Housing in Boston, United States
Boston is a vibrant hub for international students and young professionals, renowned for its rich history, innovation, and world-class educational institutions. Home to prestigious universities like Harvard, MIT, Boston College, and Boston University, the city attracts bright minds from all over the globe. Its diverse neighborhoods, thriving job market, and strong focus on industries like finance, technology, and healthcare make it an ideal place to launch a career. With excellent public transportation, a bustling cultural scene, and countless networking opportunities, Boston offers the perfect mix of academic excellence and professional growth in a welcoming and dynamic environment.
Boston in Numbers
66000
66
international students
44
universities and colleges
40
%
of students live off-campus
Most popular universities in Boston
Notable internship opportunities in Boston
An Overview of the Student Housing Market in Boston
These are some of the homes EduMoves helped find for incoming students in 2024:
*utilities not included
Studio/1-bed
starting from $2,200 per month
Studio/1-bed
starting from $2,200 per month
3-bed apartment
starting from $3,600 per month
approx. $1,200 per person*
3-bed apartment
starting from $3,600 per month approx. $1,200 per person*
2-bed apartment
starting from $3,200 per month
approx. $1,600 per person*
starting from $3,200 per month approx. $1,600 per person*
2-bed apartment
4-bed apartment
starting from $3,800 per month
approx. $950 per person*
4-bed apartment
starting from $3,800 per month approx. $950 per person*
5+ beds
starting from $4,500 per month
approx. $900 per person*
5+ beds
starting from $4,500 per month approx. $900 per person*
Important Information About Boston
Immigration
If you're an international student planning to study in the U.S., it's important to start your visa process at least 4–5 months before arriving in Boston. The two main visa types are F-1 and J-1.
Required Documents for Housing Application
To secure approval from a landlord, you’ll need to present your:
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DS-2019 or I-20 visa form,
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passport,
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proof of sufficient funds,
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and complete the housing application.
If your application is approved, the landlord will request a security deposit, which is typically paid via wire transfer.
Utilities
In Boston, sewer and water are typically included in your rent. However, you’ll need to budget for additional utilities, including:
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electricity (around $35 per person),
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internet ($10–$15 per person),
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and gas (approximately $50 per person).
During winter, heating costs can range from $50 to $150 per person, depending on usage and insulation.
Additionally, a mobile phone plan usually costs $15–$25 per month. EduMoves helps to set up the accounts and find exclusive discounts.
Upfront Fee / Broker's Fee
In Boston, broker’s fees are typically equal to one month’s rent and are divided among all housemates. For example, if the total rent is $4,000 and your share is $1,000 per month, you would pay a one-time broker’s fee of $1,000.
Upfront payments are very common, with landlords typically requiring four months’ worth of rent in advance: first and last month’s rent, broker’s fee, and a security deposit. Using the same example, each tenant would need to pay $4,000 upfront when signing the lease.
Job Opportunities
for Students
The F-1 visa is the most common for full-time students, allowing on-campus work for up to 20 hours per week during the semester. Off-campus employment is restricted unless you qualify for Optional Practical Training (OPT) or Curricular Practical Training (CPT).
The J-1 visa, often issued for exchange programs, permits off-campus work with prior approval from your program sponsor. Students can easily find jobs in dining halls, libraries, or as research assistants, with wages typically ranging from $12 to $16 per hour, sometimes untaxed.
Summer employment requires CPT or OPT authorization for F-1 students.
Public Transportation
In Boston, public transportation is primarily managed by the MBTA (Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority).
A one-way subway fare costs $2.40, while a bus ride is $1.70 when using a CharlieCard.
For frequent riders, an unlimited monthly subway and bus pass is available for $90, while a student discount pass costs $30 per month.
Biking is also a popular option, with Bluebikes offering a $29 monthly membership or $119 annually for unlimited 45-minute rides.
Activities in Boston
Boston's oldest, largest and best-known art institution, the MFA houses one of the world's most comprehensive art collections and is renowned for its Impressionist paintings, Asian and Egyptian collections and early American art.
The three-story Mapparium globe shows the world at one moment in time—1935. A short narration lets you consider the world before World War II from an entirely different perspective—from the inside of the world looking out.
The Boston Tea Party Ships and Museum is a history lesson you won’t forget. Relive the event that started the American Revolution with historical interpreters, interactive exhibits, and full-scale replicas of 18th-century sailing vessels.
Relive the Kennedy era in this dynamic combination museum and library, where your visit starts with a short film and then leaves you on your own to explore a series of fascinating exhibits, including the Kennedy-Nixon debate, the Cuban Missile Crisis, the space program, 1960s campaign paraphernalia and displays about Jacqueline and other Kennedy family members.
A Venetian palace in the middle of Boston, Gardner's home is now a museum displaying her impressive, eclectic collection of European, American and Asian art, including sculpture, paintings, furniture, ceramics and textiles. Visitors can stroll or rest in a spectacular skylit courtyard filled with plants and flowers.
Boston Housing Survey
Thank you for putting your trust in EduMoves. We have stopped accepting new applications for 2025-2026 Boston housing season due to huge tenant demand.
See you in 2026!
Boston's Best, according to EduMoves
Attend a Red Sox Game at Fenway Park
Even if you're not a huge baseball fan, the energy at Fenway is electric. Look out for student deals and standing-room tickets to experience one of the most iconic sports venues in the U.S. on a budget. EduMoves clients will receive exclusive discounts for the tickets, costing less than $10/person.
Exploring Seaport: Boston’s Trendiest Neighborhood
Boston Duck Tour: A Fun & Unique Way to Explore the City
The Boston Duck Tour is a must-do experience for students looking to see the city in a fun and unconventional way. This land-and-water tour takes place on an amphibious WWII-style vehicle (the “Duck”), starting on the streets of Boston before splashing into the Charles River for incredible skyline views.
