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

148 rentals available

Adams Village
725-735 Adams Street, Boston, MA 02124
(617) 997-4973
$2,030+ moTotal price12-mo lease
7 units available
Studio • 2 bed
Amenities
On-site laundry, Patio / balcony, Hardwood floors, Dishwasher, Pet friendly, 24hr maintenance + more
Commuter Friendly
Prime Dorchester location near Ashmont's vibrant community.
Adams Village is a top-choice community located in Dorchester's thriving Ashmont neighborhood. With the Ashmont Red Line station just half a mile away, commuting to Boston is seamless and efficient. Residents praise the convenient access to local shops, restaurants, and cultural attractions. Cats and dogs are welcome, making it an excellent choice for pet owners.
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5.0
Avalon North Station
1 Nashua St, Boston, MA 02114
(424) 347-1872
$2,645+ moTotal price12-mo lease
Rent Savings
Top rated for Location
“The apt itself is beautiful as are the building & amenities, and the entire staff at all levels are world class! It is the nicesT place i've ever lived! ;-)”
44 units available
Studio • 1 bed • 2 bed • 3 bed
Amenities
In unit laundry, Patio / balcony, Granite counters, Hardwood floors, Dishwasher, Pet friendly + more
Prime Location
Convenient Downtown and Public Transit Access
Avalon North Station enjoys a prime location in downtown Boston, providing seamless access to public transportation, shopping, and entertainment. The pet-friendly community impresses with its state-of-the-art amenities like a spacious gym, yoga studio, and an awe-inspiring rooftop terrace. Reviewers love the exceptional service offered by the friendly maintenance staff, ensuring a delightful living experience.
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Avalon Brighton
139 Washington Street, Boston, MA 02135
(815) 991-4763
$3,250+ 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
11 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
$3,087+ moTotal price12-mo lease
Rent Savings
8 units available
Studio • 1 bed • 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
23 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
28 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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Hub50House
50 Causeway Street, Boston, MA 02114
(334) 471-4215
$2,934+ moTotal price12-mo lease
Rent Savings
34 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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10 Armington St.
$1,875
10 Armington Street, Boston, MA 02134
(617) 804-5655
1 unit available
Studio
Recently updated units
96 Washington St.
$1,867
96 Washington Street, Boston, MA 02135
(860) 424-2782
1 unit available
Studio
Amenities
Granite counters, Hardwood floors, Parking, Recently renovated, Elevator, and Some paid utils
Recently updated units
142 Dorchester St.
$2,100
142 Dorchester Street, Boston, MA 02127
(617) 739-2211
1 unit available
Studio
Amenities
On-site laundry, Hardwood floors, All utils included, Air conditioning, Microwave, and Internet access
Recently updated units
89 Chester St.
$1,950
89 Chester Street, Boston, MA 02134
(617) 708-4547
1 unit available
Studio
Amenities
Hardwood floors, Dishwasher, Some paid utils, and Range
Recently updated units
15 Union St
$3,350
15 Union Street, Boston, MA 02109
(617) 855-9576
1 unit available
Studio
Amenities
Hardwood floors, Air conditioning, Internet access, Furnished, Range, and Refrigerator
Chic Comfort
Elegant Studio in Boston's Heart
Experience the charm of this elegantly furnished studio in the heart of Boston's vibrant Faneuil Hall area. With modern design touches and luxurious furnishings, this residence promises a comfortable and stylish retreat. Residents praise its prime location and the seamless blend of design and convenience.
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614 Massachusetts Ave
$2,100
614 Massachusetts Avenue, Boston, MA 02118
(413) 320-3289
1 unit available
Studio
Amenities
On-site laundry, Granite counters, Hardwood floors, Recently renovated, Stainless steel, and Some paid utils
All-Inclusive Living
All-included utilities in a vibrant, lively neighborhood!
614 Massachusetts Ave offers a vibrant lifestyle in Boston's South End, known for its array of dining, shopping, and entertainment options just steps away. The modern kitchens with stainless appliances enhance culinary experiences, while spacious bedrooms provide a tranquil retreat. With heat, hot water, and electricity included, this property offers great value.
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592 Cambridge Street
$1,825
592 Cambridge Street, Boston, MA 02134
(617) 378-2562
1 unit available
Studio
Amenities
Cats allowed
Recently updated units
22 Liberty Drive unit: 5L
$3,300
22 Liberty Drive, Boston, MA 02210
1 unit available
Studio
Amenities
In unit laundry, Hardwood floors, Parking, Gym, Air conditioning, and Concierge
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1 Bedroom Apartments in Boston (392)

Price

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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

Adams Village

Avalon North Station

Avalon Brighton

Avalon Exeter

AVA Back Bay

100 Pier 4

345 Harrison Avenue

Hub50House

10 Armington St.

96 Washington St.

142 Dorchester St.

89 Chester St.

15 Union St

614 Massachusetts Ave

592 Cambridge Street

22 Liberty Drive unit: 5L