The vibrant and historic city of Boston has something for everyone. Nestled on the stunning North American coastline, it is one of the largest cities in New England and a hub of culture, education, and innovation. However, when it comes to the cost of living in Boston for international students, here’s the catch – The city fairly leans on the expensive side and before packing your bags for the infamous Beantown, make sure you have a clear idea of the expenses.
From housing options ranging from off-campus to on-campus accommodations, there’s something out there that won’t break your budget. Additionally, groceries and transportation costs remain relatively low compared with other parts of the US – making Boston a great city if you’re looking for value for your dollar. So, in this blog, we’ll explore the cost of living in Boston, USA, in more detail.
We’ll also provide tips on how to save money while living in Boston and highlight some of the universities to study in, along with their fees. If you’re looking for tips on how to save money on your move to Boston itself (as well as a guide to fun things to do in Boston while you go to school here), check out this relocation-focused article as well.
Cost Of Living In Boston
Starting off with the average living expenses in Boston, be ready to spend between $2,286 (INR 1,90,212) and $2,843 (INR 2,36,582) per month as a student. You’ll likely discover that Boston’s higher cost of living is a worthwhile investment. This sea-side hotspot stands proudly in the top 2% of cities across the world, currently ranked at an impressive #121 on the global list of best places to call home. We’ve added a table explaining the cost of living in Boston below
| Particulars | Cost (Monthly) |
| Off-Campus Accommodation | $1,808 |
| On-Campus Accommodation | $1,251 |
| Transportation | $132 |
| Food Cost | $406 |
| Utility Cost | $181 |
| Entertainment | $60 |
| Groceries | $68 |
| Clothes | $108 |
| Health Insurance | $80 |
| Total Cost of Living with Off-Campus Accommodation | $2,843 |
| Total Cost of Living with On-Campus Accommodation | $2,286 |
| Annual Cost of Living | $34,116 |
What’s more, it holds the esteemed 39th position among the best cities to reside in within the United States, topping other cities like Los Angeles, New Orleans, Virginia Beach and even the tropical paradise of Honolulu. Let’s have a look at the other important factors of expenditure in this city:
Accommodation Costs In Boston
Boston offers a variety of housing options, from apartments to houses. Rent for apartments and houses in Boston is comparable, but it is higher than in other cities. The average monthly rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Boston is $1,700, while the average monthly rent for a two-bedroom house is $3,154. Our cost of living in Boston blog would be left incomplete if we didn’t add some of the city’s most friendly neighbourhoods for students; let’s get into those right away!
| Neighbourhood | Nearby Universities | Average Prices |
| Fenway/Kenmore | Boston University Northeastern University Colleges of the Fenway Harvard Medical School | Studio – $2,525 One Bedroom – $3,278 Two Bedroom – $4,047 Three Bedroom – $5,450 |
| Allston/Brighton | Harvard Business School Boston College Boston University Colleges of the Fenway Massachusetts Institute of Technology Harvard University | Allston: Studio – $2,705, One Bedroom – $1,830, Two Bedroom – $2,215, Three Bedroom – $3,320 Brighton: Studio – $1,762, One Bedroom – $2,194, Two Bedroom – $2,795, Three Bedroom – $3,618 |
| Jamaica Plain | Colleges of the Fenway Northeastern University Emerson College Boston University Harvard University Massachusetts Institute of Technology | Studio – $1,932 One Bedroom – $2,179 Two Bedroom – $2,735 Three Bedroom – $3,046 |
| Roxbury | Northeastern University Colleges of the Fenway | Studio – $1,871 One Bedroom – $1,692 Two Bedroom – $1,996 Three Bedroom – $2,527 |
| Dorchester | University of Massachusetts Massachusetts Institute of Technology Harvard University | Studio – $2,098 One Bedroom – $2,055 Two Bedroom – $2,169 Three Bedroom – $1,881 |
Transportation Costs In Boston
Navigating Boston’s transportation landscape will typically set you back around $132 per month. While relying solely on public transit is a popular choice, consider exploring alternative methods such as cycling or walking. Here’s a breakdown of the diverse ways you can get around in Boston:
Public Transportation: Boston’s efficient public transportation system provides an affordable alternative to driving. The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA), also known as the “T,” offers subway, commuter rail, ferry and bus services that can take you anywhere you need to go in the city.
