How to Find a One-Bedroom Apartment in Boston

Do you feel like your apartment search is not going as smoothly as planned? Maybe you found an apartment you adored, but hesitated to apply, and it was taken by another applicant. If you’re looking for an apartment, especially a one-bedroom apartment in a major city like Boston, you need to act fast. If you find “the one,” why chance losing it? This guide provides tips, insights, and the best neighborhoods in Boston to make your apartment search easier.

Boston’s Current Rental Market

Rents in Boston can be pricey. While rental prices fluctuate, Boston remains on par with San Francisco and New York City. If you’re new to the city, it’s important to understand how much you’ll be paying for rent.

As of June 2026, the average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Boston is $3,617 per month. Remember that Downtown Boston (or the heart of any city) will typically cost more than surrounding neighborhoods. If you want to be in the center of it all, it may cost you, but moving a little further out could save you quite a bit. Here is a quick breakdown of rent prices and average apartment size by floor plan type in Boston.

Source: Apartments.com

Let’s dive into the perks, downsides, and overall experience of renting a one-bedroom apartment in Boston. 

Pros and Cons of Renting a One-Bedroom Apartment in Boston

Whether you’ve rented a one-bedroom or studio apartment before or have only ever lived with roommates, there are pros and cons to living alone, especially in a big city like Boston.

Pro: More Space, No Roommate Drama

Roommates can be a great way to cut costs but are notorious for causing stress and endless arguing. Renting alone ensures that you no longer have to deal with roommate disturbances or drama.

With one less person in the apartment, you’ll have more room to enjoy your space. Maybe your new apartment comes with in-unit laundry, a walk-in closet, or extra storage. By reducing the number of people sharing a unit, you maximize your living space, which can be especially helpful in a city like Boston, where apartments tend to run smaller.

Con: Higher Costs

Living alone means complete freedom but also comes with higher costs. With no roommates, there is no one to split expenses like rent, utilities, or groceries.

In some cities, it’s cheaper to rent a two-bedroom apartment with a roommate than to rent a one-bedroom apartment alone. In Boston, renters can save about $1,344/month by sharing a two-bedroom apartment rather than renting a one-bedroom apartment alone.

Whether you choose to live alone or with roommates depends on your budget, lifestyle, and personal preferences.

Pro: Total Decorating Freedom

Most people find decorating an apartment from scratch either exciting or daunting. If you’re in the group that enjoys the process, renting a one-bedroom apartment could be the right fit.

Living alone means you have complete decorating freedom when it comes to your bedroom, living room, kitchen, and every square foot of your apartment. Whether you’re looking for your personal style, new furniture pieces, or artwork to make your apartment feel like home, Boston offers plenty of furniture stores and home décor shops throughout the city.

Con: Meeting People Can Be Difficult

If you’re planning to move to a city like Boston, meeting people can be challenging, especially if you live alone and don’t have a roommate to serve as a built-in-friend or source of support.

The bright side is that Boston is a large, active city where it’s easy to discover new communities. With thousands of residents and events happening throughout the year, Boston offers plenty of opportunities for solo renters to meet people and build connections.   

Best Neighborhoods to Rent a One-Bedroom Apartment in Boston

If you’re set on making the move to Boston, it’s important to understand what each neighborhood has to offer. Whether you’re looking for a one-bedroom apartment close to work, school, or Boston’s nightlife, these neighborhoods are great places to begin your one-bedroom apartment search in Boston.

East Boston

• Average rent for a one-bedroom in East Boston: $2,888/month
• Average one-bedroom size in East Boston: 635 sq ft

East Boston is a great neighborhood for professionals looking for quick access to the city and students searching for affordable off-campus housing. The average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in East Boston is significantly lower than the citywide average, making it one of the best neighborhoods for renters seeking more value.  

Local attractions include Piers Park, the Downeast Cider House, and nearby access to spots on the Freedom Trail. The neighborhood features historic New England architecture and convenient public transportation, making it an appealing option for many renters.

Allston

• Average rent for a one-bedroom in Allston: $2,908/month
• Average one-bedroom size in Allston: 626 sq ft

If you’re looking for an affordable neighborhood near Boston’s universities, nightlife, and public transportation, Allston is worth considering. The average rent in Allston is only $2,908 per month for a one-bedroom apartment, making it affordable compared to Downtown Boston and other central neighborhoods.

The nearby Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) stations put renters within easy reach of Harvard University, restaurants, bars, and entertainment venues. Brighton Music Hall, Christian Herter Park, and the Charles River are also nearby.

Jamaica Plain

• Average rent for a one-bedroom in Jamaica Plain: $3,068/month
• Average one-bedroom size in Jamaica Plain: 622 sq ft

Jamaica Plain is widely recognized as one of Boston’s greenest and most diverse neighborhoods. The average rent in Jamaica Plain is $3,068 per month, which is still below the city average but higher than the other neighborhoods on this list.

Located about five minutes outside of Downtown Boston, residents in Jamaica Plain find that the price is well worth the cost tradeoff. Popular parks like Olmstead Park, Southwest Corridor Park, and Mozart Park make Jamaica Plain one of Boston’s greenest neighborhoods. Harvard University’s Arnold Arboretum also contributes to the area’s natura beauty.  

Find One-Bedroom Apartments in Boston on Apartments.com

The apartment search process can be challenging, especially in a competitive rental market like Boston. With advanced search filters, Apartments.com allows renters to browse thousands of listings by price, floor plan, and square footage. Your one-bedroom apartment in Boston is waiting for you on Apartments.com!

This article was originally published on May 22, 2019 by Megan Bullock.