Affordable Boston Living: 10 Cheapest Places to Live Near Boston (Safely and Comfortably) in 2025

 

Written by Move and Care Boston

Edited and Fact Checked by Taras Kim

Updated: July 10, 2025

Boston is an incredible place to live – rich in history, packed with top universities and job opportunities – but it’s no secret that the cost of living in Boston is steep. Rents in popular Boston neighborhoods like Back Bay or the South End easily top $3,000 for a one-bedroom, and buying a home in the city often means spending over $750,000. With prices like these, it’s natural to wonder: are there cheaper places to live near Boston MA that are safe and convenient? The good news is yes. There are many Boston suburbs and even a few city neighborhoods where you can find affordable housing without sacrificing quality of life.

This article will explore the cheapest places to live near Boston, highlighting safe, budget-friendly communities within commuting distance of the city. Whether you’re a young professional, a family in search of space, or anyone trying to save money, we’ve got you covered with data-backed insights and real local tips. We will help you choose a place to move to Boston!

City vs. Suburbs – Finding Budget-Friendly Areas

First, let’s acknowledge the obvious: living in Boston proper is generally expensive. However, some Boston neighborhoods are more affordable outliers – for example, Allston-Brighton (known for student-friendly rents), East Boston, Hyde Park, or Roslindale tend to have lower rents compared to downtown. In these areas you might find an older apartment or a small studio for under $1,800 – a bargain by city standards. But if you venture a bit further out to the suburbs of Boston, prices drop further while space and often safety increase. The cheapest place to live in Massachusetts isn’t in Greater Boston at all (think far-west cities like Springfield or remote towns), but if we focus on Boston and its environs, the outskirts clearly offer deals. In the city you pay a premium to be on the T (subway) line and near the action. Outside the city, you might drive or take commuter rail, but you’ll typically get more for your dollar. In short: if you’re hunting for an affordable apartment in Boston and coming up short, broaden your search to include the close suburbs – you’ll be pleasantly surprised at what you can find.

Top 10 Cheapest Places to Live Near Boston

Below is our curated list of ten communities in and around Boston known for being affordable without straying too far from the city. We’ve balanced cost with other factors like safety, commute, and amenities. These aren’t remote rural towns; they’re towns near Boston (or even city neighborhoods) where living on a budget is actually attainable. Let’s dive in:

Lynn – Budget Coastal City 📍 (≈13 miles north of Boston)

Lynn often tops lists of affordable Boston-area cities. Why? It’s close to Boston (about 20-30 minutes driving), has its own downtown and beach, and median home prices in Lynn (~$580k) remain far lower than in Boston. You can snag a one-bedroom for around $1,800-$2,000/month. Lynn is a city of about 100,000 with a mix of neighborhoods – some beautifully historic and others more industrial. It offers oceanfront walking paths and easy access to routes into the city. For a young family or professional, moving to Lynn provides urban energy at a discount.

Revere – Affordable Beachfront Living 🌊 (5 miles north of Boston)

If living near the ocean is your dream, Revere lets you do it on a budget. This Boston suburb is home to Revere Beach, the nation’s first public beach, and it’s on the MBTA Blue Line – meaning you can be downtown in ~15 minutes. Despite these perks, Revere’s rents are relatively low (often $2,700 for a one-bedroom) and you can find condos or houses notably cheaper than in Boston’s coastal neighborhoods. It’s a diverse, working-class city that in recent years has seen new apartment complexes pop up. Residents enjoy summer festivals on the beach and authentic dining (Revere has great Italian and Latin food, reflecting its community). Safety in Revere is average, with some areas very safe and a few rough patches, but overall crime rates are lower than many Boston proper neighborhoods. For seaside living without the sticker shock, Revere is a top choice.

