Boston, Massachusetts is an internationally renowned city, famous for its historical significance, gorgeous architecture, and network of elite universities. The city is loved by both tourists and residents alike. But Boston is also famous for its high cost of living. Whether you’re planning on relocating to the city permanently or are just in town for the weekend, keep reading to learn how to see the best of Boston without breaking the bank.
How to live in Boston without spending a lot
In most aspects of life in Boston, you can find ways to save money. Learn how to spend wisely in Boston and avoid paying unnecessary fees when navigating throughout the city.
Sign-Up for Newsletters
You can take advantage of the many freebies and deals offered by many well-known Boston companies. These groups help residents and tourists alike find the best events in the city. Whether it’s a discount or a free event, Boston-based companies that create newsletters are one of the best places to go to when first navigating Boston.
We recommend checking out:
- Boston Magazine
- Chefs
- The Secret Boston
- Boston Calendar
Check out retailers, stores, and brands on social media, especially those that operate in and around Boston. Social media is a great place to connect and learn about discounts and deals. Other than company social media pages, Boston-specific Facebook groups are another great place to explore when trying to find the most exclusive deals that the city offers.
Join Loyalty Programs
If you’re planning on spending lots of time in Boston, consider committing to any reward programs offered by major businesses you support. There are many different ways to do this, whether it be an app where you can earn points or a card you fill out and carry around in your wallet. Rewards programs usually cost nothing to utilize, and depending on the company, can reap in major rewards.
Just by purchasing your daily cup of coffee, you can earn points and rewards that’ll eventually earn you a discount or freebie. These types of loyalty programs are most popular among cafes, shops, and restaurants. Many Boston-local businesses provide these types of programs to incentivize business.
It may appear obvious, but rewards programs are under-utilized by the average consumer and are a quick and easy way to cut costs little by little. The best way to do this is to ask the businesses you visit frequently and inquire about any loyalty programs they offer long-time customers.
Examples of what loyalty programs can earn you in Boston
- A complimentary bagel one day each month (worth $10)
- Free coffee or tea after purchasing 10 drinks from a coffee shop
- Two meals for the price of one
Every business varies, so make sure you ask each one if they offer a loyalty program and what types of rewards can be earned. Sometimes these programs are only offered for a limited amount of time, so keep your eyes peeled, especially during holiday seasons when there’s heightened retail spending.
Saving money is not something you do just once or twice. To effectively accumulate wealth, try to save on small expenses that will accumulate over time. It’s recommended that if you’re trying to spend time in Boston on a budget, avoid the most expensive neighborhoods, which usually have the priciest restaurants.
One of the easiest and largest expenses to cut down on is rent! Rent is one of the biggest expenses that people pay in their lives, so finding a cheaper apartment can lead to huge savings over time. Consider living in a small place, or sharing it with roommates.
Take Advantage of Boston’s Free Seats
There are so many incredible, free things to do in Boston! With an abundance of green spaces, there are dozens of incredible parks to walk, play, and enjoy picnics in. These amenities are open to the public and free for all.
Gametime is a great way to save on sports in Boston. Between the Red Sox’s (baseball), Celtics (basketball), Patriots (football), or the Bruins (hockey), there are endless sporting events in Boston. The City of Champions is not cheap, though, but Gametime is the perfect solution to pricey Boston. This phone app allows you to buy tickets directly from sellers. Gametime also has an important trick to keep in mind. Around five minutes before games begin, sellers attempt to empty their inventory and offer major discounts. The longer you wait, the more likely you’ll find cheap tickets to the hottest game of the season.
Free museums are also an amazing resource to take advantage of. Some students, children, and seniors can get into any Boston museum for free. If you don’t fit into any of these categories, check museum calendars, because almost every museum offers free admission at least a few days each year.
