Cost of living in Boston as a student 2025

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How much is the cost of living in Boston as a student? Known for its prestigious universities, Boston is also one of the most expensive cities in the U.S. From housing and transportation to dining and entertainment, understanding these costs is essential for budgeting effectively while pursuing your education in this vibrant city.

Beautiful historic landmarks and baked beans are just two of the many things Boston has to offer its residents. The cost of living in Boston, however, may be something you want to know if you want to move to the city. You may assume that because Boston is one of the most educated cities in the United States, its cost of living would also be expensive, but we’re here to explain it to you. The cost of living in Boston will be discussed in this article, along with ways to lower it. The cost of living in Boston is thoroughly covered in the following paragraphs.

Table of Contents

About Boston

Boston is a wealthy city in Massachusetts Bay in the northeastern United States. It is the capital of the state of Massachusetts in addition to being the biggest city in New England. The fastest-growing metro areas in the Northeast are making significant strides in higher education, technology, and medicine. With a growing population of more than 684,379, Boston is the most populous city in Massachusetts and ranks 24th in the US. Most known for its rich American history, popular sights, and delectable food, it is regarded as a reasonably safe city to visit and live in. The 48.4-square-mile city in Suffolk County is a terrific place to live and provides residents with a lively urban environment.

Education

Let’s start by talking about the biggest expense you have when it comes to the cost of living in Boston: tuition. The cost of tuition varies according to the program and university you have selected, and the cost of attendance differs for each Boston university. You also need to account for a number of other educational fees, including those related to registration, tuition, administration, tests, and graduation. Please be aware that tuition costs vary depending on the course.

1. Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)

Over 11,000 students attend the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), which is located on 168 acres of property in Cambridge and faces Boston across the Charles River. The Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) is currently the highest-ranked university in the Boston area and among the top in the world.

In the 2024 rankings, MIT is placed second nationally by the Wall Street Journal and holds the number two position globally in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings. It is renowned for its strong focus on research, technology, and innovation. In addition to creativity and leadership, MIT places a strong emphasis on science and technology. The average cost of tuition at MIT is between $30,000 and $60,000.

2. Harvard University

Harvard University, also located in the Boston area, follows closely behind. It ranks sixth nationally according to the 2024 Wall Street Journal/College Pulse rankings and third globally by the 2024 Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings, reflecting its long-standing reputation for excellence in education, research, and influence in various academic fields.

Harvard University, which was founded in 1636 and currently has 23,731 students, is the oldest in the United States. Although Harvard and MIT are both in Cambridge, students may easily cross the river to Boston to experience the city’s nightlife and cultural scene. The average cost of tuition at the university is between $30,000 and $60,000.

3. Boston University

Boston University (BU) ranks #200 nationally according to the 2024 Wall Street Journal/College Pulse rankings While BU holds a prominent reputation for its strong academic programs and vibrant urban campus, its national rank reflects its competition with many other top-tier U.S. universities. Globally, it fares better, with a ranking of #75 in the 2024 Times Higher Education World University Rankings, showcasing its significant international presence and academic excellence

It has produced 35 Pulitzer Prize winners, six Academy Award winners, and seven Nobel Laureates, including Elie Wiesel and Martin Luther King in particular. Over 16,900 undergraduate students and over 15,600 graduate students are now enrolled at the university, which offers more than 300 degree programs. Tuition at the university often ranges between $30,000 to $70,000.

What are some ways to reduce tuition costs?

Whether you are already enrolled in a university or not, there are several methods to lower the cost of living in Boston and save money on tuition. Among the most popular strategies is to apply for grants or scholarships, which can drastically lower the total cost of living in Boston. To obtain college credit at a lower cost than standard study, you can think about enrolling in advanced placement classes or tests.

Although tuition at Harvard University is among the highest in the world, over 55% of undergraduate students receive financial aid scholarships. Regardless of the approach you take, it’s critical to conduct thorough research and weigh all of your options to make the best choice possible.

The expense of student accommodation

Cost of living in Boston

A major factor in figuring out your overall cost of living in Boston will be the kind of student accommodation you select. On-campus and off-campus housing, private rentals, and purpose-built student accommodations (PBSAs) are some of your possibilities.

In addition to being completely furnished with all the utilities required, PBSAs are residential communities created with students in mind. PBSAs are your greatest choice if you’re searching for reasonably priced and cozy student housing in Boston. The monthly cost of student housing is between $1,000 to $2,500.

What are some ways to reduce the expense of student accommodation?

To reduce the cost of living in Boston, you might want to think about living in an apartment or house with roommates. This can drastically cut down on their living expenses. Choosing less expensive off-campus accommodation is an additional strategy that can save you money over time, even though it can involve a lengthier commute.

