Photo: WBZ NewsRadio
BOSTON (WBZ NewsRadio) — There have been more apartments available to rent in Boston, but prices have hardly budged.
According to data from the rental agency Boston Pads, the Real-Time Availability Rate (RTAR) for apartments in Boston is up over 14% from September 2024, and nearly 69% from September 2023. For the Greater Boston area, the RTAR is up 16% from September 2024 and 85% from September 2023.
Despite the increase in apartments on the market, prices have not really changed. The average rent across Boston apartments is up $4 from one year ago at $3,258. In Greater Boston, the average rent is up $17 from one year ago at $3,241.
The Trump administration’s crackdown on student visas could be to blame for fewer apartments being scooped up before the school year. Students in the area still in need of housing said they hope prices will drop.
“It’s just not worth the price difference, so we’re kind of stuck,” said one student.
“The cheap ones are probably not good looking, but the ones that cost the same as a mortgage payment are the nice ones,” said another student.
“I don’t see a way to easily balance a work and school life and make enough money for rent and food,” said another student.
WBZ NewsRadio’s Jim MacKay (@JimMacKayOnAir) reports.