U of A Off-Campus Housing: Rising Rent & Best Options

University of Arizona (U of A) students have found that locating affordable off-campus housing options is increasingly challenging. Once known for its reasonable rental costs, Tucson has seen dramatic increases over recent years - so what's causing such a surprising jump in rental expenses?

Housing shortage is at the root of it all: more people are moving to Arizona while construction of new apartments does not keep pace. With more renters competing for limited apartments, landlords may increase prices, leaving students searching for cost-efficient options.

This guide explores why Arizona rent is so high, how it affects students, and ways of finding affordable apartments near University of Arizona campuses.

1. Investigating Arizona's Rising Rent Prices

Arizona has experienced a drastic shift in its rental market over recent years; according to Rentcafe:

• Tucson's median rent has seen an 8% hike since 2020.
• Phoenix home rentals average $1,507/month, a higher average monthly rental cost than Tucson.
• Vacancy rates reach historic lows across Arizona, resulting in even fewer apartments becoming available for rental.

Why Are Prices So High?

✅ Population Increase - Arizona's population has expanded by 15 % in ten years; however, home building hasn't kept pace.

✅ Limited New Development - Tucson and Phoenix have experienced rising construction costs and zoning restrictions that stymie new apartment complex development, leading to limited new apartment developments in these markets.

✅ Rising Demand/Less Supply - As more people migrate into an apartment, landlords have more leverage when setting prices because there are limited choices of available rentals for them to offer renters.

Students enrolled at University of Arizona may find fewer affordable off-campus housing options and difficulty securing leases due to these circumstances.

2. Comparison Between Tucson and Other Arizona Cities

To help assess whether Tucson remains affordable, here's how it compares with other Arizona cities (2024 data from Rent.com):

Tucson remains more economical than Phoenix and Tempe. However, rent increases outpace student income levels, making it increasingly hard to afford housing without roommates.

On-Campus Versus Off-Campus Housing Costs

• On-Campus Dorms: Cost $10,000+ annually with meal plans adding further expenses. These may not always provide affordable options when housing alone is considered.
• Off-Campus Apartments: On average, these rentals range in rent between $600 - $1,200 monthly when shared between students. So, opting for University of Arizona off-campus housing to save money even with Tucson's increasing costs is often beneficial to students.

3. Off-Campus Housing Near the University of Arizona

Finding housing near U of A can be daunting, but understanding where to search can make the search much simpler. Here is an outline of some of the best neighborhoods for students at U of A:

🏡 Best Neighborhoods for U of A Students

West University

📍 Closest to campus

💲 High rent but walkable to classes

⭐ Popular for luxury student apartments

Sam Hughes

📍 Quiet, historic, residential

💲 Midrange rent with houses and duplexes

⭐ Great for students wanting a relaxed setting

Downtown Tucson

📍 More bars, restaurants, and entertainment

💲 Rent can range from luxury to budget options

⭐ A bit farther, but accessible via Sun Link Streetcar

💡 Tip: Rents tend to increase the closer they are to campus. Those willing to commute by bike or public transit may find more cost-effective deals a little further away.

4. Best Apartments Near the University of Arizona

Here are a few of the most favored University of Arizona student apartments:

🏢 The Cadence: This offers luxury student housing with resort-style amenities.

🏢 Hub Tucson: Features modern, furnished units within walking distance to campus.

🏢 The Seasons: An affordable community with student-oriented facilities a little farther from campus.

🏢 Tripalink provides co-living, furnished spaces at an economical price point.

5. How to Find Affordable Housing in Tucson

Rental prices continue to skyrocket, so here is how U of A students can secure more cost-effective accommodation:

✅ Start Your Apartment Search Early

• Student apartments typically become available by April for fall move-in.
• To stay abreast of new listings, set rental alerts on Zillow, Apartments.com, and Tripalink in order to be informed when new ones become available.

✅ Consider Co-Living or Roommates

• Splitting a 2-bedroom apartment ($1,600/month) can save money when compared to renting it all alone
• Co-living spaces like Tripalink provide fully furnished apartments at lower costs.

✅ Looking Beyond Traditional Apartments

• Houses and duplexes may be less costly per bedroom than student apartments in Sam Hughes and Downtown Tucson.
• Subletting can also be an economical way of getting short-term leases.

6. How U of A Students Navigate High Rent Prices

Even with Tucson living being more costly, U of A students still have ways to make Tucson living more affordable:

🏠 Utilize University Housing Resources

• This office provides listings and roommate matching.

💰 Apply for Rent Assistance or Student Discounts

• Before signing your lease agreement, ask about student discounts offered by landlords.
• Consider apartments with utilities included to save money.

🚲 Transportation Costs

• Being further from campus could save rent money but may require extra costs such as parking or transit passes.
• Many students ride their bicycles to campus. Therefore, look for bike-friendly housing.

7. Planning Affordable Living as a U of A Student

Arizona's rising rent prices make finding affordable housing near the University of Arizona increasingly difficult. But planning can make your search for housing much simpler. Get searching early - good apartments can go quickly!

Consider roommate sharing arrangements or co-living spaces to reduce rent costs or explore different neighborhoods. Living a bit farther from campus may lead to big savings. Are you an Arizona University student in need of off-campus housing? Tripalink has budget-friendly student accommodations right in Tucson!