By unit size, pricing trends vary. Studio apartments saw the largest decrease in pricing, down -2.86% year-over-year. One and two bedroom units in Allston continue to perform consistently, jumping +2.56 and +3.60% respectively. Three- and four-bedroom apartments, typically in high demand from the off-campus housing market, actually dropped by +0.43% and +1.83% respectively. Larger 5 bedroom apartments increased by +1.54% in Allston over the last 12 months. Overall it is safe to say that we probably will not see any sizable rent increases this year based on current data projections. That being said, there are certain variables that often come out of the blue that can change a forecast. No one saw the international student housing dilemma coming and many Allston landlords were quick to react and adjust prices accordingly compared to other student dominated areas.
| Unit Size | 2026 Average Rent | 2025 Average Rent | % Difference |
| Studio Apartments | $2,104 | $2,166 | -2.86% |
| 1 Bedroom Apartments | $2,525 | $2,462 | 2.56% |
| 2 Bedroom Apartments | $3,370 | $3,253 | 3.60% |
| 3 Bedroom Apartments | $3,768 | $3,785 | -0.45% |
| 4 Bedroom Apartments | $4,655 | $4,742 | -1.83% |
| 5 Bedroom Apartments | $5,722 | $5,635 | 1.54% |
2026 Allston Apartment Rental Market Forecast
Looking ahead through 2026, Allston’s rental market is expected to remain fast-moving, though increasingly sensitive to pricing, timing, and regulatory headwinds. While availability and vacancy have risen compared with recent years, they remain low enough to support strong leasing activity, especially for well-maintained units priced in line with market expectations.
Policy shifts on rent control and landlord/renter obligations could have a seismic impact on Allston’s rental market in 2026 and beyond. Last year, Massachusetts hastily added new burdensome legislation that essentially transferred the responsibility of paying the broker fees from the tenant to the landlord in a gimmicky drive-by press move to address…