Planning for College? Here is What You’ll Pay for Rent Near Campus
- Author: Bernard Reynolds
- Posted: 2026-03-13
Choosing a college is a big decision, and while most people focus on tuition and classes, there is one major cost that often gets overlooked: rent.
While many students live in dorms during their first year, most move into off-campus housing later. To help students and parents budget, Zillow analyzed typical rent prices in 357 college towns across the United States.
Here is a breakdown of what they found regarding the most and least expensive places to live.
What Makes a "College Town"?
For this study, Zillow defined a college town as a city where at least 20% of the population is enrolled in college. These cities must have at least 25,000 residents and cannot be primary vacation or retirement destinations.
The Most and Least Expensive Markets
The cost of rent varies wildly depending on where the school is located.
- The High End: Not surprisingly, California and the New York area dominate the list of expensive college towns. Schools in New York City and San Jose, CA, see typical rents topping $3,500 a month.
- The Affordable End: The most budget-friendly college towns are mostly located in the Midwest and the South. The least expensive town on the list is Weirton, West Virginia, where typical rent is about $806 per month.
Understanding "Rent Concessions" (Special Deals)
When looking for an apartment, you might see "concessions." These are special offers from landlords to attract renters, such as one month of free rent or free parking.
If a city has a high percentage of concessions, it means there are plenty of apartments available, and renters have more power to negotiate.
For example, in Washington, D.C., over 50% of rentals offer these types of deals, whereas in many affordable towns, these deals are harder to find.
Rent Prices at a Glance (Expected Sept. 2025)
Top 5 Most Expensive College Towns:
- New York, NY: $3,512
- San Jose, CA: $3,500
- Santa Cruz, CA: $3,491
- Kahului, HI: $3,437
- Santa Maria, CA: $3,154
Top 5 Most Affordable College Towns:
- Weirton, WV: $806
- Johnstown, PA: $867
- Cape Girardeau, MO: $879
- Parkersburg, WV: $898
- Wheeling, WV: $912
Rent Near Popular Universities
If you are looking at some of the nation's largest schools, here is what you can expect to pay for rent in those cities:
- Highest: New York University (NYC) and Columbia (NYC) – $3,512
- Mid-Range: Arizona State (Tempe) – $1,976 and University of Florida (Gainesville) – $1,729
- Lowest: University of Illinois (Urbana-Champaign) – $1,364 and Michigan State (East Lansing) – $1,395
Beyond Graduation
Zillow also noted that choosing a college town isn't just about the four years of school. For students who plan to stay in the area after graduation, it is important to look at the local job market.
Some cities offer a great balance of affordable rent and high starting salaries for new graduates, making them ideal places to launch a career.
The Bottom Line: Before you commit to a school on National College Decision Day (May 1st), make sure to factor in the local cost of living. A "cheaper" tuition might be offset by very high rent, while a school in the Midwest or South could save you thousands of dollars over four years.
-
Find out if you're eligible for housing support here!
