Cost of Living in Boston 2025:Housing, Food & Student Expenses

Boston is home to many things, from baked beans to beautiful historic sites; the city has so much to offer to its people. In the northeastern United States, Massachusetts Bay is home to the affluent city of Boston. It is not just the largest city in New England, but it is also the capital of the state of Massachusetts. Northeast's fastest-growing metro areas are rapidly advancing in the sectors of technology, medicine, and higher education.

 With a city population of over 654,423 people and a metro population exceeding 4.37 million, Boston has the largest population in Massachusetts and the 24th most populous city in the nation. It is considered a relatively safe city to live in and visit, and is most recognised for its extensive American history, well-liked attractions, and mouthwatering cuisine. The 48.4 square mile city in Suffolk County is a great place to live and offers inhabitants a metropolitan atmosphere.

Cost of Living in Boston Suburbs for International Students

However, if you plan to move to the city, you may want to know about the average living expenses in Boston. Being so high on the list of the USA’s most educated cities, you might think the average cost of living in Boston MA, for international students would also be high, but we are here to break it down for you.

A single adult needs about $1,20,000 every year to afford a comfortable lifestyle. While a family of four requires about $3,14,000. Even if there are no kids in a family, the basic expenses cost over $53,000 after taxes, a small family needs more than $1,10,000 after taxes, so it is very important to budget carefully. In this guide, we will tell you about average living expenses in Boston and how to reduce them. Keep reading to find a detailed guide on the average cost to live in Boston.

1. Rent

When it comes to the average cost to live in Boston, rent is the main concern. Boston’s rent growth has slowed down in 2025, rising just to 2 to 4% over the year after seeing much sharper increases in previous years. The larger apartments had the highest profits, while supply increased slightly, providing many options to the renters. As of 2025, the monthly rent costs $3,836, making it one of the most expensive cities in the US. Studio and one-bedroom apartments cost an average $2,900 to $3,500, and costly neighborhoods charge over $4,000. 

How to save on rent?
To save rent expenses, share the expenses with your roommates, search in outer neighborhoods like Allston or St. Elizabeth’s. Try to negotiate over lease terms, choose older or smaller apartments to keep the costs manageable. 

2. Apartments and student housing

Among the total expenses in Boston, housing is the main concern. The type of student housing you choose will play a crucial role in determining your total average Boston life cost. You will have several options to choose from, including on-campus and off-campus housing, private rentals, and purpose-built student accommodations (PBSAs). PBSAs are residential communities designed with students in mind, and they come fully equipped with all the necessary utilities. If you're looking for affordable and comfortable student apartments in Boston, PBSAs are your best option. Plus, you can get your home away from home in some of the best areas in Boston, including Seaport and Beacon Hill.  The average apartment rent costs from $3,300–$3,500 per month, and the student housing costs are also high. 

Off-campus housing - Rent for a single-bedroom apartment costs over $2,800 per month. Student-friendly neighborhoods like Allston or Brighton have shared apartments that cost around $1,800–$2,400 per person.
‍On campus housing- The on-campus housing ranges from $1,500-$3000 monthly, and modern student apartments are around $2,740 every month, depending on facilities and location. At Boston University, the on-campus housing costs range from $17,050 to over $22,700 for the academic year, sometimes without a meal plan. Boston College charges $15,602 for the year, including housing and meal plans. 
‍Other options- In Boston, students have various housing options other than the traditional university halls, including Purpose-Built Student Accommodation (PBSA), Build-to-Rent (BTR) developments, and Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs) that range from $1,138 to $3,000+ per month.

How to save on student housing costs?‍

To save on housing and apartments, there are shared apartments that will help a lot with housing costs. Students can consider HMOs for lower rent and share the apartments. BTRs provide affordable rent prices with community benefits. Additionally, you can look into available student discounts for housing or negotiate rental prices with landlords. 

3. Transportation Expenses 

You must take your travel expenses into account when calculating your average cost to live in Boston. When it comes to Boston, it is known for having a well-organized and reliable transportation system and a variety of public transit choices, including cabs, trains, and subways. 

Bus- Bus transportation is an important part of Boston's public transportation system, offering a reliable and affordable option for commuters and tourists alike. The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) operates an extensive network of bus routes that serve the Greater Boston area, providing connections to subway and commuter rail lines.
Trams- In recent years, the MBTA has reintroduced tram service to some areas of the city. The Green Line, one of the four subway lines operated by the MBTA, includes several branches. These branches provide connections to popular destinations, such as Fenway Park and Boston University(BU). While the trams can become crowded during peak hours, they offer a comfortable and efficient way to get around the city, with stops located close to many popular tourist destinations and neighborhoods. With affordable fares and frequent service, tram transportation in Boston is a great option for those who want to cut down their cost of living in Boston suburbs.
Other options- There are monthly MBTA Link Passes for subway and buses that cost around $90. The commuter rail passes depend on zones and range from $90- $426. The ride-sharing fares vary with surging prices. If you are trying to own a car, there are high annual insurance costs of around $2,100, and the downtown parking is also costly.

How can you save on travel costs?‍

One option is to take advantage of public transportation systems, such as buses or trains, which are typically more affordable than driving a car or taking a taxi. If you need to drive, you can try carpooling with friends or classmates to split the cost of gas and parking. Additionally, you can consider biking or walking to your destination if it's feasible. Finally, you can look for discounts on transportation passes or tickets, such as student discounts or monthly passes, to save money in the long run. 

