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ZIP Code · MA

ZIP 02131

Part of Boston, MA
Pop. 31,151·Suffolk County·61st most expensive ZIP in Massachusetts
Median rent (all units)
$2,991/mo
Year-over-Year
+4.5%
Month-over-Month
-1.5%
vs US Median
+$1,029
Falling (Monthly)
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Most AffordableMost Expensive
ZIP 02131 · $2,991
More expensive than 90% of US ZIP codes · National median $1,962/mo
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Medians by bedroom

Rent by unit size

Studio
$2,270
1 BR
$2,380
2 BR
$2,830
3 BR
$3,390
4 BR+
$3,750
Research median
$2,830/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: August 17, 2026

Annual cost
$35,892/yr
At $2,991/mo median
Location
CityBoston
StateMA
CountySuffolk County
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 (+4.5% YoY, -1.5% MoM), not inventory.
Demographics

Who lives here

ZIP 02131 (Boston, MA) is majority owner-occupied, has a median income above the national average, 53.9% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher.

Population
31,151
Median income
$111,006
Median age
39.1
Renters
40.7%
Age distribution
20.4%
19.7%
30.6%
12.7%
16.5%
Under 1820.4%
18–3419.7%
35–5430.6%
55–6412.7%
65+16.5%
Gender
48.2%
51.8%
Male48.2%
Female51.8%
Race & ethnicity
51.1%
19.9%
21.6%
White51.1%
Black19.9%
Hispanic21.6%
Asian3.9%
Other3.5%
Education (25+)
19.9%
17.5%
53.9%
No HS diploma8.8%
HS diploma19.9%
Some college17.5%
Bachelor's+53.9%
Housing tenure
59.3%
40.7%
Owner59.3%
Renter40.7%

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

2021 vs 2026

How ZIP 02131 in Boston, MA has changed in 5 years

Rent
$2,244 → $2,991
up 33.3%
Income
$93,601 → $111,006
up 18.6%
Population
32,609 → 31,151
down 4.5%
Renter share
46.3% → 40.7%
-5.6 pts
Bachelor's+
48.2% → 53.9%
+5.7 pts
Median age
38.5 → 39.1
+0.6 yrs

Compared with 2021, rent in ZIP 02131 in Boston, MA has climbed by $747 per month, settling near $2,991 after starting the period at $2,244. On the earnings side, the typical household in ZIP 02131 in Boston, MA now reports about $111,006, up from $93,601 in 2021. Rent outpaced income growth by roughly 14.7 percentage points, which means renters are spending a larger slice of each paycheck on housing than they did in 2021. Headcount in the area went from 32,609 to 31,151 between 2021 and 2024, a 4.5% change. About 40.7% of households rent today, against 46.3% in 2021. Educational attainment has shifted as well, with the share of adults holding a bachelor's degree or higher climbed from 48.2% to 53.9%. For context, the 2021 to 2026 window covers an unusually volatile run for US rents nationally, and ZIP 02131 in Boston, MA reflects that arc in its own way.

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Local insights

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About renting in ZIP 02131

Last updated: August 17, 2026

ZIP code 02131 covers Boston, MA. The median rent here is $2,991/mo as of August 2026. A 1-bedroom rents for a median of $2,380/mo. A 2-bedroom rents for a median of $2,830/mo.

At 32% of local median household income ($111,006/yr), ZIP 02131 ranks as moderate compared to the national benchmark of 30%. Rents have increased 4.5% over the past year.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

How much is rent in ZIP code 02131?

As of August 17, 2026, the median monthly rent in ZIP 02131 (Boston, MA) is $2,991. This is based on aggregated data from public sources and community submissions.

How does ZIP 02131 rent compare to the US average?

ZIP 02131's median rent of $2,991/mo is $1,029 (52%) above the US national median of $1,962/mo.

How does ZIP 02131 compare to other ZIPs in Massachusetts?

ZIP 02131 falls in the middle range for Massachusetts, ranking #61 out of 171 ZIPs at $2,991/mo.

How much income do you need to rent in ZIP 02131?

To keep rent at or below 30% of gross income, you would need to earn at least $120,000/year (~$58/hour full-time) to afford the median rent of $2,991/mo in ZIP 02131. The local median household income is $111,006/yr, meaning the typical household falls short of that threshold.

Is rent going up or down in ZIP 02131?

Rent in ZIP 02131 has increased 4.5% over the past year as of August 17, 2026, putting upward pressure on renter budgets.

Is ZIP 02131 an affordable place to rent?

ZIP 02131 is considered moderate for renters. At $2,991/mo, rent takes approximately 32% of the local median household income ($111,006/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%. ZIP 02131 slightly exceeds that threshold, so budgeting carefully matters here.

What percentage of ZIP 02131 residents rent vs. own?

According to Census data, approximately 40.7% of ZIP 02131 households are renters, while 59.3% are owner-occupied. ZIP 02131 leans toward homeownership, which can mean a smaller rental inventory.

How does ZIP 02131 compare to the rest of Boston?

ZIP 02131 is more affordable than Boston overall. At $2,991/mo, it's $423 below the Boston citywide median of $3,414/mo.

When was rent data for ZIP 02131 last updated?

Rent data for ZIP 02131 reflects August 17, 2026. RentDataNow refreshes all data monthly using public and private datasets.
Income Affordability
32%
MODERATE

At $2,991/mo, rent takes ~32% of ZIP 02131's median household income ($111,006/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%.

ZIP 02131 32%Benchmark 30%
State income tax5%
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Schools nearby

Public schools near ZIP 02131 (Boston, MA)

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