Budget
How will living off-campus impact your budget?
Santa Cruz is an expensive place to live, whether you are living on or off-campus. On average, students pay slightly less overall when living off-campus*. Here are a few key differences between on-campus and off-campus housing costs:
Rent
The amount you pay will depend on how many roommates you have, the location of your rental, and what is included in the monthly rate. Living farther away from campus and/or sharing space with additional roommates can help keep your costs lower.
Utilities
Most on-campus housing includes internet, cable TV, electric/gas, water, and trash. When you live off-campus, you may need to arrange and pay for your own utilities separately from your rent.
Transportation
You will need to arrange your own transportation to campus. This might mean purchasing a BCycle membership, commuting by Santa Cruz Metro bus, signing up for a Vanpool, carpooling with roommates, or paying for a campus parking pass if you have a car.
Food
Residence halls on campus come with a required meal plan. Off-campus, you have the option to stock your kitchen and cook your own meals or purchase a voluntary meal plan.
*UC establishes standard budgets for students using statistical data from a variety of sources including periodic surveys of UC Santa Cruz students.
How to plan your budget
Learn about current rental costs
Visit our Average Rental Costs page for price ranges and averages of different types of units and rooms in the Santa Cruz area.
On-campus vs. off-campus cost comparison
The UCSC Financial Aid website shows average room and board costs for both on-campus and off-campus students.
How to make a budget
iGrad Financial Wellness is UCSC’s official financial knowledge website – their easy-to-use budgeting tool is a great place to start.
One-on-one financial support
Feeling overwhelmed or need guidance with budgeting? UCSC students have access to free one-on-one financial coaching through SlugCents. Meet with a financial literacy coordinator to develop a budget, discuss financial questions, and get connected with resources. Coaching sessions are confidential.
UCSC financial aid support services
Will living off-campus impact my financial aid?
Living off campus can potentially impact financial aid. If you receive financial aid, contact their office to get an estimate on how a housing change could impact your aid package. If your aid is reduced slightly because of living off-campus and you have concerns, ask about your options. Financial aid encompasses more than scholarships and grants. Depending on your situation, it may be helpful to look into work-study programs or federal student loans.
Financial Aid and Scholarships
Visit the UCSC Financial Aid and Scholarships website to learn more about types of aid that may be available to you, including grants, scholarships, loans, work-study, and other financial benefits.
UCSC Emergency Financial Aid
The Financial Aid and Scholarship Office has limited grant and scholarship funding to support financial emergencies. Funds are awarded on a first-come first-served basis after carefully reviewing the student’s circumstances. Types of funds include emergency grants, advances on future aid disbursements, loans, and restricted scholarships.
Additional campus and community resources
- Slug Support and Basic Needs. Support with basic needs such as housing, food, financial support, or getting connected to campus resources.
- CalFresh provides eligible students with financial assistance for food purchased at grocery stores and farmer’s markets. It’s like a scholarship for your stomach!
- UCSC Counseling & Psychological Services (CAPS) offers currently enrolled UCSC students counseling for personal, academic, social, or family concerns.
- 211 Santa Cruz County. Search this website for rent payment and rental deposit assistance programs available in the Santa Cruz area.