Boston Neighborhoods with the Most Expensive 5-Bedroom Apartments

Boston’s rental market is known for its high prices, but when it comes to five-bedroom apartments, costs climb even higher. Boston has entered a trend where larger units have recorded much higher price growth over the past few years compared to smaller units. Over the last 2 years, four and five bedroom apartments in Boston are up +6.04% and +8.30% respectively, while smaller units like studios and 1 bedroom apartments are up by much smaller margins (+3.31% and +2.24% respectively). So if you think you’re going to save a boat load of money by renting a 5 bedroom apartment with roommates, think again.

That holds especially true in neighborhoods that are in close proximity to universities and driven by student demand. These large units are relatively scarce, and as rent prices recently hit all time highs, many students are pooling resources to try and cut down on living expenses. This is making larger apartments like 5 bedrooms some of the most competitive and expensive listings in the city.

Using the latest pricing data, here’s a breakdown of the Boston neighborhoods with the most expensive five-bedroom apartments, and what renters can expect in each area.

1. Northeastern / Symphony 5 Bedroom Apartments – $8,483 Avg Rent

The Northeastern/Symphony area ranks as the most expensive neighborhood for five-bedroom apartments in Boston, with an average rent of $8,483, despite a slight -0.91% decrease year-over-year. That equates to a whopping $1,697 per bedroom!

This neighborhood’s pricing is driven largely by its proximity to: Northeastern University, Mass College of Art, Mass College of Pharmacy, Wentworth and Berklee College of Music to name a few. Demand from students and groups of roommates keeps large units in constant circulation and with supply low, these larger apartments command a premium for renters.

You can explore current availability here:
👉 https://bostonpads.com/symphony-ma-apartments/5-bedroom/

(Jesse Costa/WBUR)

2. South End 5 Bedroom Apartments – $8,250 Avg Rent

The South End comes in second with an average five-bedroom rent of $8,250, marking a significant +7.14% increase since last March. Splitting a 5 bedroom in the South End with 4 roommates would cost $1,650 per room.

Known for its historic brownstones and upscale lifestyle, the South End offers fewer large apartments compared to student-heavy areas.

Browse listings here:
👉 https://bostonpads.com/south-end-ma-apartments/5-bedroom/

3. Fenway / Kenmore 5 Bedroom Apartments – $7,450 Avg Rent

The Fenway/Kenmore neighborhood averages $7,450 for five-bedroom apartments, with a -4.49% year over year change. Splitting a 5 bedroom in Fenway amongst four roommates would cost $1,490 per bedroom on average.

Fenway remains one of Boston’s most active rental markets due to its many learning institutions and its proximity to Longwood Medical Area. Boston University, Emmanuel College, MassArt, MCPHS, Simmons University and Wentworth Institute of Technology all call Fenway home. While prices have softened slightly, demand for large shared housing units remains strong.

The neighborhood is particularly dense with very low inventory of large units. Combine that with high off-campus housing demand, you have a perfect storm for sky high prices.

View available units:
👉 https://bostonpads.com/fenway-ma-apartments/5-bedroom/

4. Mission Hill 5 Bedroom Apartments – $7,336 Avg Rent

Mission Hill continues to be a major hub for student housing, with five-bedroom apartments averaging $7,336 per month or $1,467 per bedroom. That figure has remained flat year over year, up just +0.97% compared to last March.

Its transit access allows for an easy commute to Northeastern, BU, the Colleges of the Fens and Longwood Medical, making it one of the most practical options for renters seeking large shared apartments at slightly lower prices than Symphony or Fenway.

Check listings here:
👉 https://bostonpads.com/mission-hill-ma-apartments/5-bedroom/

5. Brighton 5 Bedroom Apartments – $6,440 Avg Rent

Brighton is currently the 5th most expensive neighborhood in Boston rent a 5 bedroom, averaging $6,440 per month in rent or $1,288 per bedroom. That makes it considerably more affordable than the first 4 neighborhoods on our list, although that price has gone up by +6.18% year-over-year.

Brighton is also home to Boston College and offers renters easy transit access to Fenway via the Green and Purple line, so off-campus housing demand here is strong. Brighton offers more space and slightly better value compared to more central neighborhoods. You’ll find a much wider selection of five-bedroom units in Brighton than other neighborhoods on this list. This makes it attractive for renters who want larger units without paying top-tier prices.

Explore availability:
👉https://bostonpads.com/brighton-ma-apartments/5-bedroom/

6. South Boston 5 Bedroom Apartments – $6,328 Avg Rent

South Boston (Southie) ranks 6th on our list with an average five-bedroom rent of $6,328, which equates to $1,265 per room. Southie five bedroom units have dropped by -2.16% since last March.

This neighborhood blends new development with traditional old-Boston housing stock. While it’s highly desirable, large units are less common, which creates fluctuating pricing depending on availability.

View listings:
👉 https://bostonpads.com/south-boston-ma-apartments/5-bedroom/

7. Allston 5 Bedroom Apartments – $5,896 Avg Rent

Rounding out the list is Allston, with five-bedroom apartments averaging $5,896 or $1,179 per month. Allston 5 bedrooms are up +2.86% year-over-year.

Allston is one of the most accessible neighborhoods for large apartments, driven by a strong off-campus housing demand and a high concentration of multi-family housing. Its abundance of public transportation access and close proximity to Harvard, Fenway, Longwood Medical, and Northeastern make it a hotbed for shared housing, and its inventory of large apartments makes it a favorite pick for Boston roommates.

Browse current listings:
👉 https://bostonpads.com/allston-ma-apartments/5-bedroom/

Final Takeaways

Boston’s five-bedroom apartment market is shaped by two key factors: location and supply constraints. Neighborhoods closest to universities and transit hubs consistently command the highest rents, while areas slightly further out offer better value but still remain competitive.

Across all neighborhoods, one trend is clear, large apartments are limited, and demand remains strong. Boston currently has only roughly 75 five-bedroom listings available citywide at the moment, showing just how tight this segment of the market is.

For renters searching for five-bedroom apartments, success comes down to timing, preparation, and access to real-time listings. In a market like Boston, the best units don’t last long. That’s why you need a tool like Boston Pads to lock down your next 5 bedroom apartment!