Almost every student may ask, “How much is student accommodation?” when they seek to study abroad. Indeed, living costs are crucial factors in the study journey, and therefore, you have to consider them comprehensively before making decisions. This blog helps you learn about how much the average student accommodation is.
How Much Is Student Accommodation: On-campus & Off-campus Living
On-campus and off-campus accommodations alike have advantages, so the first part offers you the comparison between these two kinds of accommodation, including a general introduction of how much student accommodation is.
On-campus Accommodation vs. Off-campus Accommodation | ||
---|---|---|
Type | Advantage | Disadvantage |
On-campus Accommodation | Convenience: The dorms are usually located within or near the universities, helping you access facilities quickly. And you’ll have more opportunities to participate in various school activities, gaining unprecedented experiences. Safety: Generally speaking, on-campus accommodations have strict security measures, providing a relatively safe living environment. Social Opportunity: You can make friends with those from different countries as you live in a student community. |
High Rent: The rent of on-campus accommodations is usually higher than off-campus apartments, especially in some popular cities and universities. Limited Space: You have to share the living space with others and sometimes need to use public toilets. Competitive Application: You must submit related materials ahead of schedule, and you can’t select rooms or roommates by yourself. Strict Rules: There are many strict regulations on on-campus dorms, like no smoking and no pets. If you broke the rules, you would be fined or be asked to move out of the rooms. |
Off-campus Accommodation | Specialization: You’ll have more options and, based on your budget and need, pick the ideal one. Cost-effectiveness: The rents are usually lower than on-campus ones, especially in some non-central areas, and you can reduce the living cost by joint rent. More Space: You can have larger living space, including a private bedroom and bathroom. Meanwhile, you can cook with your friends. |
Longer Commute: It may take you more time to commute, especially if you live far away from the university. Also, you have to spend more on public transportation or taxi. Few Social Opportunities: Making new friends is hard for you, asking you to take an active part in activities. |

How Much Is Student Accommodation in Different Countries?
For international students, accommodation budgeting, except for tuition fees, is another big proportion. Then, would you like to know how much is average student accommodation in some popular countries? If yes, keep on reading.
European Countries
The countries of Europe, with their uniqueness and charm, has been sought-after for a long peirod. This part will lead you to learn about how much student accommodation is in the UK and Ireland.
- The UK: In London, on-campus student accommodations are approximately £300 per week, which are difficult to access as most apartments are reserved for undergraduates. When it comes to off-campus student accommodation in London, you can have many different options, from a minimal price of £134 to a maximum of £15,000 per week. If you wanna live in flats outside London, you can spend less as every equivalent house is £15-£20 lower than the central areas.
- Ireland: Based on diverse facilities in different universities, the prices of Irish on-campus student accommodation vary. In general, it’s between €600 and €1,000, including utility bills. If you look for student living space in Ireland, you need to know that the spending is from €1600 to €2500, which would be higher with bills included. And of course, the expenditure will be reduced if you can accept a joint rent.

North American Countries
North America is also a popular destination for international students, so the USA and Canada are taken as examples of how much the average student accommodation is in the following.
- The USA: In the US, the cost of accommodation varies case by case because some universities have more expensive on-campus housing, while others have pricier off-campus options. Picking the former option, about $5,000-$26,000 per year, is often the most straightforward way as you don’t have to spend much time finding appropriate houses. Regarding off-campus accommodations in the US, the rent is $600-$24,000 per week, offering various living options. And you’ll spend less if you study in some less popular cities.
- Canada: In Canada, on-campus dorms are $5,600-$7,000, while homestay is $5,000-$6,700. As for off-campus apartments in Canada, the price ranges from $11,100 to $23,600 annually. Like other cities, the central areas cost more than other parts.

Australia Countries
When we talk about how much student accommodation is for international study, Australian countries can’t be missed!
- New Zealand: Whether considering tuition fees or exchange rates, studying in New Zealand costs significantly less than other popular study destinations in Europe or America. The on-campus dorms are $9,700-$11,100 annually, and the off-accommodations in New Zealand average about $6,250 per year for private rental and are $3,125 for shared rental.
- Australia: Although Australia has high study costs, its exceptional education quality still attracts many international students. For living on campus, the approximate range is $9,700–$23,600 every year, while the Australian off-campus living cost from $157 to $1,032.

Asian Cities & Countries
The final part is about how much student accommodation is in Asia, which attracts students from around the world.
- Hong Kong, China: The universities in Hong Kong offer relatively low tuition fees but come with high living costs. The school dormitory is $510–$640 annually, while the off-campus rental in Hong Kong is $770–$1,280.
- Macao, China: Though Macao is not large in area, it boasts convenient transportation and high-quality education, making it sought-after among the students. The on-campus dorms are $1,400–$2,800 per year, while student accommodations in Macao cost $700–$1,400.
- Singapore: Singapore, with academic excellence, is like a shining star in Asia. The on-campus living ranges from $233 to $466 per month, and the student living space outside school in Singapore is $450 to $700 monthly.

How Much Is Student Accommodation: Other Notes
Except for the above information about how much student accommodation is, you still need to know some other important notes. Firstly, in many cases, you need to pay deposits, which are for compensation, and they’ll be given back after you move out. Secondly, you have to sign a tenancy agreement. You should read carefully as the items can’t be changed after living. Finally, regarding bills, one way is to pay by yourself, and the other one is paid by the landlord. In addition, you can apply for allowances from the government if you are a full-time student.
Conclusion of How Much Is Student Accommodation
Knowing how much student accommodation is before choosing a university is conducive to your decision, as rent varies among different regions and countries. Whether you choose to live on campus or off campus, you can gain unforgettable experiences. And, remember, personal safety matters.
FAQ of How Much Is Student Accommodation
How much does student accommodation cost in the UK?
In the UK, the student accommodation is about £166 per week. You can have many different options, from a minimal price of £134 to a maximum of £15,000 per week. If you wanna live in flats outside London, you can spend less as every equivalent house is £15-£20 lower than the central areas.
How much money do I need to live as a student?
According to estimation, the cost is about £1,734 per month if you want to live decently. Honestly, living expenses vary among different regions, but there is a common thing: the more prosperous the region is, the more money you need as a student.
How expensive is Hong Kong for students?
Living in Hong Kong (China) cost between $130 and $260 (1,000 and 2,000 HKD) per month, including the cost of living and travel. However, you need to know it doesn’t include your tuition fees.
What is the average cost of reasonable accommodation?
Statistical analysis reveals the mean weekly rental rates for UK student housing as follows: purpose-built university accommodations average £166, while private sector options range from £155 for ensuite rooms to £228 for studio units. London premiums are evident, with institutional and private accommodations commanding £212 and £259 respectively.”
How much do dorms cost?
The average dorm cost for a 4-year college in the US ranges from around $11,520 – $13,028 per year. While the average dorm cost for a 2-year college in the US is around $7,063 – $11,720 per year.