As a professional that lives in Boston proper, you cannot just look at salary - currently a one bedroom apartment for rent is market price at around 1700 in the outskirts of Brighton, one of the more affordable neighborhoods in Boston. When you start talking about a 2,3 Bedroom, costs are well over $2000. And while buying may be slightly more cost effective, 1-2 bedroom condos go for over 300,000 in the area or more.