Cost Of Living In Auburn, Alabama 2026 –Rent, Food & Student Budget

Auburn is a city that has warm hospitality, energetic college vibes, and SEC-level football energy. This city is a special place for students, families, and young professionals. Located in eastern Alabama, Auburn maintains a great balance between small-town charm and modern academic development. Even though it is famous for public universities, beyond the campus gates, there lies a friendly city that is full of parks, diverse food spots, traditions, and one of the biggest advantages of living here is the Auburn Alabama cost of living, which remains more affordable compared to other large metropolitan areas. 

With a population of around 33,000 students, Auburn has become one of the state's fastest-growing cities. This metropolitan area, shared closely with neighboring Opelika, has a total population of over 110,000+ people, making it exciting yet calm enough for comfort. Unlike large coastal cities, Auburn offers a slower pace with a manageable cost of living and prices in Auburn AL, and a strong community environment, which is why students often call it a home away from home.

Overall Cost of Living in Auburn AL for International Students 

The average student in Auburn spends between 5% lower than the national average a year, depending on their personal budget. If you're a freshman, an international student just trying to adjust to the new surroundings, or a young graduate planning to move to town, understanding Auburn's living expenses can help you budget carefully. A student in Auburn spends differently from a family. Knowing what to expect financially and how to manage your average living expenses in Auburn AL, will help you avoid stress later. For young professionals, Moores Mill and North Auburn are perfect places, as there is not much student noise and it will ensure peace. For families, Cary Woods is a great place as it offers proximity to some of the top-rated Auburn City schools. 

This Auburn in-depth guide breaks down the details. Students who are relocating from different states like California, Massachusetts, or New York are often surprised by how much the cost of living differs in Auburn AL. Below is a detailed breakdown of the cost of living and prices in Auburn AL, section-wise. 

1. Rent 

When looking at the average living expenses in Auburn AL, rent is often the biggest expense for students and young professionals. Auburn has seen a moderate rise in rental prices over the last couple of years, due to an increasing student demand around Auburn University and a growing population. The average monthly rent ranges from $950 to $1,450, with the modern amenities at the upper end. The studio and one-bedroom apartments near the university campus usually cost between $900 and $1,300, while luxury apartments that are closer to downtown may cost over $1,600 per month, depending on features like furnished apartments, fitness centers, in-room laundry, or utilities. The hotel and short-term rental prices triple during gamedays and SEC football weekends. 

How to Save on Rent in Auburn Alabama cost of living?

Sharing an apartment or leasing a room is one way to reduce the costs and manage the average living expenses in Auburn AL. You can also look for housing apartments that are located a little away from campus, in neighborhoods like Opelika Road, Glenn Avenue, or farther east of downtown. These apartments often offer lower pricing without compromising on comfort and quality. Signing leases early, before the semester, gives stronger negotiation ability, and choosing older or non-luxury buildings can keep monthly rent affordable.

2. Housing and Student Apartments

Housing and rent costs in Auburn Alabama are the biggest expenses for students, and the prices vary based on location, room type, and whether these accommodations are shared with someone. The areas that are near campus, like downtown, South Donahue, Glenn Avenue, and North College Street, are expensive, while the areas near Opelika Road or toward Opelika offer cheaper costs with only a 10 to 20-minute commute.

Off-campus housing – In Auburn, the off-campus housing is the most famous among students, with single-bedroom apartments costing between $1,100 and $1,600 per month, depending on distance from the Auburn University. The shared apartments offer a range from $650 to $1,100 per person, and properties that are far from the university tend to be more affordable. Amber provides some affordable off-campus housing options in Auburn, Alabama, that make student life easier.  

On-campus housing – On-campus apartments cost between $8,000 and $14,500 per year, with meal plans sometimes included. The monthly costs average from $700 to $1,450, and become more expensive during peak semesters. The student dorms are located close to the top academic buildings, but end up getting filled fast due to walkability, security, and included facilities.

Other options – Beyond the on-campus and off-campus housing options, students in Auburn have several affordable options, like the Purpose-Built Student Accommodation (PBSA), shared apartments, and furnished apartments with modern facilities. These options cost around $550 to $1,400+ for per student monthly. 

How to Save on Student Housing in Auburn?

Sharing the apartments helps reduce the student housing costs from the average living expenses in Auburn AL. The multi-bed apartments reduce the rent significantly. Booking an apartment in advance, before the peak season, helps secure better deals. Students can also consider off-campus neighborhoods, opt for short lease terms, unfurnished apartments, or split the utility costs to keep expenses affordable.

3. Transportation and Travel Costs in Auburn

Auburn has a reliable travel system, allowing students to travel easily. Many students depend on buses, shuttle services, bicycles, and car-sharing rather than using their personal vehicles to keep the average living expenses in Auburn AL, low.

1. Bus: This is the most important student transportation in Auburn. The Tiger Transit system is a free bus service for students of Auburn University. It connects major university buildings, residence halls, shopping centers, and off-campus apartments.  Buses run on weekdays and during game days, peak academic seasons, making it the most preferred option. 

2. Campus Shuttle & Microtransit: Auburn city has campus shuttles and on-demand microtransit rides. This helps students travel easily to downtown Auburn, the library, and recreation zones. The short-route networks help reduce the wait time and help students move comfortably without needing a car, and manage the overall cost of living in Auburn AL. 

3. Rideshare services: Uber and Lyft are widely used rideshare services, especially for late-night travel or destinations that are not covered by transit routes. Car owners often consider extra expenses, including gas, parking allowance, and maintenance, as the campus parking is sometimes limited, and this also contributes to the Auburn Alabama cost of living. Students can use bicycles or electric scooters, which is a cost-saving choice.

