Cost Of Living In Denton 2025: A Practical Guide For Students
Denton expenses made easy, from rent to everyday essentials
Table of Content
- Average Cost of Living in Denton
- Housing Costs in Denton
- Food & Grocery Costs
- Eating Out Costs in Denton
- Transportation Costs in Denton
- Transport Costs
- Utilities & Internet Costs
- Monthly Utility Costs
- Other Student Expenses
- Safety & Location
- Example Monthly Student Budget (2025)
- Tips for Saving Money
- Conclusion
Denton, Texas, blends small-town comfort with a lively student atmosphere, making it one of the most sought-after college cities in the U.S. Home to the University of North Texas (UNT) and Texas Woman’s University (TWU), Denton attracts thousands of students every year looking for affordable living, music culture, and a friendly community. The city offers a budget-friendly lifestyle compared to major Texas metros like Austin or Dallas, while still giving students access to modern amenities, outdoor spaces, and an energetic arts scene.
For 2025, the average cost of living in Denton ranges between $1,250 and $1,650 per month, depending on housing choices, lifestyle, and proximity to campus. Rent contributes the most to monthly expenses, followed by groceries, utilities, and transportation. The good news? The cost of living in Denton TX remains relatively affordable, especially if you choose shared student housing or apartments near UNT or TWU.
This guide breaks down the complete cost of living in Denton for students, covering rent, food, transportation, utilities, safety, and more. If you're planning your move, here’s your complete 2025 student budget guide.
Average Cost of Living in Denton
Understanding the Denton cost of living can help students budget better before arriving on campus. On average, students spend $1,250–$1,650 monthly, which places Denton below Texas metros like Austin, Plano, or Houston in affordability.
The cost of living in Denton for students varies based on accommodation type, location, and dining habits. Students who choose shared rooms, cook meals at home, and use campus buses can significantly reduce their overall costs.
Below is a detailed breakdown of living expenses in Denton for students:
| Expense Category | Budget ($) | Mid-Range ($) | Premium ($) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | $550 – $750 | $850 – $1,050 | $1,200 – $1,450 | |
| Food & Groceries | $200 – $260 | $280 – $350 | $400 – $450 | |
| Transport | $40 – $65 | $70 – $90 | $110 – $150 | |
| Utilities & Internet | $110 – $160 | $170 – $210 | $220 – $260 | |
| Entertainment | $60 – $100 | $120 – $170 | $200 – $250 | |
| Health Insurance | $80 – $130 | $140 – $180 | $200+ | |
| Phone Plan | $25 – $35 | $40 – $55 | $60 – $70 | |
Students who select cheap student accommodation Denton or shared units near campus can comfortably stay within $1,300/month.
Housing Costs in Denton
Accommodation is the biggest deciding factor in the Denton Texas cost of living. The city offers a variety of student-friendly neighborhoods and options, including shared apartments, private rooms, furnished studios, and all-inclusive purpose-built student housing.
Popular areas near the University of North Texas include:
1. Fry Street
Eagle Historic District
West Oak
Welch Street
For Texas Woman’s University, neighborhoods like:
Congress Street
Windsor Drive
TWU Triangle
Here’s an overview of average weekly rent for students in key neighborhoods:
| Neighbourhood | 1-Bedroom ($/month) | 2-Bedroom ($/month) | 3-Bedroom ($/month) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fry Street | $1,050 – $1,300 | $1,450 – $1,850 | $2,100 – $2,600 | |
| Eagle Historic District | $1,000 – $1,250 | $1,400 – $1,800 | $2,000 – $2,500 | |
| Near UNT Campus | $900 – $1,150 | $1,350 – $1,650 | $1,900 – $2,400 | |
| Downtown Denton | $1,100 – $1,350 | $1,500 – $1,900 | $2,150 – $2,700 | |
| Near TWU | $900 – $1,200 | $1,350 – $1,700 | $1,850 – $2,350 | |
Students choosing student apartments Denton near major bus routes or within walking distance of campus through amber to save significantly on transportation.
Shared units typically range between $550 and $750 per month, while private studios fall between $1,100 and $1,450 per month.
Food & Grocery Costs
Food plays a major role in shaping the average cost of living in Denton. Students who meal-prep and buy groceries weekly can maintain a comfortable budget.
| Household Type | Budget ($) | Premium ($) |
|---|---|---|
| Single Student | $45 – $70 | $90 – $110 |
| Two Students | $90 – $130 | $160 – $200 |
Eating Out Costs in Denton
| Dining Option | Average Cost ($) |
|---|---|
| Coffee | $3 – $5 |
| Breakfast | $8 – $12 |
| Lunch Specials | $10 – $16 |
| Dinner Entrées | $14 – $22 |
| Takeaway/ Fast Food | $7 – $12 |
Popular student hangouts near UNT, like Fry Street, Cartwright’s, and West Oak Coffee Bar, offer budget-friendly options. Balancing home-cooked meals with occasional dining out helps maintain manageable living expenses in Denton for students.
