Question 1

How much does student housing in Stanford cost?

Accepted Answer

Stanford itself has almost no private rentals, so most students rent in Palo Alto, Menlo Park, or East Palo Alto. Sharing a place is how you make the Peninsula work. Per-person costs in a shared house or apartment commonly land around $1,400-$2,200/month depending on the neighborhood and how many roommates you split with. A solo studio or one-bedroom runs much higher, often $2,400-$3,000/month, which is why almost everyone shares.

Question 2

Which neighborhoods are best for Stanford students?

Accepted Answer

College Terrace is the top pick for being walkable and bikeable to campus, though rooms there often run $1,600-$2,200/month per person. Downtown Palo Alto is best if you want nightlife and the Caltrain station at your doorstep. Evergreen Park, Mayfield, and Menlo Park offer more apartment inventory, and East Palo Alto tends to give you more space per dollar.

Question 3

Do I need a car to live near Stanford?

Accepted Answer

Not if you stay close. The campus and surrounding neighborhoods are flat and bike-friendly, the free Marguerite shuttle covers campus, and Caltrain handles longer trips. A car helps for weekend coast or city runs, but plenty of students go car-free for years.

Question 4

How close to campus can I realistically live?

Accepted Answer

College Terrace literally borders campus, so you can bike to class in minutes. Downtown Palo Alto, Evergreen Park, and Mayfield are all short bike rides. Menlo Park and East Palo Alto are a bit farther but still well within a comfortable commute by bike or shuttle.

Question 5

Is it safe to rent near Stanford?

Accepted Answer

Palo Alto and Menlo Park are generally quiet, residential, and considered very safe. East Palo Alto has improved a lot and has solid pockets, but it varies block to block, so it's worth visiting in person and checking the specific street before signing.

Question 6

When should I start looking for student housing in Stanford?

Accepted Answer

Start early, ideally three to four months out. The Peninsula rental pool is small and competitive, and good shared houses near campus get claimed fast, especially for fall move-ins. Lining up roommates before you search makes everything easier.

Question 7

What are leases like around Palo Alto?

Accepted Answer

Standard 12-month leases are the norm for apartments and houses. Some landlords near campus will work with the academic year, but year-round leases are more common, so be ready to cover summer or find a subletter if you head home.

Question 8

Are utilities included in the rent?

Accepted Answer

Usually not in houses, where you'll typically cover electricity, gas, water, trash, and internet on top of rent. Some apartment buildings bundle water and trash. Always confirm what's included before signing, since utility splits add up across roommates.

Question 9

Can I find roommates or sublet near Stanford?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Roommate hunting is the default here because solo rents are steep, and Stanford housing boards and student groups make it easy to find shares. Summer sublets are common when students leave for internships, so subletting a room for a few months is very doable.

Question 10

Is living off campus normal at Stanford?

Accepted Answer

Most undergrads live in campus housing, but grad students, upperclassmen, and many staff rent in Palo Alto and the surrounding Peninsula towns. Once you're off campus, the bike and Caltrain become your lifeline, and you'll quickly learn the El Camino Real corridor by heart.

Student Housing in Stanford, CA

About Student Housing in Stanford

Best Neighborhoods for Students in Stanford

College Terrace

Downtown Palo Alto

Evergreen Park

Getting Around Stanford as a Student

Public Transit

Walking and Biking

Parking

Frequently Asked Questions: Student Housing in Stanford

Find Housing by University in Stanford

Search Stanford Student Housing by…

Room Type

Lifestyle

Price Range