Quincy – City Convenience, Lower Cost 🏙️ (6-10 miles south of Boston)

Often called “the City of Presidents,” Quincy is a thriving small city just south of Boston – and one of the best Boston suburbs for families and commuters on a budget. It’s connected by the Red Line (several T stops in Quincy), so getting to Downtown Boston or Cambridge is a breeze. Quincy’s median rent for a one-bedroom (~$2,500) is much lower than Boston’s, and you’ll find more spacious options, from high-rise apartments to single-family homes in quiet neighborhoods. The city has a newly redeveloped downtown with shops and restaurants, plus coastline of its own (Marina Bay and Wollaston Beach nearby). Many people who want an urban feel at a lower cost choose Quincy. Schools are solid, crime is relatively low, and you’ll enjoy a diverse community. In short, Quincy hits a sweet spot: close, coastal, and affordable.

Malden – Transit-Oriented and Up-and-Coming 🚇 (5 miles north)

Malden has gained a reputation as an “up-and-coming” affordable hotspot. Located on the Orange Line, it’s a quick ride into Boston’s North Station, making it ideal for commuters who prefer not to drive. Malden’s housing is a mix – classic triple-decker houses converted to rentals, and newer luxury apartments near the T. Even with new development, Malden remains budget-friendly: you can rent a two-bedroom here for what a one-bedroom costs in downtown Boston (mid-$2,700s range). For home buyers, prices are rising but still much less than neighboring Medford or Cambridge. Malden also offers a charming downtown area (check out the eateries in Malden Center), plenty of parks, and a strong community vibe. It’s popular with young families and first-time homebuyers. Safety-wise, Malden is pretty safe; it doesn’t have the same nightlife scene as Somerville or Cambridge, which might be a pro or con depending on your lifestyle, but it means quieter, family-oriented neighborhoods in many parts. If you want a quick commute and decent rent, Malden deserves a look.

Waltham – Affordable Hub for Tech and Academia 🔬 (~11 miles west)

Waltham is known for its universities (Brandeis and Bentley) and its corporate offices (it’s part of the Route 128 tech corridor), but it’s also one of the more affordable cities outside of Boston considering its economic activity. This is a city where the Waltham median home price still hovers in the $700k-$950k range, relatively low for Greater Boston, and you can find rentals significantly cheaper than in Boston’s tech hubs like Kendall Square. Waltham’s Moody Street is famous for restaurants and nightlife, giving you a downtown feel without Boston prices. Public transit via commuter rail or express buses plus easy highway access make getting to Boston feasible (about 20-30 minutes by car off-peak). Families appreciate Waltham for its parks and decent schools, while young professionals like the active social scene. And despite its urban touches, Waltham is safe – often cited as an affordable safe city near Boston for those starting out. It truly balances “urban and suburban”: you might live in a leafy neighborhood but be just a short walk from a coffee shop or brewery.

Salem – Historic and Budget-Friendly 🎃 (21 miles north)

When you hear Salem, you might think witches and Halloween, but modern Salem is much more – it’s a vibrant small city with a harbor, a university, and a ton of history and culture. It’s also relatively affordable. Many people are surprised to find that Salem’s cost of housing is markedly lower than Boston’s: Salem, MA median home prices in the low $610Ks, rents that can be under $2,000. For a city with trendy cafes, museums (the Peabody Essex Museum is world-class), and even a commuter rail link (30 minutes to Boston’s North Station), that’s a bargain. Salem’s a great choice for someone who works from home or doesn’t mind a longer commute in exchange for a walkable, charming community. Plus, if you love history or the arts, living in Salem is a constant adventure (especially each October). Safety in Salem is generally good; like any tourist-friendly spot, there’s some petty crime, but neighborhoods are largely family-friendly. Among the cheapest places to live near Boston, Salem offers perhaps the most character.

