Is it OK to live in a studio apartment?

Absolutely — getting established in a new city is a marathon, not a sprint, and renting an efficiency or studio apartment in Boston is a great step along your journey. Whether you’re a first-time renter or an experienced pro, consider whether the apartment is affordable, safe, and comfortable. If it meets those criteria, your space is perfect. The only thing left to do is make it home. And if you decide to search for an apartment with a little more space in the future, Apartment List will be there to help.

What part of Boston has the cheapest rent?

Boston’s median rent prices and cost of living are higher than the national average. But with access to top-notch education, incredible historical landmarks, and plentiful green spaces, the city is definitely worth the price. Median rents throughout Boston are: - 1BR : $2,315/month - 2BR : $2,483/month But if you’re looking for a Boston studio apartment for rent in more budget-friendly neighborhoods, consider these options: - Dorchester Center : This diverse and vibrant community is perfect for young professionals. - Malden : If you’re looking for a suburban feel and accessibility to downtown Boston, check out this neighborhood . - Jamaica Plain : With tree-lined streets and an artistic vibe, creatives will feel at home. - Fort Hill : This close-knit community is an ideal place for history buffs. - Savin Hill : Retirees and students appreciate the waterfront views and quiet, laid-back vibe here.

How do you live in Boston for cheap?

If you want to live on a budget, the first step is to avoid Boston apartments in luxury areas like Commonwealth Ave or Louisburg Square. Another hack is to make the most of transportation options. Boston has extensive public transit as well as biking and walking trails for the frugal commuter. Finally, the city has plenty of free attractions to keep you entertained. The culturally minded will enjoy the Harvard Peabody Museum of Archaeology and Ethnology, while outdoor lovers can stretch their legs at Walden Pond and Boston Common.

Start your Boston search

How many bedrooms do you need?

