Average Rent in Boston 2026
The average rent in Boston, MA is $2,800 for a 1-bedroom, $3,400 for a 2-bedroom, and $4,200 for a 3-bedroom apartment in 2026. The cost of living in Boston is 62% above the national average. To afford a 1-bedroom apartment here using the 30% rule, you need an annual income of at least $112,000.
Boston Rent Prices by Bedroom
1 Bedroom
$2,800
per month
2 Bedrooms
$3,400
per month
3 Bedrooms
$4,200
per month
Cost of Living in Boston
162
Cost of Living Index (100 = national average)
Boston's cost of living index is 162, which is 62% above the national average. This index factors in housing, groceries, transportation, healthcare, and utilities. A higher number means you need more income to maintain the same standard of living compared to the national average.
Boston at a Glance
Population
675K
Median Income
$81,744
COL Index
162
Rent Control
No
How Much Income Do You Need to Rent in Boston?
The widely accepted guideline is to spend no more than 30% of your gross income on rent. Here is the minimum annual income you need to afford an apartment in Boston by bedroom count:
1-Bedroom
$2,800/mo rent
$112,000/yr
2-Bedroom
$3,400/mo rent
$136,000/yr
3-Bedroom
$4,200/mo rent
$168,000/yr
Based on the 30% rule: monthly rent should not exceed 30% of gross monthly income.
How Much You Save with a Roommate in Boston
Save $1,100/month
by splitting a 2-bedroom with a roommate
Solo 1BR
$2,800
per month
Split 2BR
$1,700
per person/month
Annual Savings
$13,200
per year
Instead of paying $2,800 for a 1-bedroom on your own, splitting a 2-bedroom ($3,400) with one roommate brings your share to $1,700. That is $13,200 per year you could put toward savings, investments, or paying down debt.
Rent Control in Boston
Boston, MA does not currently have rent control or rent stabilization laws. Landlords can raise rent by any amount at lease renewal, though they are typically required to provide advance notice (usually 30-60 days). If you are concerned about rent increases, consider negotiating a longer lease term for price stability.
Rent Calculators for Boston Renters
Use these free calculators to plan your Boston rental budget, split rent with roommates, and check if you qualify for an apartment.
Rent Affordability Calculator
Find out how much rent you can afford based on your income.
Fair Rent Split Calculator
Split rent fairly by room size, features, and income.
Rent-to-Income Calculator
Check if you meet the 3x rent rule landlords require.
Renter Budget Calculator
Build a 50/30/20 budget around your rent payment.
Frequently Asked Questions About Renting in Boston
Is Boston expensive to rent in?
Yes. Boston is the third most expensive major rental market in the US after New York and San Francisco. A 1-bedroom averages $2,800 per month in 2026, about 62% above the national average. The concentration of universities and hospitals drives strong year-round demand.
How much income do you need to rent in Boston?
Using the 30% rule, you need a gross monthly income of about $9,333 ($112,000 annually) to afford an average $2,800/month 1-bedroom apartment in Boston.
How much can you save by splitting rent with a roommate in Boston?
Splitting a 2-bedroom ($3,400/month) with one roommate brings your share to $1,700, saving $1,100 per month or $13,200 per year compared to renting a 1-bedroom alone.
Planning to rent in Boston?