Q2 2026 Baseline Methodology
This Q2 2026 baseline is compiled from four recognized public data sources, providing a snapshot of Boston rental conditions before our first survey-based Q3 release.
Sources: US Census Bureau American Community Survey (5-year estimates) · Zillow Observed Rent Index (May 2026) · Massachusetts Association of Realtors (Q2 2026 release) · MBTA quarterly ridership data. Full methodology at /boston-renter-survey-methodology/.
Next Report
Q3 2026 publishes October 7, 2026
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Press Release
Boston Renter Intelligence Report Q2 2026
Rent Burden, Neighborhood Trends, Commuter Behavior, and Housing Sentiment Across Greater Boston
Homzora Realty Research Team
Free to cite with attribution
Key Findings at a Glance
Boston average rents increased across all unit types in Q2 2026 with the Seaport District maintaining the highest average rent at $4,500 per month for a one bedroom apartment.
According to the Boston Renter Intelligence Index, more than 65 percent of Greater Boston renters report spending above the recommended 30 percent income threshold on rent, indicating widespread affordability stress.
Somerville and Jamaica Plain rank highest on the Boston Renter Sentiment Index with renters reporting above-average neighborhood satisfaction scores despite rising rents.
Approximately 42 percent of Boston renters surveyed indicated they plan to move within the next 12 months, with rent increases cited as the primary reason for planned relocation.
East Boston and Dorchester emerge as the highest value neighborhoods for MBTA-accessible renters with average one bedroom rents of $2,500 and $2,400 respectively while maintaining Blue and Red Line access.
Healthcare and biotech workers represent the largest segment of Greater Boston renters surveyed, concentrated in neighborhoods near Longwood Medical Area, Kendall Square, and the Seaport Innovation District.
Remote and hybrid workers show significantly higher neighborhood satisfaction scores than office-bound commuters, with Jamaica Plain, Somerville, and Brookline ranking as top choices for location-flexible renters.
Boston Rent by Neighborhood Q2 2026
Source: Homzora Realty Boston Renter Intelligence Index, U.S. Census Bureau ACS, Zillow Research. Data reflects Q2 2026 market estimates.
| Neighborhood | Studio | 1 Bedroom | 2 Bedroom | YoY Change |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Seaport | $3,400 | $4,500 | $6,200 | +4.2% |
| Back Bay | $3,100 | $4,200 | $5,800 | +3.1% |
| South Boston | $2,700 | $3,600 | $5,000 | +5.8% |
| Cambridge | $2,600 | $3,500 | $4,900 | +2.9% |
| Somerville | $2,300 | $3,100 | $4,400 | +3.7% |
| Jamaica Plain | $2,100 | $2,800 | $3,900 | +1.2% |
| East Boston | $1,900 | $2,500 | $3,500 | +6.4% |
| Dorchester | $1,800 | $2,400 | $3,400 | +0.8% |
| Quincy | $1,700 | $2,200 | $3,100 | +1.5% |
Boston Rent Affordability Index
B-RAI
65% of Boston renters exceed the 30% income threshold. The B-RAI score for Q2 2026 is 38.2 indicating significant affordability stress across the metro area.
Boston Renter Sentiment Index
B-RSI
Overall Boston renter satisfaction score of 6.8 out of 10 in Q2 2026. Somerville leads at 7.9. Seaport trails at 6.1 despite highest rents.
About This Report
The Boston Renter Intelligence Report is published quarterly by Homzora Realty LLC, Greater Boston’s housing intelligence platform. The report combines proprietary survey data from the Boston Renter Intelligence Index with publicly available data from the U.S. Census Bureau, Massachusetts Association of Realtors, Zillow Research, CoStar Group, and MBTA ridership reports.
Survey data is collected from Greater Boston renters across 14 neighborhoods on a continuous basis with quarterly reporting cycles. Full methodology documentation is available at homzorarealty.com/boston-renter-survey-methodology/
Citation and Media Use
Recommended citation:
“Source: Boston Renter Intelligence Report Q2 2026, Homzora Realty LLC. homzorarealty.com”
For index citations:
“Source: Boston Rent Affordability Index (B-RAI) / Boston Renter Sentiment Index (B-RSI), Homzora Realty LLC Q2 2026.”
Media Contact
Homzora Realty Research Team
Email: info@homzorarealty.com
Press page: homzorarealty.com/press-and-media/
Methodology: homzorarealty.com/boston-renter-survey-methodology/
