Cost Of Living In College Park For Students In 2025

College Park, Maryland, home to the University of Maryland (UMD), is one of the most popular student cities on the East Coast. If you’re planning to move here for your studies, budgeting smartly is important. The cost of living in College Park for students is heavily influenced by housing, transportation, food, and personal expenses. While College Park is close to Washington, D.C., it still offers manageable costs for most students, especially those who plan.

In this detailed guide, we break down housing, food, transportation, utilities, and the overall monthly cost of living in College Park for students so you can understand how much you need per month. This blog is designed for both domestic and international students and covers everything from grocery prices to student-friendly budgeting tips.

Whether you are calculating the average cost of living in College Park USA, or trying to estimate the cost of living in College Park for a single person, this guide gives you clear, practical numbers.

Is College Park an Expensive City?

College Park is more expensive than smaller college towns, mainly due to its location near Washington D.C., but it is still manageable for student life. The cost of living in College Park for students varies widely depending on housing choices, food habits, and entertainment.

Students who live with roommates, use meal prep, and rely on public transport generally report a very reasonable average living cost College Park. Meanwhile, those who choose luxury apartments or dine out often spend more.

The living cost in College ParkCollege Park for international students is higher than the national average, but still considered affordable compared to major U.S. metro areas such as Boston or New York. Proper planning makes a significant difference.

Housing Costs in College Park

Housing is the biggest factor affecting the cost of living in College ParkCollege Park for students. College Park offers a wide range of housing options, on-campus dorms, off-campus student apartments, shared rentals, and single-occupancy studios.

1. On-Campus Housing

UMD offers several residence halls. Costs typically range between:

• $900–$1,300 per month (excluding meal plans)
• $1,300–$1,900 per month (with meal plans)

On-campus housing is convenient but more expensive.

2. Off-Campus Apartments

Most students prefer off-campus housing near Baltimore Avenue, University View, Terrapin Row, Union on Knox, or Graduate Hills. Prices usually look like this:

• Shared 2–4 bedroom apartments: $750–$1,100 per month per student
• Studio / 1-bedroom apartments: $1,400–$1,900 per month

Roommates dramatically reduce the average living cost in College Park.

3. Local Rentals

Renting in adjacent areas, such as Hyattsville or Berwyn Heights, can reduce housing costs by $150–$300 per month.

Overall, because housing is the largest expense, where you live will determine half of the cost of living in College ParkCollege Park for students.

Food & Groceries in College Park

Food expenses make up the next major portion of the cost of living in College ParkCollege Park for students. Fortunately, food in Maryland is reasonably priced.

Average Grocery Costs

Students typically spend:

• $250–$350 per month if they cook often
• $350–$550 per month if they eat out frequently

Popular grocery stores include Lidl, Target, Safeway, and Whole Foods.

Common student grocery prices:

• Milk: $3.80
• Eggs: $4.00
• Bread: $3.50
• Chicken breast (1 kg): $11.00
• Rice (1 kg): $3.20
• Fresh produce: $1–$3 per pound

The living expenses College ParkCollege Park for food are moderate, especially with meal prepping.

Eating Out

Restaurants near campus range from $10–$30 per meal. Students who dine out often will see their average living expenses College Park increase quickly.

Transportation Costs in College Park

Transportation is surprisingly affordable and helps reduce the cost of living in College Park for students.

1. UMD Shuttle (Free)

UMD students enjoy free shuttle buses around campus and nearby housing areas.

2. Metro Access (To D.C.)

The College Park Metro Station connects directly to Washington, D.C.

• One-way ticket: $3–$6
• Monthly pass: $60–$120

3. Biking

College Park is bike-friendly, and students often cycle to class.

4. Car Ownership

Owning a car increases the average living cost College Park due to:

• Gas ($3.60 per gallon)
• Parking permits ($300–$600 yearly)
• Maintenance

Public transport is usually enough for most students.

Utilities & Bills in College Park

Utilities depend on the apartment size and season. Winters can slightly increase heating bills.

Typical monthly utility costs:

• Electricity: $40–$80
• Heating: $30–$90
• Water: $20–$40
• WiFi: $30–$60

Total utilities: $90–$190 per month

These costs reflect the living expenses College Park for most students in off-campus housing.

Miscellaneous Expenses

These expenses vary based on personal habits but contribute to the total cost of living in College Park for students.

Common Monthly Costs

• Phone plan: $30–$60
• Laundry: $20–$40
• Clothing/shopping: $50–$150
• Entertainment: $40–$120
• Gym membership: $30–$70

International students should also factor in occasional travel costs and cultural expenses, which influence the living expenses in College ParkCollege Park for international students.

Is College Park Affordable for International Students?

Many students compare the living cost in College Park for international students with bigger cities. Compared to cities like D.C., New York, or Chicago, College Park is more affordable.

Key advantages for international students:

• Free shuttle services
• Many roommate options
• Wide range of grocery stores
• Access to student discounts everywhere

The average cost of living in College Park USA for international students becomes manageable when they share housing and cook at home.

Total Monthly Cost of Living in College Park

Here is a realistic breakdown of monthly expenses for students:

1. Students with Roommates

• Housing: $750–$1,100
• Food: $250–$350
• Transportation: $0–$80
• Utilities: $90–$150
• Miscellaneous: $100–$200

Total: $1,190–$1,880 per month

This falls within the typical cost of living in College Park for students in shared accommodations.

2. Students Living Alone

• Housing: $1,400–$1,900
• Food: $300–$450
• Transportation: $0–$120
• Utilities: $120–$190
• Miscellaneous: $150–$250

Total: $1,970–$2,910 per month

This range matches the typical cost of living in College Park for a single person.

Final Thoughts

College Park is one of the most academically exciting student cities in the U.S., and with proper budgeting, it is accessible and manageable. While housing is the biggest expense, everything else, from transportation to groceries, makes the cost of living in College Park for students relatively stable and predictable.

Whether you’re a domestic student or calculating the living expenses in College Park for international students, this city offers a balanced mix of affordability, accessibility, and academic opportunities. With the right planning, the average cost of living in College Park usa remains within reach for most students aiming to study at UMD.

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