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
$39,180/yr
At $3,265/mo median
Location
CityBoston
StateMA
CountySuffolk County
Rent Market Meter
Strong Landlord's Market
Renter's MarketBalancedLandlord's Market
Rents are up 5.8% year-over-year. Expect competition, and move quickly to lock in terms.
Based on rent-price momentum (+5.8% YoY, +3.4% MoM), not inventory.
Demographics

Who lives here

ZIP 02121 (Boston, MA) is majority renter-occupied, has a large share of families with children, has a median income below the national average, 19.9% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher.

Population
29,040
Median income
$43,136
Median age
34.3
Renters
76.8%
Age distribution
26.9%
23.9%
24.7%
12.4%
12.1%
Under 1826.9%
18–3423.9%
35–5424.7%
55–6412.4%
65+12.1%
Gender
44.3%
55.7%
Male44.3%
Female55.7%
Race & ethnicity
44.6%
40.9%
White7.5%
Black44.6%
Hispanic40.9%
Asian2%
Other4.9%
Education (25+)
23.8%
31.1%
25.2%
19.9%
No HS diploma23.8%
HS diploma31.1%
Some college25.2%
Bachelor's+19.9%
Housing tenure
23.2%
76.8%
Owner23.2%
Renter76.8%

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

2021 vs 2026

How ZIP 02121 in Boston, MA has changed in 5 years

Income
$40,732 → $43,136
up 5.9%
Population
29,888 → 29,040
down 2.8%
Renter share
76.7% → 76.8%
+0.1 pts
Bachelor's+
21.2% → 19.9%
-1.3 pts
Median age
33.3 → 34.3
+1.0 yrs

Median household income grew from $40,732 to $43,136 between 2021 and 2024, a 5.9% shift. Headcount in the area went from 29,888 to 29,040 between 2021 and 2024, a 2.8% change.

Community

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Local insights

Tips for renters in ZIP 02121

About renting in ZIP 02121

Last updated: July 20, 2026

ZIP code 02121 covers Boston, MA. The median rent here is $3,265/mo as of July 2026. A 1-bedroom rents for a median of $2,160/mo. A 2-bedroom rents for a median of $2,560/mo.

At 91% of local median household income ($43,136/yr), ZIP 02121 ranks as expensive compared to the national benchmark of 30%. Rents have increased 5.8% over the past year.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

How much is rent in ZIP code 02121?

As of July 20, 2026, the median monthly rent in ZIP 02121 (Boston, MA) is $3,265. This is based on aggregated data from public sources and community submissions.

How does ZIP 02121 rent compare to the US average?

ZIP 02121's median rent of $3,265/mo is $1,300 (66%) above the US national median of $1,965/mo.

How does ZIP 02121 compare to other ZIPs in Massachusetts?

ZIP 02121 is one of the pricier ZIP codes in Massachusetts, ranking #36 out of 168 ZIPs tracked at $3,265/mo.

How much income do you need to rent in ZIP 02121?

To keep rent at or below 30% of gross income, you would need to earn at least $131,000/year (~$63/hour full-time) to afford the median rent of $3,265/mo in ZIP 02121. The local median household income is $43,136/yr, meaning the typical household falls short of that threshold.

Is rent going up or down in ZIP 02121?

Rent in ZIP 02121 has increased 5.8% over the past year as of July 20, 2026, putting upward pressure on renter budgets.

Is ZIP 02121 an affordable place to rent?

ZIP 02121 is considered expensive for renters. At $3,265/mo, rent takes approximately 91% of the local median household income ($43,136/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%. ZIP 02121 significantly exceeds that threshold, making it challenging for many renters.

What percentage of ZIP 02121 residents rent vs. own?

According to Census data, approximately 76.8% of ZIP 02121 households are renters, while 23.2% are owner-occupied. With a majority renter population, ZIP 02121 has a strong rental market.

How does ZIP 02121 compare to the rest of Boston?

ZIP 02121 is more affordable than Boston overall. At $3,265/mo, it's $204 below the Boston citywide median of $3,469/mo.

When was rent data for ZIP 02121 last updated?

Rent data for ZIP 02121 reflects July 20, 2026. RentDataNow refreshes all data monthly using public and private datasets.
Income Affordability
91%
EXPENSIVE

At $3,265/mo, rent takes ~91% of ZIP 02121's median household income ($43,136/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%.

ZIP 02121 91%Benchmark 30%
State income tax5%
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Schools nearby

Public schools near ZIP 02121 (Boston, MA)

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