To Dorm or Not to Dorm

Many college students and their parents have to decide between on- or off-campus housing. In 28 of the 48 biggest college towns in the country, it was either the equivalent or cheaper to live off-campus.

The average monthly savings in off-campus housing in these 28 towns is $219 per month. The cost of on-campus housing isn't limited to the cost of the dorm room alone. Meals are including in the housing options for eight out of the 28 institutions, and if those are removed from the study, the monthly savings is $146 for off-campus living, according to Trulia housing economist Felipe Chacón's report.

In places where the math tips in favor of on-campus housing before considering other costs, it can be tricky to find an off-campus option for less, based on our assumptions. Among the places we looked, UC Berkeley students face the most expensive rents both on- and off-campus. Still, living on-campus for an estimated $1,861 per month is $402 cheaper than splitting a market-rate unit in the city of Berkeley.

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