Cost Of Living In Davis California for Students in 2026
Davis California Living Made Simple – Plan Smart, Spend Smarter.
Table of Content
Understanding the cost of living in Davis California for students is essential for anyone planning to study at the University of California, Davis, or relocate to the city for academic or professional reasons. Known for its strong academic environment, bike-friendly streets, and student-centered lifestyle, Davis offers a high quality of life compared to many college towns in the United States. However, due to its location in California, it is important to carefully assess the cost of living in Davis California for students before making financial commitments.
The cost of living in Davis California for students depends on housing choices, lifestyle habits, and whether students live on or off campus. While Davis is not the cheapest student city in the U.S., it provides excellent public services, safety, and convenience that justify its pricing. With smart budgeting and shared living arrangements, students can manage the cost of living in Davis California for students effectively.
Many essential locations in Davis are located near campus, reducing transportation costs and helping students maintain a stable cost of living in Davis California for students. Whether you are a domestic or international student, understanding each expense category helps create a realistic and sustainable budget.
Is Davis Expensive for Students?
A common question is whether the Davis California cost of living student experience is expensive. Compared to major California cities like San Francisco or Los Angeles, Davis is significantly more affordable. However, when compared to smaller college towns outside California, the Davis California cost of living student budget may feel slightly higher. The cost of living in Davis, California is approximately 35–40% lower than San Francisco and 30–35% lower than Los Angeles, making it a more affordable option for students within the state.
Housing is the biggest contributor to expenses, followed by food and utilities. Fortunately, Davis offers many student-focused housing options, discounts, and transportation benefits that help balance the overall cost of living in Davis California for students.
Housing Costs in Davis California
Housing plays the most significant role in shaping the cost of living in Davis California for students. Students can choose from on-campus housing, shared apartments, or private rentals. On-campus housing provides convenience, while off-campus shared apartments are often more cost-effective. For students living in Davis, California, a shared room typically costs $800–$1,100 per month, while a private studio or one-bedroom ranges between $1,950–$2,600, with monthly grocery expenses averaging $450–$600 and utilities (PG&E) around $100–$180, bringing the total monthly student budget to approximately $2,300–$3,200.
Students researching the living cost in Davis California for international students often find housing to be their largest expense. Shared housing significantly reduces the living cost in Davis California for international students, especially when utilities are split among roommates. The Davis housing market is notoriously tight, with a vacancy rate often hovering around 1%. Most students secure their leases 7–9 months in advance.
Similarly, the living expenses in Davis California for international students include rent, utilities, and basic furnishings. With proper planning, the living expenses in Davis California for international students remain predictable and manageable.
Food and Grocery Expenses
Food costs are an important component of the living expenses Davis California students face. Most students shop at grocery stores such as Trader Joe’s, Safeway, and local farmers’ markets. Cooking at home is the most effective way to control the cost of living in Davis California for students.
Dining out is common, but budgeting for meals helps keep the living expenses Davis California within reason. International students appreciate the availability of diverse food options, which supports manageable living expenses in Davis California for international students.
Transportation Costs
Transportation plays a key role in keeping the Davis California USA cost of living relatively balanced. Davis is known as one of the most bike-friendly cities in the U.S., and many students rely on bicycles for daily commuting. Davis is the 'Bicycle Capital of America,' with over 100 miles of bike paths. Over 40% of commutes in the city are made by bike, which can save students roughly $1,200 a year in gas and parking fees.
Unitrans buses are a fare-free transportation for UC Davis students, which helps reduce the living expenses Davis California associated with commuting, For everyone else (grads/professionals), it costs $1.50. As a result, students often avoid car ownership, significantly lowering the overall cost of living in Davis California for students.
Utilities and Internet
Utilities are generally moderate and contribute reasonably to the average living expenses Davis California students experience. Electricity, water, trash, and internet costs vary by apartment size and number of roommates. California utility rates (PG&E) have seen significant increases. Students should budget at least $150 per month for electricity and gas, especially during the hot Central Valley summers.
Students examining the average living cost in Davis California, will find that utilities remain consistent throughout the year, although summer cooling may slightly increase expenses. Overall, utilities do not heavily impact the average living cost Davis California for students.
Entertainment and Lifestyle Costs
Davis offers a calm yet engaging student lifestyle. Entertainment expenses influence the cost of living in Davis California for students, depending on individual preferences. Free campus events, outdoor activities, parks, and cycling trails help students enjoy life without overspending hence its important to have a Davis student city guide.
Paid activities such as movies, cafes, and local events should be budgeted carefully to maintain reasonable living expenses Davis California. With mindful spending, lifestyle costs remain manageable within the average living cost in Davis California.
Academic and Study-Related Costs
While tuition is separate, academic expenses such as textbooks, lab supplies, and printing contribute indirectly to the cost of living in Davis California for students. Many students reduce these costs by using digital textbooks, second-hand books, and campus resources.
These academic-related purchases are already factored into the average living expenses Davis California students typically plan for each academic year.
Average Cost Overview
Students researching the average cost of living in Davis California USA should expect higher housing costs compared to non-California college towns, but lower expenses than major metro areas. The average cost of living in Davis California USA reflects the city’s safety, infrastructure, and academic excellence.
The average living cost Davis California includes rent, groceries, transportation, utilities, and personal expenses. Because the average living cost in Davis California remains stable, students can plan yearly budgets with confidence.
Looking at the broader Davis California USA cost of living, Davis remains one of the more student-friendly cities in California when comparing value for money.
Expenses for Single Individuals
Students living alone often assess the cost of living in Davis California for a single person before committing to private housing. The cost of living in Davis California for a single person is higher than shared arrangements, mainly due to rent.
However, with careful budgeting, biking instead of driving, and home cooking, the cost of living in Davis California for a single person remains manageable for graduate students and professionals.
Final Verdict: Is Davis Affordable for Students?
While Davis is more expensive than many U.S. college towns, it offers exceptional quality of life, safety, and academic resources. With shared housing, student transportation benefits, and careful spending, the cost of living in Davis California for students remains reasonable.
Overall, the living expenses Davis California students face are balanced by convenience, walkability, and strong university support systems. This guide provides a clear understanding of the cost of living in Davis California for students, helping you prepare financially for student life in 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Davis expensive for students?
Davis is moderately expensive compared to other college towns, but shared housing and student discounts help manage the cost of living in Davis California for students.
How much does housing cost for students in Davis?
Housing varies by location and type. Shared apartments are the most affordable, while private studios increase the cost of living in Davis California for a single person.
Are groceries expensive in Davis California?
Grocery prices are moderate. Shopping smartly helps control the average living cost Davis California, students experience.
Do students need a car in Davis?
No. Biking and public buses are reliable, reducing transportation-related living expenses Davis California.
What is the average monthly cost for international students in Davis?
The living expenses in Davis California for international students include rent, food, transport, utilities, and academic supplies and are generally lower than major California cities.