Living in Back Bay, Boston

Monthly rent in USD ($). First-hand contracts come straight from the landlord or housing company. Second-hand contracts are sublets, and they usually cost more.

Within AffordWhere's Boston dataset, a one-bedroom here averages about $3,650/month — roughly 24% above the city median, and among the pricier of the 9 areas we track. Two-bedrooms run $4,100 - $4,600/month and three-bedrooms $5,000 - $5,700/month on second-hand contracts. At 10 minutes to the center by walk, it sits closer to the center than most Boston areas in the set. On safety it rates 5/5, among the higher-rated in the city. Based on its rent, commute, and the upscale, historic, shopping tags, it may suit renters weighing rent against commute.

Weighing options? For cheaper rent, see Dorchester. For a shorter commute, see Beacon Hill.

Rent figures reflect official statistics compiled January 2026. See data sources.

OpenStreetMap maps Green Line as the nearest light rail stop, Sitting Grove as nearby green space and Star Market as the nearest supermarket around the Back Bay reference point. A school and a pharmacy are also mapped within walking distance. It also shows a large number of cafés and restaurants mapped within about 700m of that point.

Amenity data from OpenStreetMap contributors, available under the Open Database License (ODbL). The extracted amenity dataset is published under the same license.

How much is rent in Back Bay, Boston?

A 1-bedroom apartment in Back Bay costs $3,400 - $3,900/month (second-hand contract) or $3,000 - $3,400/month (first-hand). A 2-bedroom ranges from $4,100 - $4,600/month, and a 3-bedroom from $5,000 - $5,700/month.

Is Back Bay safe for expats?

Back Bay has a safety rating of 5/5 (Very Safe) on our scale. That is one of the higher ratings on the 1-5 scale; as always, check specific streets and visit at different times before signing a lease.

How long is the commute from Back Bay to Boston center?

The commute from Back Bay to Boston city center takes approximately 10 minutes by walk.

What is Back Bay like to live in?

Boston's most prestigious address. Victorian brownstones, Newbury Street shopping, and the Charles River. In our data it is tagged as upscale, historic, shopping.