FairRentWize

Boston-Cambridge-Newton vs Washington-Arlington-Alexandria

Fair Market Rent Comparison — HUD 2025 Data

Quick Answer

Washington-Arlington-Alexandria is 8% cheaper for renters. A 2-bedroom rents for $1,617/mo vs $1,754/mo in Boston-Cambridge-Newton — saving $1,644/year.

Rent by Unit Size

Unit SizeBoston-Cambridge-NewtonWashington-Arlington-AlexandriaDifference
Studio$1,196$1,069$127
1 Bedroom$1,409$1,302$107
2 Bedrooms$1,754$1,617$137
3 Bedrooms$2,044$1,969$75
4 Bedrooms$2,555$2,300$255
Median Income$100,795$101,438$643

Boston-Cambridge-Newton

Studio
$1,196/mo
1 BR
$1,409/mo
2 BR
$1,754/mo
3 BR
$2,044/mo
4 BR
$2,555/mo
Median Income
$100,795/yr
Full Boston-Cambridge-Newton profile →

Washington-Arlington-Alexandria

Studio
$1,069/mo
1 BR
$1,302/mo
2 BR
$1,617/mo
3 BR
$1,969/mo
4 BR
$2,300/mo
Median Income
$101,438/yr
Full Washington-Arlington-Alexandria profile →

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Boston-Cambridge-Newton or Washington-Arlington-Alexandria cheaper to rent in?
Washington-Arlington-Alexandria is cheaper — a 2-bedroom Fair Market Rent is $1,617/mo vs $1,754/mo in Boston-Cambridge-Newton. That's $137/mo or $1,644/year more expensive in Boston-Cambridge-Newton (8% higher).
What is the 2-bedroom rent in Boston-Cambridge-Newton vs Washington-Arlington-Alexandria?
The HUD Fair Market Rent for a 2-bedroom in Boston-Cambridge-Newton is $1,754/month. In Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, a 2-bedroom FMR is $1,617/month.
How do incomes compare between Boston-Cambridge-Newton and Washington-Arlington-Alexandria?
The median household income in Boston-Cambridge-Newton is $100,795/year. In Washington-Arlington-Alexandria it is $101,438/year. Washington-Arlington-Alexandria has the higher median income.
What is the studio rent in Boston-Cambridge-Newton vs Washington-Arlington-Alexandria?
A studio apartment Fair Market Rent in Boston-Cambridge-Newton is $1,196/mo. In Washington-Arlington-Alexandria it is $1,069/mo.