Studio Apartments for Rent in Boston, MA

161 rentals available

Avalon at Prudential Center
770 Boylston Street, Boston, MA 02199
(858) 413-9396
$2,865+ moTotal price12-mo lease
Rent Savings
13 units available
Studio • 1 bed • 2 bed
Amenities
24hr laundry, Patio / balcony, Granite counters, Hardwood floors, Dishwasher, Cats allowed + more
Luxurious Convenience
Luxurious apartments with unbeatable location in Boston.
Experience luxury living at Avalon at Prudential Center, where residents enjoy the comfort of furnished and unfurnished apartments in the heart of Boston. The property boasts an unbeatable location with shopping, dining, and public transportation just steps away. Residents enjoy modern conveniences, including a 24-hour gym and prompt maintenance services.
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Avalon Brighton
139 Washington Street, Boston, MA 02135
(815) 991-4763
$3,470+ moTotal price12-mo lease
Rent Savings
16 units available
Studio • 1 bed • 2 bed • 3 bed
Amenities
In unit laundry, Patio / balcony, Hardwood floors, Dishwasher, Pet friendly, 24hr maintenance + more
Prime Location
Luxury living near downtown Boston and Cambridge.
Avalon Brighton offers luxury living with modern, open-concept kitchens featuring quartz countertops and stainless steel appliances. Enjoy a vibrant lifestyle with easy access to downtown Boston and Cambridge. Residents rave about the attentive management and the well-equipped fitness and co-working spaces. Cats and dogs are welcome, and there's a charming pet park for your furry friends.
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Avalon Exeter
77 Exeter Street, Boston, MA 02199
(619) 350-0058
$3,485+ moTotal price12-mo lease
Rent Savings
12 units available
Studio • 1 bed • 2 bed
Amenities
In unit laundry, Hardwood floors, Dishwasher, Pet friendly, 24hr maintenance, Garage + more
Luxury Living
Prime Location with Stunning City Views
Avalon Exeter offers a magnificent lifestyle in Boston’s vibrant Back Bay area. This property not only boasts breathtaking views of Boston and the Charles River but provides direct underground access to the Prudential Center and Star Market, enhancing convenience and comfort. Residents love the luxurious amenities, from a well-equipped fitness center to attentive concierge services, and the perks of being a pet-friendly community.
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AVA Back Bay
790 Boylston Street, Boston, MA 02199
(424) 365-8569
$2,660+ moTotal price12-mo lease
Rent Savings
9 units available
Studio • 2 bed
Amenities
In unit laundry, Granite counters, Hardwood floors, Dishwasher, Cats allowed, 24hr maintenance + more
Luxury Amenities
Unmatched location and modern comforts.
AVA Back Bay in Boston boasts an unmatched location, offering easy access to restaurants, shopping, and public transit. Residents appreciate its modern amenities, such as a state-of-the-art fitness center and spacious modern kitchens. Reviews rave about the welcoming community and the friendly, responsive management.
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100 Pier 4
100 Pier 4 Blvd., Boston, MA 02210
(617) 944-5371
$2,913+ moTotal price12-mo lease
Rent Savings
22 units available
Studio • 1 bed • 2 bed
Amenities
In unit laundry, Patio / balcony, Granite counters, Pet friendly, Garage, Stainless steel + more
Iconic Views
Luxury living with stunning harbor views, premier amenities.
Experience elevated living at 100 Pier 4, situated in Boston's lively Seaport District. This striking 21-story complex offers breathtaking harbor views and luxurious interiors with granite countertops and stainless steel appliances. Residents delight in top-tier amenities such as a state-of-the-art fitness center, scenic outdoor pool, and exclusive resident lounge. Cats and dogs are welcome to enjoy this vibrant lifestyle.
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345 Harrison Avenue
345 Harrison Ave, Boston, MA 02118
(857) 214-8341
$3,008+ moTotal price12-mo lease
Rent Savings
27 units available
Studio • 1 bed • 2 bed • 3 bed
Amenities
Patio / balcony, Granite counters, Pet friendly, Garage, Stainless steel, Walk in closets + more
Luxury Living
Luxurious city views and resort amenities await you.
Experience unmatched luxury at 345 Harrison Avenue in Boston's South End, where stunning downtown views meet modern elegance. Indulge in top-tier amenities such as a resort-style pool and expansive fitness center. Residents adore the vibrant neighborhood with convenient access to Whole Foods, dining, and transportation just steps away.
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Dot Block
1211 Dorchester Avenue, Boston, MA 02125
(617) 405-3210
$2,530+ moTotal price12-mo lease
Rent Savings
38 units available
Studio • 1 bed • 2 bed • 3 bed
Amenities
In unit laundry, Patio / balcony, Hardwood floors, Dishwasher, Pet friendly, Garage + more
Cultural Hub
Experience Boston's vibrant culture steps from your door.
Dot Block offers a vibrant cultural experience in Boston's bustling Columbia Point neighborhood. With easy access to eateries, music venues, and parks, there's always something to explore. Residents love the resort-like amenities, such as a pool and outdoor seating, making everyday living enjoyable.
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Hub50House
50 Causeway Street, Boston, MA 02114
(334) 471-4215
$2,772+ moTotal price12-mo lease
Rent Savings
33 units available
Studio • 1 bed • 2 bed • 3 bed
Amenities
In unit laundry, Nest technology, Patio / balcony, Hardwood floors, Dishwasher, Pet friendly + more
Prime Location
Central Boston luxury with top-tier amenities
Hub50House offers a vibrant urban retreat in Downtown Boston. Residents enjoy the convenience of nearby TD Garden and North Station, perfect for easy event access and transport connectivity. Pets are warmly welcomed here, with both dogs and cats allowed. State-of-the-art amenities, including a stunning rooftop pool and 15th-floor lounge, ensure a lavish living experience.
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The Anchorage
$2,380
103 9th Street, Boston, MA 02129
(774) 305-8660
1 unit available
Studio
Amenities
On-site laundry, Patio / balcony, Dishwasher, Garage, 24hr gym, and Air conditioning
Recently updated units
100 Brainerd Rd.
$2,025
100 Brainerd Road, Boston, MA 02134
(617) 383-5290
1 unit available
Studio
Recently updated units
33 Gloucester St.
$2,800
33 Gloucester Street, Boston, MA 02116
(617) 913-5660
1 unit available
Studio
Amenities
Hardwood floors and Recently renovated
Recently updated units
1846 Commonwealth Ave.
$1,875
1846 Commonwealth Avenue, Boston, MA 02135
(860) 424-2782
1 unit available
Studio
Amenities
Hardwood floors, Recently renovated, and Some paid utils
Recently updated units
63 Woodstock Ave.
$2,040
63 Woodstock Avenue, Boston, MA 02135
(617) 792-4156
1 unit available
Studio
Amenities
On-site laundry and Some paid utils
Convenient Location
Spacious Living with Excellent Transport Links
63 Woodstock Ave offers a spacious one-bedroom plus alcove apartment, beautifully nestled near public transport. Residents value its cleanliness and well-maintained interiors, alongside the convenience of having a T station within walking distance. Experience the ease of city living with a heat and hot water included package, making it a great value choice.
Recently updated units
11 Royce Rd.
$1,975
11 Royce Road, Boston, MA 02134
(860) 424-2782
1 unit available
Studio
Amenities
On-site laundry, Dishwasher, Recently renovated, and Some paid utils
Convenience Plus
Prime location near public transport, no fee required.
11 Royce Rd. stands out with no broker fee, cat-friendly policies, and utilities included. Residents appreciate its prime location near the Green Line B Train, providing easy access to Boston University and Harvard Square. The on-site laundry makes everyday living convenient, enhancing the overall appeal.
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235 Harrison Ave.
$2,025
235 Harrison Avenue, Boston, MA 02111
(617) 792-4156
1 unit available
Studio
Amenities
On-site laundry
Modern Comfort
Prime location with modern features and amenities.
235 Harrison Ave. offers spacious and modern apartments praised for their contemporary design and cleanliness. The building is in a prime location, providing easy access to public transportation, restaurants, and shopping. Residents enjoy an on-site fitness center and commend the responsive and helpful management and maintenance teams.
Recently updated units
281 Franklin St.
$2,890
281 Franklin Street, Boston, MA 02110
(508) 348-7737
1 unit available
Studio
Amenities
In unit laundry, Dishwasher, Recently renovated, Stainless steel, Air conditioning, Hot tub + more
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1 Bedroom Apartments in Boston (373)

