The Cheapest and Most Expensive College Towns in the US

Cheapest College Towns in the US

For students looking for affordable college towns with lower living costs, Texas really stood out when it comes to rent, groceries, and utilities. In these towns and cities students can enjoy a lower cost of living while still having access to essential amenities. Some highly-rated schools are on this list, so it’s not necessary to sacrifice a good education for affordable living.

1. Columbia, MO

• Rent Price: $774.00
• Groceries: $308.80
• Beer: $20.76
• Utilities: $295.39
• Total: $1,398.95

Columbia tops the list of the US's most affordable college towns, with the University of Missouri leading it. Because groceries are about 26% less than the nation's average, students eat a lot cheaper. The University of Missouri ranks 93rd in the US top 100 universities. It offers good education at a fraction of the price of more prestigious schools. With its high rank and low cost of living, Columbia is a top choice for students. They want to balance affordability with quality. Also, the low utility cost suggests lower electricity and water bills. This adds to their overall savings.

2. Edinburg, TX

• Rent Price: $767.00
• Groceries: $337.58
• Beer: $25.32
• Utilities: $281.33
• Total: $1,411.23

Edinburg, where the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley is, has some of the nation's lowest rent and utility costs. Its proximity to the Mexican border keeps the cost of goods and services somewhat balanced due to lower prices. This makes grocery costs nearly 20% lower than the national average. The university is not in the top 100. For students who value low debt and living costs, affordability means cost savings. The warm climate lowers heating needs and utility costs.

3. Cincinnati, OH

• Rent Price: $871.00
• Groceries: $355.58
• Beer: $24.48
• Utilities: $237.99
• Total: $1,489.05

The University of Cincinnati is in Cincinnati. It has low rent and utility costs, 30% below the national average. These low utility costs make Cincinnati an ideal location for students who want to save money on bills each month. The University of Cincinnati is an institution to be respected, provided with a host of programs and very strong alumni resources. The city has a rich culture. It offers many fun activities, like historical tours and modern art galleries. So, it's a great option for students who want affordable housing and a quality education.

4. Lubbock, TX

• Rent Price: $766.00
• Groceries: $415.27
• Beer: $20.76
• Utilities: $307.32
• Total: $1,509.35

Texas Tech University in Lubbock has low rental rates. They are among the lowest in the country. Grocery prices are near the national average, but low rent makes up for that. Texas Tech is a highly regarded research university with much emphasis on innovation and hands-on learning. Lubbock boasts a very quiet and laid-back setting with low living costs. This is an ideal environment for students who hanker for small-town appeal but, at the same time, it offers big opportunities. Also, the city is in Texas, which is flat. It is, therefore, prone to extreme weather. So, utility costs are stable and manageable.

5. College Station, TX

• Rent Price: $873.00
• Groceries: $334.69
• Beer: $26.28
• Utilities: $286.54
• Total: $1,520.51

Affordability meets school spirit in College Station, home of Texas A&M University. Texas A&M is 33rd in the US. It's known for its strong engineering and business programs. The city has a great community spirit. Campus life is vibrant. The students receive groceries that are 20% cheaper than the national average. These groceries help keep the cost of living reasonable. The mild climate of College Station keeps utility costs low. This makes for a comfortable, affordable study environment.

6. Champaign, IL

• Rent Price: $932.00
• Groceries: $319.35
• Beer: $20.76
• Utilities: $274.87
• Total: $1,546.98

It is home to the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, ranking 20th among US universities. It also includes highly-ranked programs in engineering, computer science, and agriculture. Groceries and utilities run about 15 percent below the nation's average in this city. Champaign is affordable. Its university is highly ranked. So, it is ideal for students seeking top studies without the high costs of larger cities.

7. Auburn, AL

• Rent Price: $965.00
• Groceries: $341.75
• Beer: $20.76
• Utilities: $277.87
• Total: $1,605.38

Auburn University, in Auburn, AL, has top programs in engineering, business, and agriculture. The cost of living in Auburn is very reasonable; the rent and groceries are below the national average. Utilities aren't very expensive. The mild Southern climate requires less winter heating. The friendly and intimate atmosphere of Auburn furthers a sense of community both in and out of the classroom. Auburn's low cost, plus a strong community, makes it a good choice. A student can gain much from the college experience without huge expenses.

8. Lexington, KY

• Rent Price: $903.00
• Groceries: $367.12
• Beer: $20.76
• Utilities: $329.62
• Total: $1,620.50

Lexington, home to the University of Kentucky, has affordable living. It has below-average rent and grocery costs. This city has a unique culture. It is the "Horse Capital of the World." Southern hospitality blends with a lively student vibe. The cost of living within the city is relatively affordable; utilities are well in line with the national average.

9. Tallahassee, FL

• Rent Price: $988.00
• Groceries: $381.56
• Beer: $21.96
• Utilities: $279.09
• Total: $1,670.61

It is home to Florida State University, which ranks 80th in the nation. The cost of living is balanced, with medium rent and utilities below the national average. Utility costs remain consistently low due to the warm climate that does not require heating. Yet, the nearby beaches and great culture attract students to Tallahassee. It offers an affordable, college experience.

10. San Antonio, TX

• Rent Price: $934.00
• Groceries: $365.81
• Beer: $27.36
• Utilities: $343.54
• Total: $1,670.71

Home to The University of Texas at San Antonio, San Antonio supports affordable rent with a grocery budget in the moderate range. San Antonio has a mix of cultures. It has the famous River Walk and historic sites like the Alamo. Utilities are slightly above average. But, the city has many cheap dining and entertainment options. It's the perfect place for students seeking a great cultural experience without a high cost of living.

