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Looking to rent in Boston in 2024? Whether you’re a student, young professional, or family, the city offers a diverse range of neighborhoods to suit different budgets and lifestyles. Here’s a breakdown of where you can find the most affordable neighborhoods in Boston.
Our Approach:
This analysis is based on data collected from more than 100 platforms, covering multiple neighborhoods across Boston over the past six months. The primary metric for determining rental costs is the average room monthly price. By examining these prices month by month, we can identify trends and highlight the priciest times to rent in the city’s most expensive neighborhoods.
5 Cheapest Neighborhoods to Rent in Boston in 2024
- Dorchester Center – $1000 average rent
- Malden – $1020 average rent
- Jamaica Plain – $1040 average rent
- Fort Hill – $1080 average rent
- Savin Hill – $1080 average rent
5 Most Expensive Neighborhoods to Rent in Boston in 2024
- Back Bay – $1400 average rent
- Newton Corner – $1360 average rent
- South Boston – $1320 average rent
- Harvard Square (Cambridge) – $1300 average rent
- Inman Square – $1270 average rent
Most and Least Expensive Months to Rent in Boston
January is consistently the cheapest month to rent across most neighborhoods in Boston, with the lowest prices in areas like Dorchester Center, Jamaica Plain, and Fort Hill.
On the other hand, February is the most expensive month to rent, with peak prices in neighborhoods such as Back Bay, Newton Corner, and South Boston.
Boston’s Neighborhoods to Rent in 2024: From Most Affordable to Most Expensive
Dorchester
Dorchester is a diverse and vibrant neighborhood, perfect for young professionals and families looking for budget-friendly living. With an average room rent of $1000, it’s a great option. For the best deal, aim to move in April when prices drop to $920, but avoid February when rents peak at $1080.
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Malden
Malden offers a suburban feel with easy access to downtown Boston, making it ideal for commuters and students. The average room rent here is $1020. May is your golden month, with rents at $990, while March is the priciest at $1070.
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Jamaica Plain
Known for its greenery and artistic vibe, Jamaica Plain attracts young professionals and creatives. The average room rent is $1040. January is your friend here, with the lowest rates at $920. Steer clear of March when prices jump to $1210.
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Fort Hill
Fort Hill boasts historic charm and a close-knit community, suitable for history buffs and families. Expect an average room rent of $1080. January is the best time to save, with rents as low as $1010. Conversely, June’s prices soar to $1190.
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Savin Hill
Savin Hill offers waterfront views and a quiet atmosphere, perfect for retirees and small families. The average room rent stands at $1080. January is again your best bet with rents dipping to $900, while May is the month to avoid with rents at $1170.
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Polish Triangle
This area is known for its cultural heritage and strong community, making it a great choice for families and culture enthusiasts. Polish Triangle has an average room rent of $1100. January offers the lowest rent at $1020, with February being the most expensive at $1170.
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Roxbury
Roxbury is a culturally rich neighborhood with a growing arts scene, attracting artists and young families. The average room rent is $1100. Look to January for the best deal at $1030, avoiding February when rents reach $1170.
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JFK/UMass
Close to the university, JFK/UMass is ideal for students and academic professionals. It averages a rent of $1110. January is your go-to month with prices at $1030, while February is the peak at $1180.
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Brighton
Brighton has a youthful vibe with plenty of bars and restaurants, suitable for students and young professionals. The average room rent is $1180. The cheapest month to move in is January at $1110, and the most expensive is February at $1250.
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Allston
Allston is known for its vibrant nightlife and eclectic community, attracting students and artists. It offers an average rent of $1140. February is the best month with rents at $1090, while March is the peak at $1200.
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Mission Hill
Mission Hill, with its proximity to medical and educational institutions, is perfect for healthcare professionals and students. The average rent is $1170. January provides the lowest rents at $1100, and June is the month to avoid with prices hitting $1250.
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Somerville
Somerville, known for its hipster vibe and community events, attracts young professionals and families. It comes in at an average rent of $1200. January is the ideal month with rents at $1120, while February sees the highest at $1270.
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Hyde Square
Hyde Square offers a mix of cultures and is a great spot for those seeking diversity. It matches Somerville with an average rent of $1200. January is the cheapest at $1130, and February is the most expensive at $1270.
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Brookline
Brookline is a highly desirable area with excellent schools, attracting families and academics. The average room rent is $1220. January is your friend here at $1140, while February hits the highest at $1290.
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North End
North End, famous for its Italian heritage and food scene, is perfect for foodies and history lovers. The average room rent is $1230. The best deals are in January at $1150, with February reaching up to $1300.
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Fenway/Kenmore
Fenway/Kenmore, home to Fenway Park, is ideal for sports fans and students. The average room rent stands at $1130. January provides the best prices at $1050, while February is the peak month at $1210.
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Central Square (Cambridge)
Central Square, with its eclectic mix of shops and eateries, suits tech workers and artists. It averages $1260 for room rent. January is the cheapest at $1180, and February is the most expensive at $1330.
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Inman Square
Inman Square is known for its independent businesses and vibrant community, great for young professionals. The average room rent is $1270. The lowest rents are in January at $1200, with February reaching $1350.
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Harvard Square (Cambridge)
Harvard Square, with its academic atmosphere, is ideal for students and professors. It averages $1300. January is the month for deals at $1230, while February peaks at $1370.
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South Boston
South Boston, or “Southie,” offers a mix of old and new with its waterfront views, attracting young professionals and families. The average room rent is $1320. January offers the lowest prices at $1250, with February hitting the highest at $1390.
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East Boston
East Boston provides stunning harbor views and a strong community feel, ideal for young families and professionals. It offers an average rent of $1110. February is the best month at $1040, while March sees the highest rents at $1190.
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Newton Corner
Newton Corner, known for its suburban feel and good schools, is perfect for families. It stands out with an average room rent of $1360. January is the month to move in at $1280, while February peaks at $1430.
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Back Bay
Back Bay, with its historic brownstones and upscale shops, attracts affluent professionals and families. It tops the list with an average room rent of $1400. January again is the cheapest at $1330, while February hits a high of $1470.