4. Food and Groceries Expenses

We cannot overlook the price of groceries and food in the cost of living in Boston USA because they vary from person to person; these costs are more difficult to calculate. A student, though, will likely spend $110 - $160 per week on food. The groceries are higher in Boston than the national average, but it also depends on your cooking habits. The following is a list of some of the most frequent meals and shopping expenses for college students:

How can you save on your food expenses?

One of the most effective methods to reduce your average living expenses in Boston is to cook easy recipes at home rather than eating out or ordering in. This not only saves money but also allows you to control the ingredients and nutritional content of your meals. Additionally, you can save money by buying groceries in bulk, looking for sales and discounts, shopping discount websites, and meal planning to reduce food waste. Another approach is to bring your lunch to school or work instead of buying it, which can, in turn, cut down your Boston living costs.

5. Utility expenses 

Depending on where you live and how frequently you use these utilities, the monthly cost of electricity, hot water, heating, and cooling can range from $230 to $270. WiFi typically costs between $60 and $80 a month. Below is the breakdown of the costs.

How can you save on utilities?

Renting a flat with friends will lower your Boston living expenses because utilities are paid by the household rather than by each individual. To reduce the cost of living, you might choose Boston student housing, where all utilities are included in the rent. 

6. Tuition expenses 

To begin, let's focus on your largest expense when it comes to the cost of living in Boston, and that is your tuition fees. The cost of tuition varies depending on the university and program you have chosen, and each university in Boston has its own unique cost of attendance. Additionally, you must factor in various fees associated with your education, such as registration, tuition, management, exams, and graduation costs. Please remember that the tuition fee varies according to the courses.

1. Harvard University- As of 2025, the US ranks 3rd among other national universities in the US. In 2021, Harvard University was the top university in the Country. The oldest higher education institution in the US, Harvard University, was established in 1636 and is now home to 23,700 students. The average tuition fee of the university is around $30,000 to $60,000. 
2. Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) - The Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), is situated on 168 acres of land in Cambridge, facing Boston across the Charles River. It is now ranked as the third-best university in the US by the USA rankings, with over 11 thousand students on board. MIT enrolls over 11,000 students, and the average tuition fee is approximately $30,000 to $60,000. 
3. Boston University - Boston University (BU), a private research institution situated in West Boston, is now ranked 41st in the United States. With more than 300 degree options, the university now has over 16,900 undergraduate and over 15,600 graduate students enrolled. The average tuition fee of the University is around $30,000 to $70,000.

How can you save on tuition fees?

Apply for scholarships or grants, which can significantly reduce your overall Boston living costs. Take advantage of advanced placement courses or exams, potentially allowing you to earn college credit for less money than traditional coursework. Whatever method you choose, it's essential to do your research and consider all options available to you to make the most informed decision possible.

7. Miscellaneous Expenses

Your Boston price of living as a student will be considerably impacted by the money you spend on recreation. Your spending plan will cover the cost of your gym membership, shopping, outings, food cravings, museum visits, and sporting events. T

Personal care and clothing- Personal grooming services like haircuts are $45.67, salon visits are $66.76, and dry cleaning costs average around $20.32.
Shopping- Men’s clothing costs around $39.88, women’s slacks are around $33.64, and children’s jeans are around $25.45
Entertainment-  The typical monthly expenses, including outings, eating out, sports, and cultural events, range from $60 to $80. 

Miscellaneous expenses can add up quickly and significantly impact your overall budget. However, there are several ways to reduce the living cost in Boston Massachusetts. The cost of living in Boston suburbs as a student can be a little too much; hence, it is important that students keep track of their expenses. This may include subscriptions or memberships you no longer use, buying coffee or snacks daily, or impulse purchases. Additionally, you can limit your entertainment expenses by opting for free activities or events, such as hiking or visiting local museums. Finally, it's important to create. Track your expenses regularly, and do the budget as needed to ensure you're staying on track. 

Tips on Reducing the Cost of Living in Boston for International Students

For students, the standard of living in Boston presents many challenges, particularly housing, which is more than double the national average. This creates immense financial problems, impacting students' mental health and even academic performance due to stress. This forces many students to work part-time and leads to burnout. The housing crisis, competition for limited rental houses, expensive rental market, and steep costs make it scary for international students who are planning to move to Boston.  Here are some strategies that can help save a lot on the Boston MA cost of living.

1. Share an apartment with roommates to ensure the expenses are split equally.
2. Use public transportation. Take advantage of monthly passes, walk or bike instead.
3. Always cook at home, buy groceries in bulk using a shopping list.
4. Take advantage of the student discounts available for everything, like transport, entertainment, etc.
5. Search for Boston’s free entertainment events, lectures, and other activities.
6. Track your income, create a budget, and manage expenses well using budgeting apps. 

World-class universities, diverse cultural experiences, healthcare, finance, and strong tech career opportunities are the top benefits of living in Boston. Its rich history, walkable areas, and strong student community attract international students easily. We hope this blog helped you understand the average cost to live in Boston and what you can do to reduce the expenses. Feel free to use this guide as a reference when you create your budget because managing your finances is not always simple. If you plan to study in the US, give Boston a try! There is a lot to see, do, and discover in Boston!