Exhibit 23 Consent of Independent Auditors We consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration Statements (Nos. 333-23995, 333-70313 and 333-34521) on Form S-8 of BostonFed Bancorp, Inc. (the "Company") of our report dated March 5, 2004, with respect to the consolidated balance sheets of the Company as of December 31, 2003 and 2002 and the related consolidated statements of income, changes in stockholders' equity and comprehensive income, and cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2003, which report is incorporated by reference in the Annual Report on Form 10-K of the Company for the year ended December 31, 2003. Our report refers to the adoption of Statement of Financial Accounting Standard ("SFAS") No. 142 "Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets" effective January 1, 2002. /s/KPMG LLP Boston, Massachusetts March 12, 2004