Chelsea – A Close Commute at a Low Price 🚍 (3 miles north)

Chelsea is literally next to Boston (just across the Mystic River). It’s one of the cities outside of Boston where you can often find rents under $1,700 and even starter Chelsea homes prices under $500k – a rarity for how close it is. The Silver Line bus and a commuter rail stop in Chelsea make public transit into the city easy (in 15 minutes you can be in the Seaport or downtown). The city is small and dense, historically an industrial area but undergoing gradual gentrification. New apartments have sprung up along the waterfront, but the deals are still in the older housing stock. Chelsea is attractive to budget-conscious people who work in Boston Proper – you can practically walk to East Boston or Charlestown from there. However, we must note that Chelsea has a higher crime rate than many suburbs (on par with some tougher Boston neighborhoods), and the schools and air quality (due to industry) have room for improvement. Many residents see it as a starter location – affordable and super convenient for a few years. As long as you choose a safer part of town and go in with realistic expectations, Chelsea can be a smart, cost-saving move.

Hyde Park (Boston) – Suburban Vibe in the City 🌳 (Boston’s southernmost neighborhood)

Hyde Park is technically Boston, but it feels worlds away from downtown’s hustle. Tucked at the edge of the city, it’s often mentioned as the safest neighborhood in Boston and it’s definitely one of the more affordable ones. Rent for a one-bedroom in Hyde Park can sometimes be found around ~$2,200, and you might even get a little yard or driveway – almost unheard of in other parts of the city. The neighborhood has commuter rail stops that zip you into South Station in about 20 minutes, plus bus connections. Residents love the suburban feel – there are tree-lined streets, single-family homes, and big parks (Stony Brook Reservation for example). The richest parts of Boston (Beacon Hill, Back Bay, etc.) get all the attention, but it’s places like Hyde Park (and neighboring Roslindale or West Roxbury) that quietly offer comfortable, affordable living within the city limits. It’s perfect for someone who wants a Boston address (and Boston resident perks) but a suburban lifestyle. Crime is low here, and community pride is strong – hence the nickname “Boston’s hidden gem.”

Brockton – Super Affordable, Commute Optional 💰 (25 miles south)

If maximum savings is your goal and you don’t need to be right next door to Boston, Brockton deserves a mention. It’s one of the cheapest cities in Massachusetts for its size – you can rent a whole house in Brockton for what a luxury apartment in Boston costs. Home values in Brockton are around the low $500Ks or less. It’s about 40 minutes to Boston by car (without heavy traffic) and also served by the commuter rail (which takes about 35-45 minutes to South Station). The city has a bit of a rough reputation (higher crime in some areas, and not as polished as true suburbs), so it’s not typically top of the list for families looking for the “best Boston suburbs for families.” However, many working professionals in trades or healthcare (Brockton has a large hospital) choose to live here and commute because of the unbeatable prices. If you’re careful about which part of town you choose – there are some quieter residential neighborhoods – you could save a lot. We include Brockton as an outlier: it’s the furthest on this list and the most “city-ish,” but as housing costs climb, it’s a fallback for some Boston commuters seeking affordability.

Ayer – Small Town Savings with a Train to Boston 🚆 (about 40 miles northwest)

Rounding out our list is Ayer, a petite town that often pops up in discussions of affordable Boston commuting towns. With a population under 8,000, Ayer provides a stark contrast to Boston’s density. Median home prices in Ayer are around $450k-$560k, and rents for a 1-bedroom can be in the $1,500s – dramatically lower than metro Boston averages. It’s connected to Boston by the MBTA commuter rail Fitchburg line; the train from Ayer to North Station takes roughly 70 minutes, so it’s a viable (if long-ish) commute for those working in the city (or in the MetroWest/northwest tech corridor). Living in Ayer, you’ll enjoy a true small-town feel – local shops, a few restaurants, and plenty of green space nearby. It even has a commuter-friendly touch: Ayer’s station has parking and is a popular park-and-ride spot for people in neighboring towns. This is the kind of place where you trade time on the train for a much lower mortgage or rent – a worthy trade-off for some. If you’re looking for the absolute cheapest place to live near Boston that still lets you commute, Ayer (and towns near it like Shirley or Leominster) should be on your radar.