Money-saving tips:
Shop at Aldi, Walmart Neighborhood Market, and Kroger.
Use student discounts via UNiDAYS or campus programs.
Meal prep weekly to minimize waste.
Transportation Costs in Denton
Denton is compact, bike-friendly, and has excellent public transit options—helping students manage the cost of living in Denton TX easily.
Most students rely on:
UNT’s Eagle Point Shuttle
TWU’s campus shuttles
Transport Costs
| Transport Type | Average Cost ($) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Local Bus (One-way) | $1.25 – $2 | Discounted student fares |
| Monthly Pass | $40 – $65 | Unlimited travel |
| Bike Rental | $20 – $35/week | Certain hubs on campus |
| Uber/Lyft | $8 – $17 | Short 2–4 mile trips |
| Train to Dallas | $6 – $12 (one-way) | Via DCTA A-train |
Living close to campus or along primary transit routes reduces commuting expenses, especially if you're staying in student apartments Denton.
Utilities & Internet Costs
Utility expenses form a consistent part of the Denton cost of living, especially for students in private rentals. Many furnished student housing in Denton now offer all-inclusive packages, simplifying monthly budgeting.
Monthly Utility Costs
| Utility | Cost ($) |
|---|---|
| Electricity | $50 – $100 |
| Gas | $25 – $50 |
| Water | $25 – $45 |
| Internet | $50 – $75 |
| Mobile Plan | $25 – $55 |
Tips to cut utility costs:
Choose all-utilities-included student accommodation.
Share bills with flatmates.
Be mindful of AC/heating usage, especially in the summer months.
Other Student Expenses
Beyond rent and food, students should budget for study materials, health insurance, entertainment, and personal spending.
| Category | Monthly Cost ($) | Notes | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Health Insurance | $120 – $180 | Mandatory for international students | |
| Study Materials | $50 – $90 | Varies by course; art & engineering may spend more | |
| Gym Membership | $20 – $40 | UNT Rec Center, Planet Fitness, or LA Fitness | |
| Entertainment | $60 – $140 | Movies, nightlife, music events, weekend outings | |
Denton’s strong music culture—especially around Downtown and UNT’s College of Music—offers many free or low-cost events, making student life exciting without overspending.
Safety & Location
Denton ranks as one of Texas’s safer college towns with strong student-centric neighbourhoods around UNT and TWU. Areas like Fry Street, Downtown, and the UNT Quadrangle are well-lit, walkable, and connected to public transit.
Most student accommodation Denton options are within 10–20 minutes of major campuses, keeping commute times short and daily expenses low.
Example Monthly Student Budget (2025)
| Expense Type | Estimated Cost ($) | |
|---|---|---|
| Rent (Shared Unit) | $700 | |
| Utilities + Internet | $140 | |
| Food & Groceries | $250 | |
| Transportation | $60 | |
| Entertainment | $100 | |
| Miscellaneous | $120 | |
| Total | $1,370/month | |
Most students spend between $1,300 and $1,600 monthly, depending on lifestyle and accommodation choice.
Tips for Saving Money
Choose shared student housing Denton to reduce rent.
Use student passes for bus and train travel.
Meal prep and shop at budget-friendly grocery stores.
Attend free concerts and student events at UNT and TWU.
Browse verified affordable listings on amber to find student apartments in Denton that meet your budget.
Conclusion
Denton offers one of the most student-friendly lifestyles in Texas, with affordable housing options, lively neighbourhoods, and excellent connectivity to the University of North Texas and Texas Woman’s University. While rent and utilities form the largest expenses, food, transportation, and entertainment remain manageable, making the overall cost of living in Denton ideal for both domestic and international students.
If you’re planning to move to this lively Texas college town, explore and book your student accommodation Denton through amber. From modern en-suites and studios to budget shared apartments near campus, amber helps you find a home that fits your student lifestyle and budget effortlessly.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average cost of living in Denton for students?
The average cost ranges from $1,250 to $1,650 per month, depending on lifestyle and accommodation.
How much is student accommodation in Denton?
Shared housing costs $550–$750/month, while private studios and premium units range from $1,100–$1,450/month.
How much should I budget for food in Denton?
Students typically spend $200–$300/month on groceries and an additional amount when dining out.
Do students get transportation discounts in Denton?
Yes, UNT and TWU students get discounted or free DCTA bus access, reducing total living expenses in Denton for students.