What You Should Know About Renting in Boston

Moving to a new city is exciting but can sometimes feel overwhelming. This page provides some additional details about the rental market in the greater Boston area. 

Landlords, Rental Agreements, and What You Should Know When Renting in Boston

Apartment hunting in Boston is a tricky venture. What follows is some advice on what you should be looking for, and what to expect when finding an apartment in Boston.

General Apartment Hunting Tips

  • Start your search in the Spring before you plan to attend HBS. Many apartments available for Fall are listed at this time, and many apartments for the Fall are gone by mid-summer.

  • The demand for apartments in the Boston area is very high, and the majority of apartments are sold through brokers (and will therefore require associated fees). The majority of your apartment hunting will be done online or through networking; it's very rare to find a place by walking around looking for a "For Rent" sign outside of a building.

  • Be prepared to act quickly (submit an application and deposit immediately) once you have found the housing you want.

  • Plan for significant up-front expenses to secure your lease. You may need up to four months of rent for applicable realtor fees, security deposit, first and/or last month's rent.

  • Before you sign a lease, make sure you read it thoroughly. If you have any questions, ask your realtor or landlord (see below for more information on documents and fees).

  • Pay by check or money order so you can keep a record (if possible).

  • International students should refer to off-campus housing search tips on the Harvard International Office housing page.

Average Rental Rates

Monthly rental rates in the Boston area are well above the national average and vary widely by location and condition. What follows are the breakdowns for various neighborhoods around Boston.

CAMBRIDGE

  • Studio (one room): $1700 - $2200

  • One bedroom: $1800 - $2700

  • Two bedrooms: $2100 - $3000

  • Three bedrooms: $2500 - $3800

  • Four bedrooms: $3000 - $4000

SOMERVILLE

  • Studio (one room): $1300 - $1800

  • One bedroom: $1600 - $2300

  • Two bedrooms: $1900 - $2400

  • Three bedrooms: $2000 - $2900

  • Four bedrooms: $2400 - $3500

BROOKLINE

  • Studio (one room): $1300 - $1600

  • One bedroom: $1800 - $2400

  • Two bedrooms: $1700 - $2600

  • Three bedrooms: $2700 - $3500

  • Four bedrooms: $3600 - $4100

BOSTON

  • Studio (one room): $1500 - $2200

  • One bedroom: $1700 - $2300

  • Two bedrooms: $2200 - $3000

  • Three bedrooms: $2600 - $3100

  • Four bedrooms: $3200 - $3800

Prices vary; check resources for more detailed listings across neighborhoods and towns in Boston.

Resources for Your Off-Campus Housing Search

HUH Apartment Source Website - The Harvard University Housing Office maintains an online database of rental units offered by private landlords and real estate agents available to the Harvard community.

Craigslist - Current students have found available rental listings from landlords and brokers on this website.

HotPads and PadMapper - Browse apartments with a map of locations, along with filters for price and number of rooms.

Real Estate Brokers - A list of recommended brokers can be found in the housing section. Brokers often charge a fee to the renter for finding a rental property.

Leasing Offices - Some large apartment buildings have leasing offices on-site such as 1008 Massachusetts Ave. and 1105 Massachusetts Ave.