Cost of Living in college station for Students in 2025

Understanding the cost of living in College Station for students is one of the most important steps when planning to study in Texas. College Station is home to Texas A&M University, one of the largest public universities in the United States, and thousands of domestic and international students move here every year. While Texas is often considered affordable compared to many U.S. states, your actual expenses can vary depending on housing choices, lifestyle, and personal spending habits. The cost of living in College Station for students is generally lower than in major cities like Austin, Dallas, or Houston, making it one of the most student-friendly cities in the state.

This guide provides a complete breakdown of rent, food, utilities, transportation, healthcare, and personal expenses. Whether you are a U.S. citizen or an international student, knowing the cost of living in College Station for students ahead of time helps you budget smarter and avoid surprises.

Overview of College Station as a Student City

College Station is located in Brazos County, Texas, and is primarily known for Texas A&M University. The city is structured around students, which strongly influences the College Station USA cost of living. Most housing complexes, restaurants, grocery stores, and transport systems are tailored to student needs. Compared to big metropolitan areas, the college station usa cost of living remains moderate, especially for students who are comfortable sharing apartments.

According to national comparisons, the average cost of living in College Station USA is slightly above the national average but still far below major coastal cities. For students, costs drop significantly when choosing shared housing, public transportation, and home-cooked meals.

Housing Costs in College Station

Housing is the biggest expense affecting the cost of living in College Station for students. Your rent depends on whether you live on campus, off campus with roommates, or alone.

On-Campus Housing

On-campus dorms range between $3,800 and $6,500 per semester, depending on room type and meal plans. While this increases the cost of living in College Station for students, it also includes utilities and proximity to campus.

Off-Campus Housing

Off-campus apartments are far more popular. Shared apartments usually cost between $450 and $750 per month. This significantly reduces the living expenses College Station students face each month. A private one-bedroom apartment can range between $950 and $1,300 per month, increasing the overall cost of living in College Station for students.

Many students evaluate the college station cost of living student budget primarily based on rent, as it determines more than 40% of monthly expenses.

Food and Grocery Expenses

Food costs form a major part of the cost of living in College Station for students. Students who cook at home typically spend $180–$300 per month on groceries, while those who eat out frequently can exceed $450 per month.

College Station offers:

• Budget grocery chains like H-E-B and Walmart
• Affordable student meal deals
• On-campus dining plans

The average living expenses College Station students experience for food remain lower than in most major Texas cities. For international students, food costs remain one of the easiest areas to control within the overall living expenses in College Station for international students.

Transportation Costs

Transportation plays a minor but important role in the cost of living in College Station for students. The city provides free public transportation for Texas A&M students through campus buses. Students usually show their Texas A&M Student ID (or Aggie Card) to ride for free. This greatly lowers the typical average living cost college station for students without personal vehicles.

Students who own cars spend approximately:

• Gas: $80–$140 per month
• Insurance: $90–$160 per month
• Parking passes and maintenance: $30–$60

This adds noticeably to the living expenses College Station students face when compared to those relying on bus services.

Utilities and Internet

Utility expenses vary depending on apartment size, occupancy, and seasonal weather. On average:

• Electricity: $60–$120
• Water: $20–$45
• Internet: $45–$75

These costs directly affect the average living cost in College Station for tenants living off campus. During Texas summers, electricity costs rise due to air conditioning usage, pushing the average living expenses College Station slightly higher.

Healthcare and Insurance

Healthcare is a vital part of budgeting, especially when calculating the living expenses in College Station for international students. Most international students are required to maintain health insurance, which may cost $800–$1,500 annually. Routine medical visits range between $80 and $150 without insurance.

U.S. students with coverage through parents usually spend less, decreasing the overall college station usa cost of living for them. Without insurance, even basic health care can significantly increase monthly spending.

