Dorm vs Apartment Calculator
Compare on-campus and off-campus living.
Enter your values
Results update instantly as you type — no submit needed.
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.
Off campus = (rent + bills + food + travel) × months
How to use the Dorm vs Apartment Calculator
- 1Enter dorm and meal plan costs.
- 2Enter rent, bills, groceries and commuting.
- 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.