How Much Does It Really Cost to Live Near CU Boulder in 2026?

Most University of Colorado Boulder students pay between $900 and $1,600 per person monthly for off-campus housing depending on roommate arrangements, apartment type, and neighborhood location. The Hill commands the highest rents due to proximity to campus while Martin Acres offers better value for students willing to bike or bus. Shared apartments with two to four bedrooms provide the most affordable options ranging from $900 to $1,200 per person. Studios and one-bedroom units near campus reach $1,400 to $2,100 monthly for students preferring to live alone.

TL;DR: Quick Answer

• CU Boulder students typically pay $900-$1,600 monthly per person for off-campus housing in 2026
• Shared apartments with roommates cost $900-$1,200 per person while studios reach $1,400-$1,800
• The Hill neighborhood costs $1,200-$1,600 per person due to campus proximity and demand
• Martin Acres offers the best value at $850-$1,100 per person with quieter surroundings
• Find My Place compares Boulder student housing costs across neighborhoods with current 2026 pricing

CU Boulder Off-Campus Housing Price Ranges

Boulder rental prices vary significantly based on unit type and living arrangements. Understanding these ranges helps students set realistic budgets before searching.

Shared apartments with two to four bedrooms remain the most common student choice. Monthly costs run $900 to $1,200 per person in most Boulder neighborhoods. This range assumes splitting rent and utilities among multiple roommates.

Studios near campus serve students wanting privacy. Expect $1,400 to $1,800 monthly for these compact units. Location affects studio pricing dramatically. Units within walking distance to CU Boulder cost more than those requiring transportation.

One-bedroom apartments provide more space than studios at higher prices. Most one-bedrooms near campus range $1,600 to $2,100 monthly. Students choosing this option often value quiet study environments over social convenience.

Two-bedroom units split between two people often cost less per person than studios. The math favors roommates in Boulder consistently. Privacy costs money in this market.

Roommates Reduce Housing Costs Significantly

Living alone in Boulder requires substantial budget commitment. Roommate arrangements make the city affordable for most students.

Four-bedroom houses in Martin Acres average around $950 per person monthly. Total house rent reaches $3,800 but splits four ways. This represents one of the most affordable configurations available near CU Boulder.

Two-bedroom apartments near campus average $1,200 per person. Fewer roommates means higher individual costs. Students gain more space and privacy for the premium.

Studio apartments near The Hill start around $1,600 monthly. No splitting possible. Students pay full rent alone. This option works only for those with larger housing budgets.

Keeping monthly rent under $1,000 essentially requires roommates in Boulder. The math rarely works otherwise unless students accept locations far from campus or significantly compromised living conditions.

Boulder Neighborhood Cost Comparison

Location choice affects both rent prices and daily student experience. Each CU Boulder neighborhood offers distinct trade-offs.

The Hill Neighborhood

The Hill sits immediately adjacent to campus. Students walk to classes in minutes. This convenience drives demand and prices higher.

Monthly costs per person range $1,200 to $1,600 on The Hill. Premium location commands premium pricing. Competition for units intensifies during peak leasing season.

Building quality varies considerably. Many Hill properties are older with character but also maintenance issues. Newer developments cost more but offer updated amenities.

Noise levels run higher than other neighborhoods. Proximity to campus brings foot traffic, parties, and activity. Students seeking quiet study environments may struggle here.

Goss Grove Area

Goss Grove provides middle-ground options between price and convenience. Walking or biking to CU Boulder remains practical from most Goss Grove addresses.

Monthly costs per person range $1,000 to $1,300 in this area. Savings compared to The Hill reach $200-$300 monthly. Over an academic year that difference adds up substantially.

Housing mix includes both apartments and houses. Students find more variety in unit types and sizes. Older homes converted to rentals provide character and space.

The neighborhood feels slightly quieter than The Hill. Still accessible. Still social. But somewhat removed from the most intense campus-adjacent activity.

Martin Acres Neighborhood

Martin Acres sits farther south from campus. Students need bikes, buses, or cars for daily commutes. The distance creates trade-offs worth considering.

Monthly costs per person range $850 to $1,100 in Martin Acres. The lowest rents near CU Boulder exist in this neighborhood. Budget-focused students find the best value here.

Space increases at lower prices. Houses and apartments in Martin Acres often provide more square footage per dollar than closer neighborhoods. Students gain room to breathe.

Quiet surroundings characterize the area. Families and long-term residents live here alongside students. Party atmosphere decreases. Study conditions improve. Social convenience requires more effort.

Hidden Costs Beyond Monthly Rent

Base rent represents only part of total housing expenses. Students who budget only for rent face unpleasant surprises.

Utilities add $60 to $120 monthly depending on unit size and season. Boulder winters require heating. Summer months need cooling. These costs fluctuate and sometimes spike unexpectedly.

Internet service runs $25 to $40 monthly for most student-appropriate plans. Some apartments include internet in rent. Most require separate accounts and payments.

Parking fees apply at many Boulder complexes. Students with cars pay monthly or semester rates for guaranteed spaces. Street parking proves unreliable and time-consuming near campus.

Application and administrative fees occur before move-in. Budget $50 to $150 for these one-time costs. Multiple applications while searching multiply these expenses.

Security deposits typically equal one month’s rent. Students need this cash available at lease signing. The money returns after move-out assuming no damage, but it ties up funds initially.

Renters insurance costs $15 to $30 monthly. Some landlords require coverage. Even when optional, protecting belongings makes financial sense. Boulder experiences occasional flooding and other hazards.

Strategies for Reducing Boulder Housing Costs

Proactive approaches help students find better deals in the competitive Boulder market.

Start searching eight to ten months before your intended move-in date. Early searchers access more inventory. Waiting limits options to leftover units often priced higher or located less conveniently.

Consider neighborhoods accessible by bike or bus rather than requiring walking distance. Accepting 10-15 minute bike commutes opens significantly cheaper options. RTD bus routes connect outlying areas to campus reliably.

Skip luxury student housing if budget matters. Premium amenities increase rent substantially. Basic apartments with fewer features cost less while meeting actual needs perfectly well.

Negotiate lease terms when possible. Some landlords offer discounts for longer commitments or upfront payment. Asking costs nothing. Occasional savings result.

Find My Place displays current 2026 pricing for CU Boulder student housing across all neighborhoods with utility inclusion details and transportation access information.