- Determine Budget & Location
Step 2: Determine your budget and location to live
What is your budget? Where do you want to live?
Boston is a wonderful city with many interesting and diverse neighborhoods. Each neighborhood offers a different atmosphere, as well as different price ranges on rental property. A list of brief descriptions of areas is available here on the website (Neighborhoods). This list has been compiled to give students new to our city an idea of the types of environments available in Boston. There are a variety of neighborhoods from which to choose.
Realtors are an excellent resource. They really know about the neighborhoods in which they work. If you can, it is best to contact a few different realtors before you come for your first visit to Boston. Once you feel that you know which neighborhood you want to live in, you can continue working with the agent of your choice. Be aware that most agents could charge a finders’ fee (this fee is often equal to one month’s rent).
Note: Suffolk University cannot accept responsibility for student satisfaction with any selected area. Because the housing choice is one of a personal nature, we strongly suggest that students visit and tour areas before signing a lease.
Monthly rental rates vary according to location, number of bedrooms and condition of the apartment. Most apartments are not furnished and listed prices may not include utilities. Below are approximate rental costs in some neighborhoods for your reference.
| Neighborhood | Studio | 1 bedroom | 2 bedroom | 3 bedroom |
| Allston/Brighton | $850-1000 | $1000-1300 | $1300-1800 | $1800-2300 |
| Back Bay/Fenway | $900-1150 | $1200-1500 | $1600-2200 | $2000-2750 |
| Beacon Hill | $900-1300 | $1100-1800 | $1600-2400 | $1900-2700 |
| North End | $900-1200 | $1200-1600 | $1600-2200 | $1800-2600 |
What should you consider when choosing an apartment?
You might want to know what the apartment could offer as well as important amenities and things you should look out for. It is suggested that you make a list of the essentials and important aspects of your ideal living situation. OCHO has prepared a list of questions to consider when choosing a place to live.