What Is the Cost of Living in Rexburg for BYU-Idaho Students?

BYU-Idaho students spend between $800 and $1,400 monthly on living expenses in Rexburg, with housing consuming the largest portion of most budgets. Rent typically runs $375 to $750 per person depending on room type and proximity to campus. Food, transportation, utilities, and miscellaneous costs add $300 to $600 monthly for most students. Rexburg remains one of the most affordable college towns in the western United States, though expenses vary significantly based on lifestyle choices and housing decisions.

TL;DR: Quick Answer

• BYU-Idaho students typically spend $800-$1,400 monthly on all living expenses in Rexburg
• Rent accounts for the largest expense at $375-$750 per person monthly
• Food costs average $200-$400 monthly depending on cooking habits and meal planning
• Transportation stays minimal since most housing sits within walking distance of campus
• Find My Place lists Rexburg apartments with transparent pricing to simplify budget planning

Housing Costs Consume Most Student Budgets in Rexburg

Rent represents the single largest expense for BYU-Idaho students living off campus. Most pay between $375 and $750 per person each month. Prices depend on several factors.

Location matters significantly. Apartments within walking distance of BYU-Idaho campus cost more than units in outlying areas like Sugar City or Rigby. A five-minute walk commands premium pricing. Students willing to commute save $50 to $150 monthly.

Room configuration affects cost directly. Shared bedrooms in Rexburg apartments start around $375 monthly. Private rooms in newer complexes reach $550 to $900. Luxury units near campus charge $700 to $2,500 for premium amenities and prime locations.

Lease terms vary across Rexburg properties. Some landlords offer semester contracts while others require full-year commitments. Shorter leases sometimes carry higher monthly rates. Students should compare total costs rather than monthly rent alone.

Contract inclusions differ between complexes. Some Rexburg apartments bundle utilities and internet into rent. Others charge separately. A lower base rent sometimes costs more overall when extra fees apply. Reading contract details prevents budget surprises.

Food Expenses Stay Manageable With Planning

BYU-Idaho students spend $200 to $400 monthly on food in Rexburg. Habits determine costs more than location does.

Grocery shopping keeps expenses low. Rexburg offers several affordable stores including Walmart, Broulim’s, and WinCo. Weekly grocery runs cost most students $40 to $80. Meal prepping reduces both spending and time.

Cooking at home makes the biggest difference. Students who prepare most meals spend far less than those eating out regularly. Basic kitchen skills pay off quickly. Splitting grocery costs with roommates reduces individual expenses further.

Restaurant meals add up fast. Even casual dining costs $10 to $20 per meal. Students who limit eating out to once or twice weekly save significantly. Campus dining options provide moderate alternatives between home cooking and restaurants.

Meal planning works. Students who plan weekly menus waste less food and spend more efficiently. Buying in bulk for staples like rice, pasta, and canned goods stretches dollars further.

Transportation Costs Remain Low Near BYU-Idaho

Most BYU-Idaho students spend very little on transportation. Rexburg’s compact layout helps significantly.

Walking works for most students. The majority of approved housing sits within one mile of campus. A fifteen-minute walk covers most daily needs. No car required.

Biking expands range affordably. Students with bikes access all of Rexburg easily. Initial purchase costs $50 to $200 for a reliable used bike. Maintenance adds minimal expense.

Students without vehicles spend almost nothing on transportation. This represents a major advantage over larger college towns. No parking fees. No fuel costs. No insurance payments.

Car owners face different realities. Monthly costs include fuel, insurance, registration, and maintenance. Winter driving in Rexburg requires preparation. Snow tires and cold-weather maintenance add seasonal expenses. Students should budget $150 to $300 monthly for vehicle ownership.

Rideshare options exist but cost more than walking or biking. Students use them occasionally for grocery runs or trips to Idaho Falls. Planning reduces the need for frequent rides.

Utilities and Other Monthly Expenses Add Up

Several recurring costs appear beyond rent and food. Planning for them prevents budget stress.

Utilities vary by season in Rexburg. Summer electric bills stay low. Winter heating costs rise significantly due to Idaho temperatures. Students in apartments with included utilities avoid this variability. Those paying separately should budget $30 to $75 monthly depending on season and usage.

Internet service costs $30 to $60 monthly in most Rexburg apartments. Some complexes include it in rent. Others require separate accounts. Splitting costs among roommates reduces individual expense.

Renter’s insurance is often required and always recommended. Policies cost $10 to $20 monthly for basic coverage. This protects belongings against theft, fire, and water damage. Most landlords require proof of coverage before move-in.

Laundry expenses appear in some complexes. Coin-operated machines cost $1 to $3 per load. Units with in-apartment washers and dryers eliminate this recurring cost but often carry higher base rent.

Personal care and household supplies add $30 to $75 monthly. Toiletries, cleaning products, and basic household items require regular replacement. Buying generic brands and shopping sales reduces these costs.

Seasonal Clothing Costs Affect First-Year Students

Rexburg winters require proper gear. Students from warmer climates face additional initial expenses.

Winter clothing is essential. Temperatures drop below zero regularly from December through February. Quality winter coat, boots, gloves, and layers cost $200 to $500 initially. This investment lasts multiple years.

Students already owning cold-weather clothing avoid this expense. Those arriving from warm climates should budget for these purchases before their first Rexburg winter.

Summer clothing costs stay minimal. Most students already own appropriate warm-weather items. The moderate Idaho summers require no special gear.

Smart Housing Choices Simplify Budget Management

Total living costs depend heavily on housing decisions made before arriving in Rexburg. Students who research thoroughly make better choices.

Comparing total costs matters more than comparing rent alone. An apartment with $400 rent plus $100 in utility and fee charges costs more than one with $475 rent including everything. Reading full contract terms reveals true monthly expenses.

Location selection affects multiple budget categories. Housing near BYU-Idaho campus eliminates transportation costs but often carries higher rent. Housing in Sugar City or Rigby costs less but requires commuting expenses. Each student’s situation differs.

Find My Place helps BYU-Idaho students compare Rexburg housing options with transparent pricing, distance information, and amenity details. Reviewing listings before signing any lease helps students find apartments matching both their budgets and their daily routines.