Price

Amenities

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Boston Short-term Apartments (54)

Explore Studio Apartments for Rent in Boston

Boston, Massachusetts has a lively combination of sporting events, cultural attractions, and educational opportunities blending into the historic landscape. An eclectic population calls the city home, from college students to families to retirees.

Beantown residents have easy access to iconic landmarks like Fenway Park and Beacon Hill. Wandering amongst novelty shops and eateries in the Faneuil Hall Marketplace is a favorite activity for many. Others prefer educational outings like visiting the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum or the New England Aquarium. And for outdoor enthusiasts, there are plenty of walks through the Boston Public Garden or along the Charles River Pathway.

With so much to explore, it’s no wonder so many people want to move to Boston. But in such a competitive rental market, you need a better apartment-hunting strategy than typing “studio apartment for rent near me” into Google.

Thankfully, Apartment List is here to help. When you complete our Renter Quiz, you’ll get a curated list of Boston studio apartments matching your specific criteria, like budget, amenities, and neighborhood. Even a complex search for a pet-friendly studio in Boston with laundry facilities and air conditioning is simple, letting you find your dream home faster than ever.

The city offers a wide range of housing options, but if you’re a student, a young professional, or just on a budget, renting a studio apartment in Boston may be your best bet. Not only is it easier on your pocketbook, but its compact size is also simpler to maintain, letting you enjoy everything The City on a Hill offers. Plus, you build the home you want without consulting roommates — an important consideration for folks enrolled in one of Boston’s 35 colleges or universities.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Absolutely — getting established in a new city is a marathon, not a sprint, and renting an efficiency or studio apartment in Boston is a great step along your journey. Whether you’re a first-time renter or an experienced pro, consider whether the apartment is affordable, safe, and comfortable. If it meets those criteria, your space is perfect. The only thing left to do is make it home.
And if you decide to search for an apartment with a little more space in the future, Apartment List will be there to help.
Boston’s median rent prices and cost of living are higher than the national average. But with access to top-notch education, incredible historical landmarks, and plentiful green spaces, the city is definitely worth the price.
Median rents throughout Boston are:
- - 1BR: $2,315/month
- - 2BR: $2,483/month
But if you’re looking for a Boston studio apartment for rent in more budget-friendly neighborhoods, consider these options:
- - Dorchester Center: This diverse and vibrant community is perfect for young professionals.
- - Malden: If you’re looking for a suburban feel and accessibility to downtown Boston, check out this neighborhood.
- - Jamaica Plain: With tree-lined streets and an artistic vibe, creatives will feel at home.
- - Fort Hill: This close-knit community is an ideal place for history buffs.
- - Savin Hill: Retirees and students appreciate the waterfront views and quiet, laid-back vibe here.
If you want to live on a budget, the first step is to avoid Boston apartments in luxury areas like Commonwealth Ave or Louisburg Square. Another hack is to make the most of transportation options. Boston has extensive public transit as well as biking and walking trails for the frugal commuter.
Finally, the city has plenty of free attractions to keep you entertained. The culturally minded will enjoy the Harvard Peabody Museum of Archaeology and Ethnology, while outdoor lovers can stretch their legs at Walden Pond and Boston Common.

Studio Apartments for Rent in Boston, MA

Avalon at Prudential Center

Avalon Brighton

Avalon Exeter

AVA Back Bay

100 Pier 4

345 Harrison Avenue

Dot Block

Hub50House

The Anchorage

100 Brainerd Rd.

33 Gloucester St.

1846 Commonwealth Ave.

63 Woodstock Ave.

11 Royce Rd.

235 Harrison Ave.

281 Franklin St.