Most Expensive College Towns in the US

Standout states in the most expensive list are New York and California, which makes sense when it comes to overall cost of living. However, a Texas spot also appears on the list of most expensive places to get your college degree. Florida also has a place on the list, and its entry is Miami: a city that is known for glitz and glamor.

1. New York City, NY

• Rent Price: $3,676.00
• Groceries: $538.69
• Beer: $33.00
• Utilities: $301.84
• Total: $4,549.53

New York City stands out as being the most expensive place for college in the US mainly because of its high rent. It hosts several elite universities, including Columbia (12th) and NYU (14th). So, living in NYC requires a big budget. However, some offset this with the city's unmatched networking, world-class faculty, and rich culture. Groceries are 28% higher than the national average, reflecting an overall higher cost of living in this iconic metropolis.

2. Cambridge, MA

• Rent Price: $3,042.00
• Groceries: $485.96
• Beer: $20.76
• Utilities: $261.80
• Total: $3,810.52

Cambridge is unlucky. It's 'home' to both MIT, ranked 1st, and Harvard, 2nd. This mix of prestige and high living costs is a curse. The rent is well above average. It reflects the premium of living next to two of the world's most respected universities. Many believe high grocery and rent prices are justified. The academic and research opportunities are unmatched. A student who comes here should be prepared for a very real cost for their college experience and education.

3. Irvine, CA

• Rent Price: $2,868.00
• Groceries: $397.82
• Beer: $20.76
• Utilities: $299.13
• Total: $3,585.71

Irvine has a top education, thanks to the University of California, Irvine. It ranks 52nd among the best-value universities in the US It's in a sun-kissed Southern California setting. But it is expensive, with a high cost of living that includes nearly twice the national average cost of rent. Its planned structure keeps crime rates ultra-low and public schools very good. Many prefer it as an ideal place to live. Yet, students should realize they will have to pay a premium for living in one of California's more well-heeled territories.

4. Boston, MA

• Rent Price: $2,529.00
• Groceries: $542.23
• Beer: $31.68
• Utilities: $372.72
• Total: $3,475.63

Boston is an educational hub. It has many top-ranked schools. Boston University is 26th and Northeastern University is 64th. A rich history, a vibrant culture, and top universities make it very desirable. Other than being desirable, Boston is quite expensive. Groceries are 29% more than the national average. Students must weigh these positive academic and cultural features against their high cost.

5. San Diego, CA

• Rent Price: $2,413.00
• Groceries: $438.87
• Beer: $24.12
• Utilities: $458.56
• Total: $3,334.55

San Diego is a nice-weathered city with beautiful beaches, though costing in rent and utilities; it houses the 21st-ranked UCSD. The students enjoy the strong science and engineering programs at the university. But, they should carefully plan for living expenses.

6. San Jose, CA

• Rent Price: $2,239.00
• Groceries: $551.73
• Beer: $25.20
• Utilities: $408.80
• Total: $3,224.73

San Jose is right next to Silicon Valley, which makes its tech scene extremely active. In addition, Stanford University, ranked 3rd in the nation, is in proximity. The very expensive housing and groceries coming in 31% above the national average propel the cost of living here. This city offers unmatched tech and innovation internships and jobs. So, students interested in these careers will benefit most. Also, this is probably the most costly lifestyle.

7. Berkeley, CA

• Rent Price: $2,210.00
• Groceries: $561.24
• Beer: $21.60
• Utilities: $372.58
• Total: $3,165.42

Another very expensive city in the United States is Berkeley, a fact mainly due to the University of California, Berkeley, which ranked 6th. Cost factors that make Berkeley so expensive include high rent and groceries, 34% above the national average. Its high cost reflects its cultural and academic reputation. But, it's a small price for a top-class education and research opportunities.

8. San Marcos, TX

• Rent Price: $2,198.00
• Groceries: $367.23
• Beer: $22.32
• Utilities: $313.45
• Total: $2,901.00

San Marcos has Texas State University and is an outlier in cost in Texas, at least when it comes to rent. Its geography between Austin and San Antonio contributes to the higher cost of living. It provides suburban charm to its residents, with proximity to larger metropolitan areas. It will be a good choice for students who are looking for some low-key experience without sacrificing the ease of access to amenities of large cities.

9. Miami, FL

• Rent Price: $2,081.00
• Groceries: $455.88
• Beer: $27.00
• Utilities: $289.47
• Total: $2,853.35

Very colorful, yet very costly, is the lifestyle in Miami. It is home to the 56th-ranked University of Miami and 81st-ranked Florida International University. The city attracts students with its warm climate, beaches, and nightlife. However, they should budget for high living costs, especially for rent and groceries.

10. New Brunswick, NJ

• Rent Price: $2,066.00
• Groceries: $445.63
• Beer: $20.76
• Utilities: $283.74
• Total: $2,816.13

New Brunswick is represented by Rutgers University, which is 57th. It's a very expensive place to live, especially for rent and groceries. The city's closeness to New York and Philadelphia raises living costs. But, it benefits students with big-city amenities and a wider job market.

Methodology and Sources

Selected cities started with a seed list of the 100 largest universities by enrollment.

Universities with 50% or more of their enrollment online were removed. Community colleges were also excluded.

Rent costs: Data sourced from Zillow, using the median rental cost for a 1-bedroom apartment across different areas in the US.

Groceries: Data taken from Numbeo, based on the monthly recommended minimum spend for a healthy adult.

Utilities: Included basic bills, phone bills, and internet costs, using the average from Numbeo.

Beer: The cost of a domestic bottle was multiplied by 12 to estimate a monthly expense, based on data from Numbeo.

Top 100 Universities/Colleges: Based on QS World University Rankings, sourced from TopUniversities.com.