Boston-area asking rents fell in September, but remain higher than a year ago
Zillow estimated typical Boston metro rent at $2,987 in September, down 0.6% in a month but up 2.3% from September 2025.
By Boston Dwelling · Published · 1 min read
Zillow's September 2026 rent report estimates typical monthly rent in the Boston metropolitan area at $2,987.
That was 0.6% lower than August, one of the largest monthly declines among major U.S. metros. However, Boston-area rents remained 2.3% higher than in September 2025.
Why it matters
Renters searching in the fall may encounter a less competitive market than during the summer moving season, but one monthly decline does not mean annual housing costs have fallen. Zillow's metro-wide rent index is an estimate of typical market rent, not the price of every available apartment or the rent paid by existing tenants.