How can you Save on Travel Costs in Auburn? 

Using travel options like the Tiger Transit, biking, or walking to save on unnecessary travel expenses and cut down on the cost of living in Auburn AL. Share rides with friends to reduce taxi or gas prices. Students should also check for special university discounts on bike leasing, parking, or transit services to reduce the monthly expenses.

4. Food and Grocery Expense Breakdown for Students

Food and grocery costs are an important part in Auburn Alabama cost of living. The costs vary depending on cooking habits, diet preferences, and how often you eat out. While Auburn is cheaper than other cities, students still spend a lot on meals, coffee, snacks, and daily groceries. This itself costs around $70 to $120 per week. Alabama has one of the highest combined sales tax rates in the US. In Auburn, the total sales tax is 9% (4% State + 4% City + 1% County). The groceries in Alabama are taxed. While the state reduced its portion to 2% in late 2025, the local 5%, including city and county, remains. So, students should add about 7% to 9% to their total grocery and restaurant bills.

Cooking at home is the most practical option. The monthly grocery expenses cost from $280 to $400 for a single person. Dining out at moderate-priced restaurants can cost around $12 to $25 per meal. The luxury dining charges range from $30 to $50+ per person. A regular cup of coffee costs around $3.50 to $6, depending on the cafe and drink type you choose.

How can you Save on your Food Expenses in Auburn? 

A great way to reduce food costs is by cooking at home instead of eating food outside. Plan weekly meals, buy groceries in bulk, and choose store brands over premium labels to lower the expenses in a big way. Look for student discounts, happy-hour deals, and weekly store sales at Walmart, Aldi, and Kroger. Carry packed meals or snacks to class rather than buying food on campus. This will save your cost of living and prices in Auburn AL, and keep you healthy as well. 

5. Utility Expenses

The Utility expenses in Auburn change depending on your accommodation type, appliance usage, and seasonal temperatures, especially during hot summers and cold winters. It is higher than the national average expenses due to the high usage in summer. Students living in the off-campus housing spend around $170 to $230 per month for electricity, water, heating/cooling, and waste services.

How can you Save on Utilities in Auburn?

Sharing a rented apartment with friends or classmates helps split the utility bills. Another option is to choose student housing that includes the utilities, so there are no unexpected monthly expenses. Conserve electricity, take shorter showers, and use energy-saving appliances also help keep your budget under control and help you save on the cost of living in Auburn AL.

6. Tuition Expenses

Tuition expenses are one of the important parts of the cost of living in Auburn AL. Fees change depending on the university, program type, residency status (in-state vs. out-of-state), and course load. Students must also consider the exam fees, books, lab charges, student services offered by universities, and graduation fees.

Below are the average tuition fees of major universities near/in Auburn:

1. Auburn University – One of Alabama’s famous universities, it enrolls over 30,000+ students. The tuition for undergraduate students costs from $12,000 to $34,000 per year, depending on in-state or out-of-state residency.
2. Southern Union State Community College – This college offers a budget-friendly choice with two-year programs and transferable credits. The average annual tuition fees are from $4,700 to $9,500.
3. Auburn University at Montgomery (AUM) – AUM is located within a commutable distance. It offers business, STEM, arts, and health programs that average around $11,500 to $25,000 per year.

How can you Save on Tuition in Auburn?

Apply for university scholarships, merit-based aid, athletic scholarships, and federal grants early. Many students also save money by doing core courses at community college and transferring later. This helps to save on the cost of living and prices in Auburn AL. Students can also look for research assistantships, work-study programs, and departmental financial aid to reduce the yearly expenses.

7. Miscellaneous Expenses

When you move into a city, lifestyle expenses can not be avoided. These expenses include entertainment, clothes, gym, subscriptions, and weekend outings. This can impact your whole monthly budget and the average living expenses in Auburn AL. A student will spend around $150 to $300 monthly, depending on personal habits.

Note: The small expenses that add up to the costs are daily coffee, eating out frequently, or spontaneous purchases, which will push the budget beyond comfort.

How to control Miscellaneous Spending?
Opt for low-cost activities like hiking, attending library events, campus festivals, and visiting museums. Track daily, weekly, and monthly expenses through budgeting apps, cancel unused or unwanted subscriptions, and make use of student discounts available at restaurants, clothing stores, and software platforms.

To manage the cost of living in Auburn AL, in a better way, students in Auburn must choose the below affordable neighborhoods that are located a little away from campus. These areas provide lower rents, good travel access, and nearby grocery stores, helping to keep affordable monthly expenses for students in Auburn AL, while still enjoying a comfortable, safe, and fulfilling lifestyle.

1. North Auburn: This is one of the most affordable areas if you want to save on the cost of living in Auburn AL, with quiet streets, duplexes, and apartment communities. It has good bus connectivity, nearby grocery stores, and is just a short drive away from university campuses. The average rent is $700 to $1,050 per month.

 2. South College Street Area: This area is popular among undergraduates due to its proximity to shopping centers, fast-food outlets, gyms, and student apartments. With frequent bus routes and easy access to campus, South College Street balances affordability with convenience. The average rent is $750 to $1,100 per month. 

3. Shelton Mill Road: This area features several student apartment complexes with shared housing apartments. It’s a great choice for students who want lower rent to manage the cost of living in Auburn AL, furnished apartments with amenities like pools and fitness centers. The average rent ranges from $700 to $1000 per month. 

5. Webster Road Area: This area offers affordable apartments and townhomes that are located just within a short drive of campus. It’s ideal for students who prefer a calmer lifestyle while staying connected to Auburn’s student hubs. The average rent here is from $700 to $1,050 per month. 

#Lifestyle

Follow us on