Cycling: Bike lanes on most streets make cycling a convenient choice for quick commutes. Boston’s bike-sharing system, called Bluebikes, allows you to get a bike when you need one. Boston Bikes has also installed more than 3,600 bicycle parking spaces in the past seven years
Walking: Boston’s compact size allows you to walk to tourist, cultural, and entertainment spots faster than retrieving your car from a hotel parking lot, avoiding the stress of Boston’s traffic and the expensive parking hunt at your destination. Also, walking will make your cost of living in Boston much cheaper!
Airport: Boston’s international airport facilitates easy travel to destinations near and far.
Education Expenses In Boston
When it comes to education, Boston is truly a gem in the United States. The city boasts a cluster of prestigious universities like Harvard University, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Boston University, Northeastern University and Tufts University, to name just a few. It’s no wonder that many of Boston’s universities consistently secure their spots among the crème de la crème of global higher education. Let’s have a look at some more of these universities in Boston along with their fees and rankings:
| Name of the University | Average Fees | QS Ranking 2024 |
| Harvard University | $55,587 | #4 |
| Massachusetts Institute of Technology | $59,750 | #12 |
| Boston University | $59,816 | #93 |
| Tufts University | $35,68 | #275 |
| Northeastern University | $31,000 | #375 |
| Boston College | $64,176 | #631-640 |
| University of Massachusetts Boston | $36,105 | #801-850 |
| Suffolk University | $44,812 | #151-600 |
| Babson College | $56,032 | #151-600 |
| Simmons College | $44,208 | #51-70 |
Healthcare
They say that in Boston, you’re never far from a hospital or medical centre. The Massachusetts Department of Public Health underscores this fact, listing a staggering 15 acute care hospitals within the city limits alone. And that’s not even counting the numerous other medical facilities and hospital satellite locations that further enrich Boston’s impressive healthcare scenario.
Entertainment
From the enchanting allure of Chinatown to the culinary delights of Little Italy, Boston offers a myriad of unique environments, each distinct from the bustling Downtown scene.
Here are some of the things you can do as a student in Boston:
Explore the city’s rich history at the Freedom Trail and the Paul Revere House
Experience the city’s vibrant culture at the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston and the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum.
Cheer on the Boston Red Sox at Fenway Park.
Sample delicious food from all over the world in Chinatown, Little Italy, and other ethnic neighbourhoods.
Tips On How To Finance Your Cost Of Living In Boston
When it comes to financing right and building up your wealth, here are some top tips to live by in Boston:
Seek Out Free Fun: Boston offers a multitude of free events and activities; it’s all about finding them through online research, mailing lists and word of mouth.
Spend Smartly: Prioritise what matters most to you when spending. Enjoy low-cost alternatives like food trucks and cosy nights with friends. Create savings accounts for special outings to keep your budget on track.
Avoid Lifestyle Creep: Resist the urge to splurge as income grows. Keep rent and other costs stable, saving more instead.
Embrace Walking: With Boston’s compact layout, walking is not only healthy but also budget-friendly, saving on transportation expenses.
Explore the City: Combat boredom by taking strolls and discovering the city’s offerings. You’ll often find that simply being out and about is entertainment in itself.
Conclusion
We hope this blog has provided you with helpful insights into the cost of living in Boston and budgeting tips. Financial management can be challenging, but this guide can help you create a budget that works for you. If you are considering studying in the US, Boston is a great city to consider. Embark on an educational adventure in Boston today!
FAQs
1. How much does it cost to comfortably live in Boston?
It costs an average of $2,286 and $2,843 per month for a student.
2. Is the cost of living in Boston expensive for Indian students?
For Indian students, the annual Boston living expense falls within the range of 750,000 to 787,500 rupees. This covers various essentials, including rent, food, transportation, utilities, clothing, and other incidental expenditures.
3. How does the cost of living in Boston compare to other major U.S. cities for students?
The Boston price of living is 50% higher compared to other US cities as per Payscale.
4. Is it expensive to live in Boston as a student?
Living with roommates in Boston can save you money on utilities since the cost is split among all tenants. You can also save money by choosing Boston student housing, where utilities are typically included in the rent.
5. Is Boston a good place for international students?
Boston was ranked 11th out of all US cities in the QS Best Student Cities rankings, making it the highest-ranked US city on the list.
Thank you for reading about the “Cost Of Living In Boston For Students 2024-25 [Updated Guide].” If you’re interested in exploring more articles on related topics, we recommend checking out the below articles:
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