You may also try to negotiate rental rates with landlords or investigate any student housing discounts that may be available. Lastly, you might think about applying for financial aid or scholarships to help with housing expenses if you qualify.

Travel Expenses

When figuring out the cost of living in Boston, you have to consider your travel expenses. Boston is renowned for its dependable and well-organized transportation system, which offers a range of public transportation options such as subways, trains, and taxis.

1. The bus: A dependable and reasonably priced choice for both commuters and visitors, buses play a significant role in Boston’s public transit network. Serving the Greater Boston area, the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) runs a vast bus network that connects to commuter train and subway lines.

2. The trams: The MBTA has brought tram service back to various parts of the city in recent years. Several streetcar branches of the MBTA’s Green Line, one of its four subway lines, travel along crowded streets and link to well-known locations including Boston University and Fenway Park.

The trams provide a convenient and effective means of transportation across the city, even though they can get congested during rush hour. Stops are situated near many well-known tourist attractions and residential areas. For individuals who wish to reduce their cost of living in Boston, tram transportation is an excellent choice due to its frequent service and reasonable charges.

How can you reduce the expense of your trip?

Expenses for travel can mount up quickly, particularly for students who are learning about the cost of living in Boston. Fortunately, the cost of living in Boston can be reduced in several ways.

One alternative is to use public transit, such as buses or trains, which are usually less expensive than driving a car or hailing a cab.
To share the cost of petrol and parking if you must drive, consider carpooling with friends or fellow students.
Moreover, if it is practical, you can think about walking or bicycling to your location, which can save you money and offer a more environmentally responsible and healthful option.
In conclusion, you might search for long-term cost savings by looking for discounts on tickets or transportation passes, such as monthly passes or student discounts.

Food and Groceries

It is impossible to discuss the cost of living in Boston without including the cost of food and groceries. These costs are harder to estimate since they differ from person to person. However, the average student’s weekly food expenses will be between $110 and $160. Listed below are some of the most common meals and shopping expenses that college students incur:

What are some ways to reduce the cost of food?

In Boston, food prices might account for a sizable amount of your total living expenses, but there are numerous strategies to reduce them.

Rather than ordering takeout or dining out, cooking your food is one of the best ways to lower the cost of living in Boston.
This gives you more control over the nutritional value and components of your meals in addition to saving money.
Meal planning to cut down on food waste, shopping for bargains and discounts, and purchasing goods in bulk can all help you save money.
Bringing your lunch to work or school rather than purchasing one can also help you save money on the cost of living in Boston.

Utilities

To determine the cost of living in Boston, you must factor in the cost of essential utilities. Utilities are fundamentally necessary to maintain the smooth operation of your house. The cost of heating, cooling, hot water, and electricity might vary from $230 to $270 per month, depending on your location and the frequency of your consumption. Generally speaking, WiFi costs $60 to $80 per month.

How can utilities be reduced?

In Boston, renting a flat with friends will save you money because the household, not each person, pays the utilities. You could choose Boston student housing, where the rent includes all utilities, to lower your cost of living. At Harrington Housing Reservoir Towers in Boston, the beginning fee is $375 per week, and all utilities are included in the bill.

Miscellaneous Expenses

Your recreational expenditures will have a significant impact on your cost of living in Boston as a student. Your budget will pay for your gym membership, shopping, excursions, culinary cravings, museum trips, and athletic activities. If you save between $70 and $100 per month, you should be able to cover these expenses, however they may vary depending on your preferences.

In what ways might these costs be reduced?

Additional costs can quickly mount up and greatly affect your entire spending plan. You can lower the cost of living in Boston in several ways, though. Students should keep track of their expenses because the cost of living in Boston can be too high for them. Finding and cutting back on discretionary or needless spending is one strategy. This could include impulsive expenditures, everyday coffee or snack purchases, or memberships or subscriptions you no longer use.

Additionally, by choosing free events or activities like hiking or local museum visits, you can reduce your entertainment costs. Last but not least, it’s critical to keep a close eye on your spending and make any adjustments to your budget to stay on course. Long-term cost savings can be achieved by reducing various expenses with careful planning and spending practices.

In conclusion, living in Boston as a student can be a rewarding experience, but there are important financial considerations. Boston is well-known for its lively city life and esteemed universities, but its cost of living is greater than the national average. The highest expense on a student’s budget is usually housing, which is followed by groceries, utilities, and transportation.

Although expenditures are still high when compared to other American cities, living on campus or renting a shared apartment can assist in controlling expenses. Another consideration is transportation, where students can take advantage of cheap Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) passes. But it’s crucial to budget for extra costs like entertainment, food, and textbooks.

Many students look for financial aid, scholarships, or part-time work to help offset these expenses. Budgeting and planning are essential for controlling spending while making use of Boston’s special potential as a vibrant center for education.