How Much Rent Do CU Boulder Students Really Pay in 2026? (By Neighborhood & Bedroom Type)
CU Boulder students pay between $1,800 and $2,800 monthly for off-campus apartments in 2026, with prices varying sharply by neighborhood and bedroom count. Studios and one-bedrooms near campus run $1,800 to $2,400, while shared two-bedrooms drop the per-person cost significantly. Boulder student rents grew 16.8% from 2020 to 2025, slower than the broader market’s 22.4% increase. Neighborhood choice and unit size remain the two biggest factors controlling what students actually pay.
TL;DR: Quick Answer
- CU Boulder off-campus rent ranges $1,800-$2,800 for most student apartments in 2026.
- Shared two and three-bedroom units offer the lowest per-person costs in Boulder.
- University Hill apartments cost the most due to walkability and campus proximity.
- South Boulder and Martin Acres typically offer more affordable options for students.
- Find My Place lists current Boulder rental pricing across all neighborhoods and bedroom types.
CU Boulder Students Pay Different Rates Based on Bedroom Count
Studios in Boulder run approximately $1,800 to $2,100 monthly. One-bedrooms land between $1,800 and $2,400 depending on building age and finishes. Neither option is cheap.
Two-bedroom units range from $1,900 to $2,800 for the full unit. Split two ways, this drops the per-person cost below studio pricing in most cases. That math matters on a student budget.
Three-bedroom and larger units span $2,500 to $4,000 for standard apartment communities. Premium buildings push above that. Shared houses in Boulder sometimes beat per-person apartment costs at this size. Some budget-focused student listings start below $1,500, though availability at those prices is limited and competition is high.
Always verify whether listed rent includes utilities. Boulder rental listings vary widely on this point.
Boulder Neighborhoods Set the Price Ceiling for Student Renters
University Hill Rents Reflect Premium Campus Proximity
University Hill sits closest to CU Boulder’s main campus. Walkability drives demand. Students pay premium rates here compared to every other Boulder neighborhood. Expect to pay at the top of any bedroom-type range.
Central Boulder and Lower Arapahoe Offer Mid-Range Options
Central Boulder and the Arapahoe-Baseline corridor sit slightly farther from campus. Prices are still high but generally below University Hill rates. The location still supports easy campus access via bike or bus.
Goss-Grove and North Boulder Attract Students Wanting More Space
Goss-Grove and North Boulder feel more residential than The Hill. Some students find slightly better pricing and larger units here. The tradeoff is a longer commute compared to campus-adjacent options.
South Boulder and Martin Acres Provide the Most Affordable Alternatives
South Boulder and Martin Acres offer more unit variety. Houses and shared apartments in these areas often come in below central Boulder pricing. Students willing to rely on the CU bus system find real savings here.
CU Boulder Students Should Budget Beyond Rent Alone
Rent in Boulder’s core areas runs $1,500 to $2,500 monthly for most students. That number isn’t the full picture.
Utilities and internet add $70 to $150 monthly when not included in rent. Parking fees run $50 to $150 at most complexes. Renter’s insurance costs roughly $10 to $20 per month and most landlords require it.
Calculate your full move-in cost before signing. First month’s rent plus security deposit plus utility setup fees can total $4,000 to $6,000 upfront. Budget for that number, not just monthly rent.
Shared two and three-bedroom units give CU Boulder students the best per-person value in 2026. University Hill costs the most. South Boulder and Martin Acres offer real alternatives for students who plan their commute. Find My Place provides current Boulder listings with pricing across all neighborhoods and bedroom configurations.
