How Long to Save for a Home in Boston, MA

Median home price, average rent, and a personalized savings timeline for Boston — updated 2026-Q1.

Median Home Price

$800,000

Average Rent

$3,000/mo

Median Income

$85,000/yr

5yr Price Growth

+20%

Calculate for Boston

Invest this % of your rent ($3,000/mo)

Down payment

Down Payment Scenarios in Boston

Based on 10% of $3,000/mo rent invested. Data as of 2026-Q1.
ScenarioDown PaymentWith BricksSavings Acct
3.5% FHA$28,0006.1 years6.8 years
10% Down$80,00012.8 years16 years
20% Down$160,00019.1 years25.7 years

Start saving for a home in Boston

Bricks helps renters invest toward homeownership. Join the waitlist.

Buying a Home in Boston, Massachusetts

Boston is one of the Northeast's growing metro areas with a population of 690,000. The median home price of $800,000 puts it among the more expensive markets in the country.

With average rent at $3,000/month, a renter in Boston investing 10% of their rent ($300/month) into diversified REITs could accumulate a 20% down payment of $160,000 in approximately 19.1 years. The same monthly contribution in a high-yield savings account would take about 25.7 years.

Home prices in Boston have grown 20% over the past five years, roughly in line with national trends. For renters, this means the down payment target continues to move — making it even more important to invest rather than just save, so your money grows alongside home prices.

Frequently Asked Questions