Boston’s average rent price has been rapidly rising in 2022 after 2 years of stagnation during COVID. The current average rent price for Boston apartments ($2,722) is up +8.23% year-over-year and as of April, that figure has surpassed its previous all-time high of $2,646 set in June 2020. Now the city of Boston is among the most expensive places to rent an apartment in the US.
Discovering the most affordable neighborhoods to rent an apartment in Boston can be a game-changer for both new arrivals and long-time residents aiming to navigate the city’s dynamic housing market. As you plan your move, partnering with experienced Boston Movers becomes crucial to ensure a seamless transition to your new home.
Among the city’s diverse and vibrant neighborhoods, areas like East Boston, Roslindale, and Dorchester stand out for offering a more affordable cost of living without sacrificing access to Boston’s rich tapestry of culture, amenities, and employment opportunities. These neighborhoods not only provide economic rental options but also boast a sense of community and accessibility, making them ideal for anyone looking to experience the Boston lifestyle without breaking the bank.
If you’re a renter on a budget in Boston, these numbers can be intimidating. Luckily, we combed through tons of apartment data to find the most affordable neighborhoods to rent an apartment near Boston. Here’s the list!
1. Malden
| Neighborhood | Bedroom 1 Avg. Rent | Bedroom 2 Avg. Rent | Bedroom 3 Avg. Rent | Avg. Rent |
| MALDEN | $1,684 | $2,123 | $2,532 | $2,113 |
Malden is a suburb located 10 miles north of Boston’s downtown neighborhoods. The average rent price for Malden apartments is currently $2,113, which is the lowest out of the 33 neighborhoods closest to Boston. Malden’s average rent price is up +5.32% year-over-year.
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2. Mattapan
| Neighborhood | Bedroom 1 Avg. Rent | Bedroom 2 Avg. Rent | Bedroom 3 Avg. Rent | Avg. Rent |
| BOSTON – MATTAPAN | $1,850 | $2,218 | $2,400 | $2,156 |
Mattapan lies on Boston’s southern border, and currently has the 2nd lowest average rent price in Boston at $2,156. Mattapan apartments are the most affordable for 3 bedrooms and the second most affordable for 2 bedroom apartments behind Malden. That makes it a good option for roommates looking to save by splitting rent. Prices in Mattapan have risen more than in any other Boston neighborhood. The average rent price is up +22.15% year-over-year.
3. Medford, MA
| Neighborhood | Bedroom 1 Avg. Rent | Bedroom 2 Avg. Rent | Bedroom 3 Avg. Rent | Avg. Rent |
| MEDFORD | $1,527 | $2,337 | $2,812 | $2,225 |
The average rent price for Medford MA apartments is $2,225, which makes it the 3rd most affordable rental market in Boston. Bordering Malden, this suburb offers residents close access to Boston and nearby Tufts University. Rent prices for larger units (3BR+) can be steep in Medford, but it has the lowest average rent price for 1-bedroom apartments in Boston.
4. Hyde Park, MA
| Neighborhood | Bedroom 1 Avg. Rent | Bedroom 2 Avg. Rent | Bedroom 3 Avg. Rent | Avg. Rent |
| BOSTON – HYDE PARK | $1,760 | $2,331 | $2,617 | $2,236 |
Located near Mattapan, Hyde Park is a city neighborhood located south and west of Boston’s core. Apartments in Hyde Park MA rent out at an average of $2,236 making it the 4th most affordable rental market in Greater Boston. Similar to nearby Mattapan, rent price growth has outpaced the metro area over the past year in Hyde Park. Apartment prices are up by +15.94% since last August.
5. Chelsea, MA
| Neighborhood | Bedroom 1 Avg. Rent | Bedroom 2 Avg. Rent | Bedroom 3 Avg. Rent | Avg. Rent |
| CHELSEA | $1,858 | $2,291 | $2,616 | $2,255 |
Chelsea, MA is another northern suburb that offers renters close access to Boston and more affordable rent prices. The average rent price for Chelsea apartments ($2,255) is the 5th lowest in Greater Boston, and rent prices have only grown by +5.84% over the past year.
Other Affordable Neighborhoods
The following table rounds out the top 10 most affordable neighborhoods to rent an apartment in Greater Boston. It also shows their average rent price for 1, 2, and 3 bedroom apartments. Most are situated in Boston’s outer areas. If you focus your apartment search on these areas, you’re likely to find better prices on rental units.
| Neighborhood | Bedroom 1 | Bedroom 2 | Bedroom 3 | Avg. Rent |
| WALTHAM | $1,775 | $2,313 | $2,680 | $2,256 |
| REVERE | $1,863 | $2,259 | $2,672 | $2,265 |
| BOSTON – WEST ROXBURY | $1,945 | $2,425 | $2,446 | $2,272 |
| QUINCY | $1,917 | $2,229 | $2,693 | $2,280 |
| WATERTOWN | $1,999 | $2,321 | $2,694 | $2,338 |
