Landlord Resources
How to Get a Loan for a Rental Property
Rental property loans differ from traditional mortgages, needing larger down payments, higher interest rates, and reserves, often disregarding projected rental income.
•11 min read
What to Know About
Life in Dorchester & Beyond
Dorchester shares many of the great qualities that make Massachusetts a desirable place to live.
Massachusetts is rich in American history and renowned for its beautiful cities and breathtaking natural landscapes. Visit historical sites such as the Freedom Trail and USS Constitution Museum to experience the birthplace of America. In addition, it's the home to world-class universities such as Harvard University, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), and Boston College, adding to the state's innovation and education. Massachusetts also has a strong job market and a thriving economy.
For sports fans, Massachusetts is home to the New England Patriots (NFL), Boston Bruins (NFL), Boston Red Sox (MLB), Boston Celtics (NBA), and iconic venues such as Fenway Park and Gillette Stadium. In addition, the state offers a diverse range of outdoor experiences for those seeking adventure, from whale watching on the Cape Cod coast to hiking in the scenic Berkshire Mountains. See famous attractions like the Salem Witch Trials Memorial, the New England Aquarium, and the charming Martha's Vineyard.
With its warm and welcoming atmosphere, rich historical heritage, and endless opportunities, embrace the Bay State and discover why Massachusetts is the ideal place to call home.
Rental Market Trends
Dorchester, MA
As of June 2026, Dorchester's rental market is stable, offering a predictable rental market where most units lease within a few weeks. Dorchester's average rent is 4.1% ($112) lower than the Massachusetts average of $2,761 and 47.4% ($852) higher than the U.S. average of $1,797.
Average Rent
$2,649
Monthly ChangeMonth Over Month Change
8.3% ($204)
Yearly ChangeYear Over Year Change
1% ($26)
Avg. Days on MarketAverage Days on Market
46
| Unit Type | Average Rent | Monthly ChangeMonth Over Month Change | Yearly ChangeYear Over Year Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Bed | $1,788 | 5% ($85) | 6.3% ($120) |
| 2 Beds | $2,220 | 0.7% ($16) | 12.7% ($324) |
| 3 Beds | $2,812 | 0.2% ($7) | 10.4% ($326) |
| Nearby Cities | Average Rent | Avg. Rent vs. DorchesterAverage Rent vs. Dorchester | Avg. Days on MarketAverage Days on Market |
|---|---|---|---|
| Roxbury | $1,731 | 34.7% ($918) | 33 days |
| Dorchester Center | $2,366 | 10.7% ($283) | 30 days |
| Roxbury Crossing | $3,792 | 43.1% ($1143) | 47 days |
| Mattapan | $2,536 | 4.3% ($113) | 34 days |
| South Boston | $3,795 | 43.3% ($1146) | 25 days |
Rental market trends are calculated using listing data from RentalSource.
Frequently Asked Questions
Dorchester Rental Market FAQs
Explore rental prices, market trends, and availability in Dorchester, MA.
The average rent in Dorchester, MA is $2,649 per month.
Apartments in Dorchester typically rent for between $1,252 and $3,656 per month, with an average of $2,649 per month.
In Dorchester, the average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment is $1,788 per month, for a 2-bedroom apartment, $2,220 per month, and a 3-bedroom apartment is $2,812 per month.
The average rent in Dorchester is 47.4% ($852) higher than the national average of $1,797 per month.
The average rent in Dorchester has increased by 8.3% ($204) in the last month and increased by 1.0% ($26) over the past year.
The rental market in Dorchester, MA, is currently stable, offering a predictable rental market where most units lease within a few weeks.
In Dorchester, MA, the average rental stays on the market for approximately 46 days. While most properties are rented within this timeframe, factors like seasonality, demand, and property type can affect how quickly a rental leases.
There are currently 315 rental properties available in Dorchester, MA.
Based on the current averages, a household would need an annual income of $88,800 to comfortably afford a 2-bedroom apartment in Dorchester.
