Boston Rents Are Going Down

"Rents in the Boston-Cambridge-Newton metro are easing as 2025 comes to a close, signaling a shift in one of the nation's most expensive rental markets. The Realtor.com® November 2025 Rental Report shows that asking rents are finally pulling back after years of intense pressure, though costs remain high by any standard. Article continues below this ad For renters across Greater Boston, the trend offers relief-but unfortunately, not a reset."

"Even with that decline, Boston remains one of the most expensive rental markets in the country. The median asking rent sits far above the national average, and affordability remains out of reach for many lower-wage households. Two minimum-wage earners in the Boston area would each need to work about 77 hours per week to afford the median rental while keeping housing costs at 30% of income."

Rents in the Boston-Cambridge-Newton metro eased as 2025 ended, with median asking rent for 0- to 2-bedroom units down 2.5% year over year to $2,870 in November. The metro remains one of the nation’s most expensive rental markets and affordability remains out of reach for many lower-wage households; two minimum-wage earners would each need to work about 77 hours per week to afford the median rental at 30% of income. Nationwide, the median asking rent across the 50 largest metros fell to $1,693 in November, down 1% year over year and marking 28 consecutive months of declines.

Read at SFGATE