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Calculation Machine

Dorm vs Apartment Calculator

Compare on-campus and off-campus living.

Reviewed by James Whitfield · How we check our maths

Your values

ⓘ Live results

Results
Cheaper option
Off campus
On-campus total
$15,700
Off-campus total
$13,920
Annual difference
$1,780

Quick answer

Off-campus living beats a dorm only when rent, utilities, food and commuting stay below the housing plan price.

The formula

Off campus = (rent + bills + food + travel) × months

Worked example

Worked example

Using the values the calculator loads with.

Inputs

  • Dorm cost per year11500 $
  • Meal plan per year4200 $
  • Rent per month700 $
  • Utilities per month120 $
  • Groceries per month280 $
  • Commute per month60 $
  • Months rented12

Result

  • Cheaper optionOff campus
  • On-campus total$15,700
  • Off-campus total$13,920
  • Annual difference$1,780

How to use the Dorm vs Apartment Calculator

  1. 1Enter dorm and meal plan costs.
  2. 2Enter rent, bills, groceries and commuting.
  3. 3Set how many months you would rent.

Frequently asked questions

Do dorms include summer?

Usually not — off-campus leases often run 12 months, which changes the maths.

What is often forgotten?

Furniture, deposit and internet setup in year one.

About this calculator