Safety and Quality of Life Considerations

Affordability is crucial, but don’t forget to evaluate safety, schools (if you have kids), and other quality-of-life factors in these areas. Many of the spots we listed are among the safer communities around Boston. For instance, several safest areas in Boston proper (like West Roxbury, which boasts a very low crime rate) are adjacent to affordable suburbs (West Roxbury borders Dedham, which is also quite safe and reasonably priced). On the flip side, if a deal seems too good to be true in the city, make sure it’s not in one of the historically higher-crime zones. Boston’s overall crime rate is moderate and has been improving – in fact, by 2024 Boston’s crime rate was lower than that of many comparably sized cities, and some suburbs have crime levels on par with rural towns. Always research recent crime stats or ask locals (city-data forums, Reddit) about any street or neighborhood you’re considering; perceptions can lag behind reality and you might find that an area like Dorchester, once deemed one of the worst neighborhoods in Boston, has pockets that are now quite family-friendly and relatively safe as they revitalize.

Finding Your Affordable Home – Tips & Next Steps

Now that we’ve covered these affordable places to live in Massachusetts near Boston, how do you secure a spot that’s right for you? Here are a few closing tips:

• Leverage Maps & Visits

  Leverage Maps & Visits: It’s one thing to read about these places, another to experience them. Use a map of Boston neighborhoods and suburbs to see where each place is and how it fits your lifestyle. Then, if possible, visit on a weekend. Grab lunch in Salem, drive through Waltham at rush hour, or take the T out to Quincy and walk around. You’ll get a feel for the community and commute.

• Use Local Expertise

  Use Local Expertise: Talk to people who live there. Post in a Facebook community group (“Allston-Brighton Community Discussion” or “Malden Community Hub”) or a subreddit like r/boston to ask, for example, “How safe is Boston’s Hyde Park area for a family?” or “Does anyone commute from Ayer to Boston – is it worth it?” Locals will give you unvarnished insights (often pointing out things real-estate listings won’t, like where the good playgrounds or farmers’ markets are, or if parking is a nightmare in winter).

• Check for City Programs

  Check for City Programs: Boston and some suburbs have affordable-housing programs, first-time home-buyer assistance, or rental vouchers. They can be highly competitive, but if you qualify it’s worth applying. Imagine getting an apartment in a normally pricey area like the South End via a city lottery at a big discount – it happens! Keep an eye on the City of Boston’s housing website for lottery announcements.

• Balance Commute Costs

  Balance Commute Costs: Remember to factor in commuting costs when choosing a location. Gas, train passes, parking fees, or tolls (if you live north, the Tobin Bridge into Boston has a toll) can add up. Sometimes a slightly higher rent in a closer suburb might actually save you money overall (and time, which is valuable too). For example, living in Medford might cost a bit more than Lowell, but if it saves you 40 minutes each way and a $400 monthly commuter-rail pass, it may be worth it.

Conclusion

Living near Boston can be affordable if you know where to look and what trade-offs to expect. From cheapest Boston suburbs like Lynn and Revere to oft-overlooked city neighborhoods like Hyde Park, there’s a wealth of options beyond the high-priced downtown and elite suburbs. Each person’s “best spot” will differ: a young professional might love Malden’s quick T ride and pubs, while a family could prefer Quincy's schools and yard space. By focusing on what matters most to you – be it budget, safety, space, or schools – you can narrow down the list of where to live outside of Boston and find your ideal community. The cheapest places to live near Boston highlighted here prove you don’t have to move far away to find a home you can afford. With careful research, maybe a bit of compromise, and the tips provided, you’ll be well on your way to securing an affordable home in the Boston area. Good luck with your house hunt, and welcome to Greater Boston – where a bit of colonial frugality 😉 and modern savvy will serve you well in your quest for an affordable place to call home!

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