Entertainment and Social Life

The social environment in College Station is vibrant. Students often participate in sporting events, movie nights, cafes, and weekend outings. Entertainment adds roughly $70–$180 per month to the cost of living in College Station for students.

Since Texas A&M offers many free student events, the average cost of living in College Station USA for students remains manageable when they take advantage of campus activities.

Monthly Cost Breakdown for Students

Here is a typical estimate of monthly living expenses College Station students experience:

• Rent (shared): $450–$750
• Food: $200–$350
• Utilities & Internet: $90–$180
• Transport: $0–$150
• Personal/Entertainment: $70–$180

This makes the realistic monthly cost of living in College Station for students fall between $900 and $1,450 for most shared-housing students.

Cost of Living for International Students

The living cost in College Station for international students is influenced by exchange rates, insurance requirements, and visa restrictions on employment. The living cost in College Station for international students is similar to that of U.S. students in terms of rent and food, but insurance and tuition fees increase the overall cost.

The living expenses in College Station for international students generally range between $1,000 and $1,600 per month, excluding tuition. The living expenses in College Station for international students are best managed through shared apartments and home-cooked meals.

Average Cost Metrics Compared to the U.S.

The average cost of living in College Station USA is roughly 6–8% lower than cities like Austin or Dallas. This is one of the main reasons students choose Texas A&M. The average cost of living in College Station USA remains stable due to the steady student population and consistent housing supply. The average cost of living in College Station USA, for non-students sits higher because of private housing and car ownership.

Similarly, the average living cost college station for students is about $1,150 per month, while working professionals spend closer to $1,850 monthly. The average living cost college station remains attractive for international students seeking an affordable U.S. education.

The average living cost in College Station does not fluctuate excessively year to year, which helps in long-term planning. The average living cost in College Station stays aligned with Texas-wide averages.

Single Student Living Alone

The cost of living in College Station for a single person is significantly higher than shared student living. Single students renting a one-bedroom apartment may spend:

• Rent: $950–$1,300
• Utilities: $140–$200
• Food: $300–$450
• Transport: $80–$160

The cost of living in College Station for a single person often reaches $1,700 to $2,100 per month, depending on lifestyle. This is higher than the typical college station cost of living student budget, which usually assumes shared accommodation.

Comparison With Other Texas Cities

When compared to Austin, Houston, Dallas, and San Antonio, the college station usa cost of living remains one of the most affordable for students. Austin and Dallas show at least 25–40% higher rental costs. This difference dramatically impacts the total cost of living in College Station for students.

Because College Station is designed around Texas A&M, most rental markets remain reasonably priced, stabilizing both the average living expenses College Station and overall student affordability.

Budgeting Tips for Students

To control the cost of living in College Station for students, consider:

• Selecting shared apartments
• Using free campus transport
• Cooking meals at home
• Buying used textbooks
• Avoiding unnecessary food delivery
• Choosing student discounts

These strategies directly reduce the overall living expenses College Station students face.

Is College Station Affordable for Students?

From an affordability standpoint, the college station cost of living student experience is highly favorable compared to most major U.S. university cities. With proper budgeting, the cost of living in College Station for students can remain under $1,200 per month.

The average living cost college station for students remains attractive for both U.S. and international learners. Even with rising inflation, the average living cost in College Station remains one of the most stable in Texas.

Final Summary

The cost of living in College Station for students is one of the biggest reasons Texas A&M continues to attract students from around the world. With manageable rent, affordable transportation, and controlled food costs, the cost of living in College Station for students is significantly lower than in major metropolitan areas. Whether you are a domestic student planning to live with roommates or an international student adjusting to U.S. life, the cost of living in College Station for students remains budget-friendly with proper financial planning.

When budgeting independently, the average living expenses College Station for shared student housing remain affordable. The average cost of living in College Station USA, also reflects long-term price stability, making the city ideal for full-degree programs.

For single students seeking privacy, the cost of living in College Station for a single person is higher but still more affordable than competing U.S. college cities.

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