Best Affordable Neighborhoods in Cambridge, MA
Some of the cheapest neighborhoods in Cambridge are Strawberry Hill, Huron Village, and Mid-Cambridge. These neighborhoods offer some of the lowest rent prices in Cambridge, making them ideal for renters on a budget. As of December 16, 2025, the average rent in Cambridge is $3,222, which is 0.7% lower than last year. However, it's important to remember that rental prices can vary significantly based on factors such as location, amenities, and floor plans.
Strawberry Hill
Average Rent
$2,620/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
9.8%
TransitScore® Rating
47/100
Units Available
17 Rentals
Strawberry Hill is a quiet residential neighborhood with various affordable housing options. It's home to the Fresh Pond Reservation, which hosts well-kept golf courses, playgrounds, and other recreational facilities. The neighborhood also has easy access to the Fresh Pond Mall, offering a range of shopping options for renters.
Huron Village
Average Rent
$2,713/Month
TransitScore® Rating
53/100
Units Available
42 Rentals
If you’re looking for a great, affordable neighborhood in Cambridge, Huron Village might be the perfect place! It has an average rent price of $2,713, while the city’s average stands at $3,222. Huron Village is near Fresh Pond Shopping Center, Harvard Square Station, and Star's at Cambridge.
Mid-Cambridge
Average Rent
$2,749/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
0.2%
TransitScore® Rating
78/100
Units Available
186 Rentals
Mid-Cambridge is a centrally located neighborhood with easy access to both Harvard and MIT. It's home to the Cambridge Public Library, a historic landmark. The neighborhood offers a range of affordable housing options, making it a popular choice for students.
Porter Square
Average Rent
$2,880/Month
TransitScore® Rating
71/100
Units Available
47 Rentals
Porter Square is a lively neighborhood with a range of budget-friendly eateries. It's home to the Porter Square Shopping Center, a popular spot for shopping, and the Porter Square Station, making commuting a breeze for residents. Here, renters will enjoy the urban allure of Cambridge without the high costs.
Riverside
Average Rent
$2,899/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
7.5%
TransitScore® Rating
76/100
Units Available
133 Rentals
Riverside, also known as "Area 7", is a neighborhood rich in history and culture. It's home to the popular Hoyt Field, a great spot for outdoor activities. The neighborhood also boasts affordable housing options near the Charles River, offering scenic views.
Aggasiz
Average Rent
$2,914/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
2.1%
TransitScore® Rating
73/100
Units Available
89 Rentals
Aggasiz, also known as Baldwin or Harvard North, is a neighborhood rich in history and culture. It's home to the Harvard Museum of Natural History, a popular attraction among locals and visitors alike. The neighborhood also offers a range of affordable housing options, making it a popular choice for students.
West Cambridge
Average Rent
$2,921/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
1.6%
TransitScore® Rating
59/100
Units Available
71 Rentals
Centrally located in the city's commercial district, West Cambridge has everything a renter could want. This famous shopping, dining, and entertainment hub is known for its lively atmosphere and convenient access to Harvard Square and its namesake metro station.
Neighborhood Nine
Average Rent
$2,957/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
3.7%
TransitScore® Rating
68/100
Units Available
115 Rentals
Neighborhood Nine combines affordability with accessibility, all while hosting some of the city's most beloved spots. This area is home to Danehy Park and the Cambridge Common, perfect for affordable recreation and leisure. Local boutiques and cafes also make daily living both enjoyable and economical in this budget-friendly, feel-good neighborhood.
North Cambridge
Average Rent
$3,084/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
1.9%
TransitScore® Rating
68/100
Units Available
46 Rentals
Budget-conscious renters will appreciate North Cambridge's affordable living options. Alewife Brook Parkway and nearby parks offer great outdoor activities, while local diners serve as popular spots for enjoying inexpensive meals. When you live here, adventure will be right outside your doorstep.
Cambridgeport
Average Rent
$3,133/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
1.5%
TransitScore® Rating
68/100
Units Available
111 Rentals
Cambridgeport is a top choice for budget-conscious renters for a variety of reasons. The average rent in Cambridgeport is $3,133 while the city average is $3,222. This is a -1.5% difference from last year. Residents enjoy convenient access to Mineralogical and Geological Museum, Memorial Plaza, and Boston University Central Station. The neighborhood is considered walkable with a WalkScore® of 92.
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Methodology
Transit Score measures access to public transit. Scores range from 0 (minimal transit) to 100 (rider’s paradise). Learn more about the Transit Score methodology. Rental data is sourced from CoStar Group’s Market Trend reports. As a leading authority in commercial real estate information, analytics, and news, CoStar performs in-depth research to build and sustain an extensive database of commercial real estate insights.
We've combined this data with public records to provide the most current rental information available.