The Salt Lake City rental market runs on two tracks: the University of Utah corridor on the east side, and the broader city market for everyone else. U of U students cluster in the Avenues and Sugar House, while students at SLCC and Westminster fan out across Millcreek and Murray. Rents have climbed sharply in recent years but still undercut comparable West Coast cities, especially once you factor in how much space you get. The transit network is genuinely strong by Utah standards — TRAX light rail connects the U of U to downtown, Sandy, and the airport, making car-light life viable near a station. The two neighborhoods students land in most often are the Avenues for walkability and Sugar House for the social scene.
The default for U of U students who want to walk or bike to campus. Dense streets, Victorian houses, coffee shops within range. It fills fastest — if you are targeting the Avenues, do not search in spring.
A few miles from campus and more affordable than the Avenues, with restaurants, bars, and a more social energy. The S-Line streetcar runs through it. Popular with upperclassmen and grad students who want a neighborhood feel.
Just south of Sugar House with more apartments and generally lower rents. Graduate students and commuters who split time between the U of U and downtown gravitate here. TRAX access is decent.
Here's what you need to know about getting around Salt Lake City.
TRAX light rail is the backbone — three lines connecting the U of U, downtown, Sandy, and the airport. The S-Line streetcar runs through Sugar House. UTA buses cover the broader metro. For students near the Red Line, going car-free works for day-to-day life. Students further west or south of campus will find coverage thinner.
The Avenues and Sugar House are legitimately bikeable — flat near downtown, gently sloping toward the foothills. Protected lanes run along 400 South and 900 South. The U of U campus is walkable, but Salt Lake is spread out and car-oriented outside those core zones.
On-campus parking is available but expensive — most east-side students take transit or bike rather than pay permit rates. Avenues street parking is abundant but winter snow removal is your problem. Sugar House tightens near commercial strips but most apartments include a spot.
Common questions from students searching for housing.
Most student-focused apartments in Salt Lake City run $750-$1,200/mo per person. The Avenues tends toward the higher end; Millcreek and Murray come in lower. Utilities are usually separate, and the market has tightened — expect to pay more than you would have a few years ago.
Browse student housing near each Salt Lake City-area university.
