(Spoiler: It Can Be Less Than You Think)
Everyone says living off campus is cheaper.
But…is it?
Between rent, groceries, Wi-Fi, laundry, coffee, and somehow spending $43 at Target when you only went in for toothpaste, figuring out your real monthly budget can feel impossible.
The good news? Living off campus at UMass Amherst doesn’t have to break the bank. In fact, many students find that with a little planning, they spend about the same as—or even less than—they would living on campus while enjoying more space, more privacy, and a lot more freedom.
So let’s break down the real cost of living off campus at UMass Amherst and where your money actually goes.
Rent: Your Biggest Monthly Expense
No surprise here. Rent will probably be your biggest expense each month.
The good news is that many students lower their monthly costs by living with a roommate. Splitting rent in a two-bedroom apartment often makes off-campus living much more affordable than students expect.
When you’re comparing apartments near UMass Amherst, don’t just look at the monthly rent. Think about what’s included, too. Some apartments include certain utilities or amenities that could save you money over the course of your lease.
Groceries: Welcome to Adulting
Congratulations.
You’re officially responsible for feeding yourself.
Some weeks you’ll cook healthy meals.
Other weeks you’ll discover that cereal counts as dinner.
Fortunately, grocery shopping in Amherst is convenient. Stores like Trader Joe’s, Stop & Shop, Aldi, and Walmart make it easy to stick to a student budget if you plan ahead.
Cooking a few meals each week instead of ordering takeout can save hundreds of dollars over the course of a semester.
Your future self—and your bank account—will thank you.
Utilities: Don’t Forget These
One of the biggest surprises for first-time renters is realizing that rent isn’t always the only monthly bill.
Depending on your apartment, you may also pay for:
- Electricity
- Internet
- Renters insurance
- Water or sewer (at some communities)
One reason many students appreciate The Boulders Apartments is that heat and hot water is included, making your monthly expenses a little more predictable during those long Western Massachusetts winters.
Predictable bills make budgeting a whole lot easier.
Transportation Costs Add Up Too
Whether you drive every day or only head home on weekends, transportation is another expense to consider.
Think about:
- Gas
- Car insurance
- Vehicle maintenance
- Parking
At The Boulders Apartments, every leaseholder receives a reserved parking space at no additional cost, which is one less monthly expense to worry about.
Prefer not to drive?
The community is also conveniently located near public transportation, making it easy to get to UMass Amherst and around town.
The Sneaky Costs Nobody Warns You About
Nobody tells you your first apartment requires buying…
- A shower curtain
- Trash cans
- Cleaning supplies
- Laundry detergent
- Paper towels
- A toilet brush
Seriously…
Why is a toilet brush $12?
These little purchases add up quickly, especially during move-in month.
The good news is that most of them are one-time purchases you’ll use for the rest of the year.
Living With Roommates Saves More Than Rent
Having roommates doesn’t just lower your rent.
You can also split:
- Internet
- Streaming services
- Cleaning supplies
- Household essentials
- Groceries (if you’re organized enough)
Plus, there’s usually someone around to remind you that yes, your assignment is due tomorrow.
Many students looking for off-campus housing near UMass Amherst find that sharing a two-bedroom apartment is one of the easiest ways to stay within budget.
Small Ways Students Save Big
Living off campus doesn’t automatically save money.
Smart habits do.
Some of the easiest ways to keep your monthly budget under control include:
- Cooking at home more often
- Shopping with a grocery list
- Buying used furniture
- Splitting expenses with roommates
- Walking or taking public transportation when possible
- Choosing an apartment with included amenities like heat and free parking
The little savings often make a bigger difference than students expect.
So…Is Living Off Campus Actually Cheaper?
The honest answer?
It depends.
Your rent, spending habits, number of roommates, and lifestyle all play a role.
Some students spend a little more than they would on campus.
Others spend less because they’re sharing rent, cooking meals at home, and avoiding extra housing fees.
What many students agree on is that living off campus often gives them something that’s harder to put a price on:
More space.
More privacy.
A quieter place to study.
The ability to decorate your apartment, cook your own meals, have friends over, and truly make the space your own.
For many UMass students, those benefits alone make the move worthwhile.
Find an Apartment That Fits Your Budget
If you’re looking for apartments near UMass Amherst that make budgeting a little easier, The Boulders Apartments offers spacious two-bedroom homes with heat included, free reserved parking, a fitness center, secure bike storage, an off-leash dog park, and a location just minutes from campus.
Whether you’re planning ahead for next semester or getting ready to sign your first lease, we’d love to show you around.
Schedule a tour today and see why so many UMass students choose The Boulders Apartments as their off-campus home.
Join the community. Live better. Live at The Boulders.
