
<PAGE>
 
                                                                    Exhibit 23.1

                      CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT ACCCOUNTANTS

We consent to the reference to our firm under the caption "Experts" in the 
Form S-3 Registration Statement of Boston Properties, Inc. and to the 
incorporation by reference therein of our reports indicated below with respect
to the financial statements indicated below of Boston Properties, Inc.

                                                       Date of
                                                       Independent
    Financial Statements                               Accountants Report
    --------------------                               ------------------

Financial statements of Boston Properties, Inc.        January 23, 1998,
as of December 31, 1997 and for the period from         except for Note 16
June 23, 1997 to December 31, 1997, and of The          as to which the date
Boston Properties Predecessor Group as of               is February 2, 1998
December 31, 1996 and for the year ended
December 31, 1996 and 1995, and for the period
from January 1, 1997 to June 22, 1997.

Financial statement schedules of Boston Properties,    
Inc. as of December 31, 1997.                          January 23, 1998

Statement of revenue over certain operating 
expenses of Riverfront Plaza for the year 
ended December 31, 1997.                               August 17, 1998

Statement of revenue over certain operating 
expenses of Mulligan/Griffin Portfolio for 
the year ended December 31, 1997.                      August 14, 1998

Statement of revenue over certain operating 
expenses of Carnegie Center Portfolio for 
the year ended December 31, 1997.                      July 30, 1998

Statement of revenue over certain operating 
expenses of Prudential Center for the year 
ended December 31, 1997.                               July 24, 1998

Statement of revenue over certain operating 
expenses of Metropolitan Square for the year 
ended December 31, 1997.                               July 10, 1998

Statement of revenue over certain operating 
expenses of Riverfront Plaza for the year 
ended December 31, 1996.                               November 25, 1997

Statement of revenue over certain operating 
expenses of Mulligan/Griffin Portfolio for 
the year ended December 31, 1996.                      November 20, 1997

Statement of revenue over certain operating 
expenses of 100 East Pratt Street for 
the year ended December 31, 1996.                      November 3, 1997

Statement of revenue over certain operating 
expenses of 875 Third Avenue for the year 
ended December 31, 1996.                               October 17, 1997

Statement of revenue over certain operating 
expenses of 280 Park Avenue for the year 
ended December 31, 1996.                               October 17, 1997


                                        /s/ PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
                                        ---------------------------------
                                        PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP

Boston, Massachusetts
January 18, 1999

