How to Find Cheap Apartments in Cambridge, MA
With everything Cambridge has to offer, finding a cheap apartment can be a challenge - but it is possible! Apartment cost will depend on many variables such as neighborhood, apartment size, and building amenities. Here’s what you need to know.
What is a ‘cheap’ apartment in Cambridge, MA?
When it comes to apartments for rent in Cambridge, MA, what can you expect to pay?
According to Zumper, apartments in Cambridge range from $1,300 for a studio in Inman Square to $7,000 for a four bedroom in Kendall. The median rent for a studio apartment in Cambridge is around $1,900, while one and two bedrooms come in at $2200 and $2800 respectively.
Where to search for a cheap apartment in Cambridge
Once you’ve narrowed down your budget and neighborhood, where do you begin your search? Here’s some surefire ways to find apartments that fit the bill.
Craigslist
Craigslist is completely free to use making it very accessible to anyone looking to rent out an apartment without racking up fees. Craigslist ads don’t require a specific format or photos making it easy to use for last minute listings or for renters with limited time to dedicate to online listings.
Unfortunately, that can also be a downside to Craigslist. With little to no oversight, it is filled with scams and bait and switch schemes. An ad that promises a beautiful one bedroom apartment for rent in Cambridge could turn out to be a rundown room on the edge of Arlington - or may not exist at all.
Zillow
Zillow has an enormous database of rental properties and makes it easy to compare prices and amenities and to save your favorite listings. Zillow also allows you to narrow down your results by using filters such as size, apartment type, and amenities.
Zillow does charge a fee for listing rentals on their website so it may not include all the properties that are available. It also does not offer the option of viewing listings by neighborhood.
Searching for an apartment on Facebook is easy and convenient if you already have an account and are familiar with the network and app. Messaging is easy and uses the Facebook Messenger app.
Beware, however, that using Facebook will give potential landlords access to a lot of your personal information through your Facebook profile.
Working with a realtor to find your apartment
Online searches could certainly land you an apartment but when it comes to finding the perfect place, you might want to pay a little more upfront to work with a realtor. A realtor can help you sort through specifics such as budgets and neighborhoods, and help you to understand the terms of your lease. Agents make it their business to know the details of each and every apartment for rent. In a neighborhood with competition from other prospective renters, a realtor can make the difference in securing that perfect place in a short timeframe.
How to make Cambridge apartment living affordable
If the cost of living in Cambridge is over your budget, consider these options for making ends meet.
Roommates
Get a roommate, or a few. The average cost of a one bedroom apartment for rent in Cambridge is $2,200 but add another bedroom and the cost only goes up to $2,800. WIth each additional roommate sharing the cost the rent decreases significantly. As an added bonus, you may be able to afford more amenities if you’re splitting the rent a few ways.
Sublets
If you don’t plan to be in Cambridge year round, consider subletting your apartment while you’re away. Cambridge is a popular destination for students and professionals looking for short term housing options. Many apartments can be sublet, be sure to check the terms of your lease.
If you’re looking to learn more about renting in Cambridge, visit my page for Tenants.