While a budget of $1,500 scores plenty of space in many Sunbelt cities, space and affordability are on the chopping block for those hoping to live in Massachusetts.

That’s according to researchers at RentCafe who ranked the 200 largest cities in the contiguous United States by the size and cost of available rentals using data sourced from Yardi Matrix.

To any renter who’s attempted to find budget-friendly housing options in Massachusetts recently, it likely comes as no surprise that the many cities in the Commonwealth ranked among places where $1500 afforded the least amount of space.

Boston

In Boston, a $1,500 budget covered 308 square feet of apartment space. That’s less than half of the national average of 703 square feet. Boston’s high prices placed it at No. 197 out of the 200 metros ranked, outpaced only by Brooklyn, New York, Manhattan and San Francisco.

Springfield

Springfield ranked as the most affordable option in Massachusetts and the greater New England region. A budget of $1,500 secured 711 square feet of space — plenty of room for a bedroom or two. However, the city followed a downward trend from last year, when the same budget scored an additional 22 square feet.

Worcester

A studio or one-bedroom apartment is within reach for Worcester renters with a budget of $1,500. This amount stretched to cover 595 square feet of space, still far below the national average of 703 square feet.

How do these cities compare regionally and nationally?

Across other New England metros, space remained similarly constrained. A $1,500 budget fetched 646 square feet in Bridgeport, Connecticut, and 499 square feet in Providence, Rhode Island.

Cities where $1,500 stretched the furthest included McAllen, Texas, at 1,378 square feet, and Macon, Georgia, at 1,346 square feet. Notably, in around two-thirds of the cities analyzed, $1,500 garnered more space than the national average.

Beacon Hill Apartments for rent. Never pay a full fee

We have a flat fee $1,500 regardless of the price of the Beacon Hill or Boston apartment.

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Ford Realty Menu of Flat Fee Listings for Boston and the North Shore

Buyers receive 60% rebate from our portion of the broker fee

As a home seller, it sounds like you have a solid grasp of the current 2026 landscape for flat-fee listings in the Boston and North Shore areas. Here is a concise breakdown of how those Ford Realty tiers typically function based on the service levels you’ve identified:

1. Basic “Entry Only” – $500.00

This is essentially a “digital signpost” service.

Visibility: Your home is listed on the local MLS, which syndicates to Zillow, Realtor.com, and local brokerage sites.
Your Role: You are the primary point of contact. You handle photography, scheduling all showings, vetting buyers, and all contract negotiations.
Best for: Experienced sellers or those comfortable managing real estate paperwork and logistics independently.

2. Flat Fee (Assisted) – Starting at $1,500.00

This tier bridges the gap between DIY and full representation.

The Upgrade: The broker takes professional photos and handles the listing setup.
Added Support: You gain professional guidance for the initial setup, ensuring the listing looks polished to attract higher-quality leads.
Broker Role: 60-day listing, one open house per month, schedule day and evening showings. The negative is that the full fee is due after 60 days even if the house/condo doesn’t sell or go under agreement.

3. Full-Service – 1% Commission

This is the “hands-off” alternative to the traditional 2.5%–3% model.

The Full Package: Professional photography and floor plans are included.
Active Management: The broker hosts one open house per month and handles day/evening showings.
Logistics: They are physically present for the BFD smoke detector inspection and the home inspection, taking significant stress off your plate.

Key Financial Reminders

Buyer’s Side: Regardless of your flat fee, remember to factor in the 2%–3% commission for the buyer’s agent to keep your home competitive.
Tax/Closing: Budget for the MA transfer tax ($4.56 per $1,000) and ensure all Condo fees are cleared to avoid delays at closing.