Hi guys. I am considering moving to Boston MA this year as I’m getting a promotion at work and my company will be transferring me over there from London. I was wondering what I should expect to pay monthly for rent as I’ve never been to or lived in the US and don’t know anyone who does/did.

I’m open to studio flats, and 1-2 bedroom apartments. I live by myself in a studio flat in London at the moment so would ideally prefer to have a guest bedroom in the future as lack of one has its limitations if you want friends and family to visit (as you can imagine) so I’m more interested in 2-bedroom apartments, and 1-bed and studios are my second choice. It’d be good to know from those of you living by yourself in Boston what the monthly rent is like. Thanks so much 😍

Comments

AutoModerator t1_jdmmwj9 wrote on March 25, 2023 at 3:08 PM

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aray25 t1_jdmnqrw wrote on March 25, 2023 at 3:14 PM

#2,353,854

Studios start from about $2000/mo. I can't speak to one- and two-beds, but they will be more than that.

particular-potatoe t1_jdmobrj wrote on March 25, 2023 at 3:18 PM

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2 beds are at around $2500 minimum in the cheapest but still somewhat desirable parts of the city. More like $3000+ in the better parts. If you want laundry probably closer to $3500. Can’t speak to 1 beds or studios but they aren’t significantly cheaper. Outside of the city in the metro area will be cheaper. Just browse zillow and see what’s available.

rakis t1_jdmov90 wrote on March 25, 2023 at 3:22 PM

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Boston is not huge, but rent prices sway dramatically depending on location. You should do research in terms of what neighborhoods you would prefer, and then search based on that.

That being said, studios will be on average $2000/mo, 1br $2500/mo, 2br $3000/mo, although it all depends on the location and features.

Paying extra just because you want guests in their own bedroom is quite kind, but it's probably not the best idea in the long run vs. having them sleep in the living room.

BackItUpWithLinks t1_jdmpt9m wrote on March 25, 2023 at 3:28 PM

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You’ll want to see a studio before renting it. It’s often a two room…

bathroom
kitchenette, space for a chair and a bed

I’d go crazy living in that.

Master_Dogs t1_jdmtlr5 wrote on March 25, 2023 at 3:55 PM

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How much is rent in London?

For Boston, it'll vary wildly. Studios can technically be found for as cheap as $1500/month if you don't mind living on the far flung exurbs of the metro area and you're particularly lucky. It's usually $2000/month and up for living on your own. Can be $2500-$3000/month easily.

nattarbox t1_jdmx4v1 wrote on March 25, 2023 at 4:21 PM

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Here's a rough search, fenced to where you probably will want to live. Price will change drastically by neighborhood and apartment quality, but figure $3k+ as a minimum for a two bed, $4-$5k probably more likely.

You need 4 months rent to sign a lease btw: first, last, security, and a one month tip to the piece of shit realtor who shows it to you.

adoucett t1_jdmynuu wrote on March 25, 2023 at 4:31 PM

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Replying to rakis (#2,354,011)

Do the math of what a few hotel room nights costs versus increase in rent over an entire year

twowrist t1_jdn5aas wrote on March 25, 2023 at 5:19 PM

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Caution: Many people from far away will say “moving to Boston” when it’s really “moving to a suburb of Boston”. Double check whether your office is located in Boston proper. The mailing address for the office will usually be good enough to confirm that.

Also, Boston, unlike many larger cities (such as London and New York City) didn’t consolidate as much urban land. Hence adjacent cities such as Cambridge and Somerville, as well as the town of Brookline, can be good choices, depending on exactly where your job is located.

shitz_brickz t1_jdniy23 wrote on March 25, 2023 at 6:55 PM

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$3k if you want to easily shop around for at a variety of options. $2500 if you want to put in work and hunt for good place.

rainniier2 t1_jdnoj92 wrote on March 25, 2023 at 7:35 PM

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Replying to rakis (#2,354,011)

Im going to add on and say that these are the lower end prices for older, not updated units that are in further neighborhoods or not directly on a transit line. Expect to pay 50%-100% more if the goal is an updated apartment or in a closer/trendier neighborhood.

Large_Inspection_73 t1_jdo5ifa wrote on March 25, 2023 at 9:40 PM

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Replying to rakis (#2,354,011)

Depending on the neighborhood, there’s not much of a price jump between a 1 bedroom and 2 bedroom, since 1 bedrooms are so rare

Excuse-Hungry t1_jdo90v5 wrote on March 25, 2023 at 10:07 PM

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This question depends a lot on the quality of the apartment and location of what area you would like to live.

Ex: I rent a 1bed in Roxbury (ok neighborhood) for $1900/month. Next year it will be $2000 a month and utilities average $100-$300 per month depending on the season. It is a TINY apartment and it is not renovated/luxury.

I have a friend with a 1bed in North End and that costs $2700. Nice safe building but it is older and not a newer luxury build. She has more space than me and the common areas/location are super nice.

New luxury buildings are usually at minimum $2500/month and that would be for a studio only.

jeans_bobeans t1_jdp6j5v wrote on March 26, 2023 at 2:23 AM

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For reference I am in a 1 bedroom which is pretty nice with laundry etc and pay 1900. This is in Cambridge but quick walk to back bay or beacon hill.

[deleted] t1_jdp8dej wrote on March 26, 2023 at 2:38 AM

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