The cost of living in Boston is quite high, with the average monthly rent for a studio or one-bedroom apartment ranging from $2,000 to more than $3,000 per month. However, it is still possible to obtain housing for less than one thousand dollars with roommates.
The cost of living rises in tandem with increasing demand, and Boston has some of the highest rental prices in the country. Cheap Boston apartments sell out as quickly as the city’s nightlife, so now is the ideal time to start. We explore some valuable tips for getting accommodation in the cheapest places to live in Boston.
Best Boston Neighborhoods to Live In
Low-rent neighborhoods are outside the city. Downtown is too expensive for under $1,000 in rent unless you have numerous roommates.
- Somerville: Residential area with Union Square and Assembly Row up and coming. Apartments near Sullivan Square and Assembly Row are convenient for shopping (Trader Joe’s!) and coming into the city on the Orange Line, one of the fastest.
- Jamaica Plain is a residential area featuring parks and eateries. The Orange Line brings you into the city quickly, while Jamaica Pond has some finer homes with cheaper rooms.
- Allston: Popular student neighborhood with murals and ethnic restaurants. It’s not the quietest or cleanest part of Boston, but intriguing and amusing. You can enter the city via the Green Line.
- Brighton is quieter and more residential than Allston. Due to its proximity to Boston College and Boston University, many graduate students, researchers, and families live here. You can still go to the city by Green Line.
- Medford is quiet for students and residents. Near the new Green Line, apartments are more convenient to stores and eateries. Unfortunately, grocery stores are scarce, even in Somerville and farther from the city.
- Dorchester: Popular student neighborhood with free street parking and beaches. It’s not quiet or clean, especially given it’s beside a big highway, but the Red Line gets you into the city easily.
Advice for Finding Cheap Boston Housing
- Check Facebook groups: Broker fees add around a month’s rent. Consider Facebook if you have time to search.
- Take roommates: Roommate housing is one of the best methods to cut rent. If you get along with your roommates, sharing a space can be cozy. Just remember that strangers may be unreliable.
- Search off-season: Boston’s strong student population may explain why 70% of leases start and conclude on September 1. The property market is competitive, making it hard to find a home. Avoiding the busy season will reduce stress and give you greater negotiating power to lower rent as landlords have a tougher time finding renters.
- Start early: In residences where roommates are seeking a good fit, cheaper rooms rent out faster. Start your search early if you can’t look in the off-season. One month in advance is essential, but two months is better. This gives you additional options and prevents scrambling to choose a space.
Conclusion
Boston has many wonderful districts where you can discover cheap apartments and bargains. You might be closer than you think to locating that fantastic Boston apartment with the assistance of an experienced real estate agent who can monitor and evaluate data patterns. Expert leasing representatives from respectable businesses with a long history of flawless performance can also bargain on your behalf to secure the best possible price.
