The Fastest Way to Rent a Room in Boston

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Apply in minutes, move-in tomorrow

On average, it takes 48 hours to move into a new Boston room with June Homes.
That’s how it works:

01

Explore rooms

Browse our listings and pick something you like.

02

Apply 100% online

Upload your documents from any device and get approved in 3 business hours.

03

Move-in stress free

Get your door code and wifi password virtually so you can get settled in quicker.

04

Stay in touch

Enjoy 24/7 support, easy rent pay, quick maintenance resolution, and more via our app.

What our tenants say

Why us?

Move-in tomorrow

Check housing off your to-do list, and find your footing in a new place ASAP.

Rent monthly or as you wish

Rent from 1–18 months and easily extend your lease as you go.

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Rent furnished or unfurnished; you can enjoy our furniture and decor or bring your own.

Vetted roommates

June Homes residents are generally professionals and students, and all our renters go through background checks.

Student/international friendly

Ideal for students and expats. Short-term leases, all-inclusive furnished options, and a hassle-free application process.

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Know everything about renting a room in Boston

Boston’s rental market offers diverse options for room seekers, from historic brownstones in Back Bay to modern apartments in the Seaport District. Whether you’re a student, young professional, or newcomer to the city, understanding Boston’s neighborhoods and rental landscape is essential for finding the perfect room.

Popular Neighborhoods for Room Rentals

Allston-Brighton remains the most popular area for room rentals, especially among students and recent graduates. With affordable prices and proximity to Boston University and Boston College, you’ll find numerous shared apartments and houses. The neighborhood buzzes with college energy, offering budget-friendly restaurants, bars, and easy access to the Green Line.

Fenway-Kenmore attracts renters seeking a balance between urban convenience and residential comfort. Close to Northeastern University, Berklee College of Music, and major hospitals, this area offers rooms in renovated brownstones and modern buildings. The iconic Fenway Park adds unique neighborhood character.

Jamaica Plain (JP) appeals to artists, young families, and diverse communities seeking a more relaxed atmosphere. Rooms here often come in beautiful Victorian homes and triple-deckers. The neighborhood features the scenic Jamaica Pond, independent businesses along Centre Street, and a strong sense of community.

Cambridge neighborhoods like Central Square, Harvard Square, and Porter Square provide excellent options for those affiliated with MIT, Harvard, or the thriving tech scene. While slightly pricier, Cambridge offers intellectual energy, diverse dining, and excellent public transit connections.

Somerville neighborhoods including Davis Square, Union Square, and Teele Square have become increasingly popular alternatives to Boston proper. This city offers a vibrant arts scene, craft breweries, and typically more affordable rooms than downtown Boston while maintaining excellent T access.

Mission Hill serves medical students and hospital workers due to its proximity to Longwood Medical Area. The neighborhood’s hills offer great views, and rooms here are often more affordable than downtown options.

Average Room Rental Prices

Room rental prices in Boston vary significantly by neighborhood and amenities:

Budget-friendly areas (Allston, East Boston, Dorchester): $800-$1,200/month


Mid-range neighborhoods (Jamaica Plain, Somerville, Mission Hill): $1,000-$1,500/month


Premium locations (Back Bay, South End, Cambridge, Seaport): $1,400-$2,200/month
Prices typically include basic utilities, though some landlords charge separately for electricity, gas, and internet. Rooms in apartments with modern amenities, in-unit laundry, or premium locations command higher prices.

Transportation and Accessibility

Boston’s MBTA system (known locally as the “T”) makes car-free living feasible for most renters. When searching for rooms, consider proximity to:

Red Line: Connects Cambridge, Somerville, and Dorchester to downtown Boston, serving Harvard, MIT, and major employment centers.

Green Line: Serves Allston, Brighton, Fenway, and Brookline, though it’s the slowest line with frequent delays.

Orange Line: Links Jamaica Plain, Roxbury, and northern neighborhoods, recently undergoing renovations.

Blue Line: Provides access to East Boston and Logan Airport, ideal for frequent travelers.
Most Bostonians rely on the T, biking, or walking. Winter weather makes proximity to public transit especially valuable. Many neighborhoods are highly walkable with excellent bike infrastructure.

What to Know Before Renting

Broker Fees: Boston is notorious for broker fees, often costing one month’s rent. Some listings offer “no fee” options where landlords pay the commission.


First, Last, and Security: Budget for first month’s rent, last month’s rent, and a security deposit (typically one month) upfront—that’s 3-4 months’ rent before moving in.


September 1st Moving Day: Boston’s infamous “Allston Christmas” occurs when thousands of leases turn over simultaneously on September 1st. Plan ahead for this chaotic moving day if your lease aligns with the academic calendar.


Heating Costs: Winter heating bills can be significant, especially in older buildings. Clarify whether heat is included in rent.


Parking: Street parking requires resident permits in most neighborhoods, and off-street parking costs $150-$400/month. Consider whether you truly need a car.


Roommate Dynamics: When renting a room, meet potential roommates beforehand. Discuss cleaning schedules, guest policies, noise preferences, and shared expenses to avoid conflicts.

Best Times to Search for Rooms

Peak Season (July-September): Most inventory becomes available as students and young professionals coordinate moves with the academic calendar. Competition is fierce, and prices peak.


Off-Season (November-March): Fewer options exist, but landlords may be more negotiable on price. Mid-year vacancies often arise from job relocations or personal changes.


Sweet Spot (April-June): Reasonable inventory with less competition than peak season. Some landlords post early for September availability.

Local Resources and Tips

Universities and Hospitals: Many institutions maintain off-campus housing boards for students and employees. Check your school or employer’s resources.

Neighborhood Facebook Groups: Active community groups for specific neighborhoods often have room listings and insider information.

Visit Neighborhoods: Spend time walking around areas you’re considering. Check proximity to grocery stores, cafes, gyms, and amenities important to your lifestyle.

Boston Safety: Research neighborhood safety statistics. Generally, Boston is safe, but like any major city, some areas experience more crime than others.

Cultural Expectations: Boston’s rental market moves quickly. Be prepared to apply immediately if you find a suitable room, with references and financial documentation ready.

Boston Cost of Living Calculator

Boston Cost of Living Calculator

Estimate your monthly expenses and lifestyle costs in different Boston neighborhoods

How This Calculator Works

This calculator estimates your monthly expenses based on Boston’s unique cost structure, including neighborhood variations and lifestyle choices.

What’s included:

  • Housing costs based on neighborhood selection
  • Utilities, transportation (including MBTA), and groceries
  • Dining, entertainment, and lifestyle expenses
  • Tax estimates for Massachusetts residents

Instructions: Adjust the inputs below to match your situation, then see your estimated monthly budget.

Income & Household
Neighborhood Selection
Back Bay
South End
Beacon Hill
North End
Seaport
Cambridge
Somerville
Jamaica Plain
Lifestyle Preferences
Budget Conscious
Cook most meals, limited entertainment, public transportation
Moderate Lifestyle
Mix of cooking and dining out, occasional entertainment, some ride-sharing
Luxury Lifestyle
Frequent dining out, premium entertainment, regular ride-sharing
Housing Preferences

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