Realistic Budget for College Students Living Off Campus

Living off campus as a college student can be exciting but also expensive. Between rent, groceries, and transportation, it’s easy to blow your budget. This guide breaks down realistic budgeting tips, cost comparisons (on vs. off campus), and ways to earn rewards with the Fetch app to help keep your expenses under control.

Why budgeting is important for off-campus college students

Budgeting isn’t just about math, it’s about freedom. Without a plan, you could run into real-life problems:

• Overdraft and late fees
• Compounded credit card interest
• Difficulty paying tuition or bills
• Risk of eviction or financial strain

What is a realistic budget for a college student living off campus?

The 50/30/20 rule is a great starting point. If you’re earning $1,000/month, that means:

• 50% Needs: $500 for rent, groceries, transportation
• 30% Wants: $300 for dining out, entertainment, subscriptions
• 20% Savings/Debt: $200 for savings or paying down loans

If your income varies or you’re part-time like a lot of college students, consider adapting the rule, like allocating more to fixed costs and less to wants.

Average cost breakdown for off-campus students

• Rent: $400-$800/month
• Groceries: $200-$300/month
• Utilities & Internet: $75-$150/month
• Transportation: $50-$100/month
• Entertainment/Misc.: $100-$200/month

Food budget for college students living off campus

Grocery shopping for one can be surprisingly expensive. If you split essentials with roommates (like milk, eggs, and pasta), you’ll save money. Here’s a basic budget for one student:

• Groceries: ~$250/month
• Dining out: ~$400/month (U.S. average)

Try cooking at home 70% of the time and use the Fetch app to get rewarded for your grocery receipts.

Staple grocery list to share with roommates

• Pasta, rice, and grains
• Bread and tortillas
• Proteins: chicken, eggs, tofu
• Shared items: milk, oil, seasonings
• Longer shelf-life fruits and veggies

Pro Tip: Shop Fetch offers before heading to the store to earn bonus points on your favorite grocery brands.

Cost of living off campus vs. on campus

Which is cheaper? According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, off-campus living could save you up to $2,500/year. Of course, it depends on your city and situation, but here’s a quick breakdown with some rough estimates:

Food

Meal plan: ~$500/month vs. groceries: $200-$300/month → Off-campus wins

Rent

Shared dorm: ~$1,250/month vs. shared apartment: ~$650/month → Off-campus wins

Transportation

On-campus = walkable. Off-campus = may need rideshare or car. → Draw

How Fetch helps college students budget smarter

Fetch turns shopping and gaming into rewards. Snap your grocery, gas, and dining receipts and play free mobile games to earn points you can redeem for gift cards. It’s an easy way to keep track of your spending and get a little extra when money’s tight.

How to use Fetch to stay on budget

• Download the Fetch app
• Snap every receipt (grocery, gas, takeout, online shopping)
• Track your monthly purchases in the Points tab
• Redeem points for gift cards to offset the cost of essentials

FAQ: Budgeting for college students

What is a realistic monthly budget for college students living off campus?

Anywhere from $800 to $1,500/month depending on rent, roommates, food costs, and personal spending.

Is it cheaper to live on or off campus in 2025?

Typically, living off campus with roommates is cheaper, though it depends on your city’s rental market and access to public transport.

How can I make budgeting easier as a college student?

Use the 50/30/20 rule, track weekly expenses, and use rewards apps like Fetch to get money back on everyday purchases.

Start budgeting for living off campus

Budgeting for college doesn’t have to mean sacrificing fun. Plan ahead, track expenses, cook with roommates, and use Fetch to earn gift cards while you do it.

Download Fetch now to make the most of your off-campus college budget in 2025.