Boston on a Budget? No Problem!

With over a quarter million students, Boston is sure to make you feel young again. But you can feel young and be money smart. Following the tips in this article will make sure you don’t leave Boston pinching pennies, just savoring memories.

Late nights on the waterfront, food truck hopping, and tucking into some of the best beers in America, are only a part of what Boston offers. Much of the city can be discovered by walking around; there’s only one thing you need to plan in advance: the perfect place to sleep while keeping an eye on your wallet.

Beautiful Boston Photo by Navaneenth KN Flickr

Beautiful Boston Photo by Navaneenth KN Flickr

Ditch The Guidebook, Stay With A Local

Hotels in Boston have the reputation of being budget breakers, but since the Airbnb boom, finding a cheap and great accommodation in the city is easier than ever. Living like a local is truly an authentic way to travel. With these home stays you’re guaranteed insights into the city that only someone who lives here can provide; they usually have the most valuable budget tips, too!

If you don’t like sharing your space with someone, don’t worry, there are plenty of options to rent out an entire home or apartment in Boston, though you will pay slightly more. The host will meet you, give you the keys, a breakdown of the neighborhood, and a contact phone number in case you need anything. Then they disappear, leaving you to explore Boston on your own.

Rent a Room, Feel Like Family

This stay with Soledad and Rodrigo puts you a 15 minute ride away from MIT and Harvard, in case you’re visiting friends and family who are studying here. The memory foam bed assures you will wake up with enough energy to explore, and the price tag means you can splurge on an artisan coffee or two. A stay will run $55 per night, including fast Wi-Fi, a fridge, and a kitchen for your use.

Stay With Boston Buffs

This couple really knows their city. Having gone to school in Boston they know Boston in and out and love sharing their home with vistors. Previous guests rave about their friendly disposition and willingness to help. They tout their community in East Boston as home to some of the best Latin Food available as well as being the perfect proximity to up-and-coming neighborhoods just waiting to be explored by you.

Boston Food Truck Scene by SoWa Sundays

Boston Food Truck Scene by SoWa Sundays

Close to Central Square

When you value your space and anonymity, this private guest house rental in Boston is your best bet. If you’re feeling social you have access to common areas where you can meet fellow travelers and pick up tips from them while unwinding with a drink. However, if you take solace in being alone or with your travel partner, you’re going to love the private keycard room access. It feels like a more upscale version of a modern-day hostel.

The only thing you need to worry about now is how many days you can take off for vacation. After all, you still have all these free things to do in Boston waiting for you!

Please note : This is part of a series for #HipmunkCityLove. Hipmunk.com is low-cost and budget travel service that I actually use myself to travel, and am thrilled to write for. I hope you find the articles as well as their services useful.

Remember, you are my first priority and I only work with or support companies whose products and services I believe in. For all the nitty gritty on this check out my disclaimer and ask questions if you have any!


Brandy Bell loves adventuring around the world. She's been a solo female traveler since 2006 and has visited over 25 countries, made countless international friends, and now writes to inspire you to travel in a sustainable and responsible way.


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Thank you for stopping by, and please feel free to contact me with any questions or suggestions you have! Do you feel all pumped up and ready to hit the road? Go ahead and check everything off your backpacking list and live your dreams. :) Looking for more travel inspiration? Make sure to join our monthly newsletter which includes new travel resources, a photo essay and always something fun; even if you can't hit the road yet, I'll bring you traveling with me. Sign up now above! For all the legalese on the site check out My Disclaimer. Old Paper by ThunderThemes.net

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