CAMPUS · SAINT LOUIS, MO · PRIVATE

Washington University in St. Louis

Washington University in St Louis

12.0%

01Acceptance 02Tuition 03Transfer 04ROI 05AP Credit 06Majors 07Housing 08International

Washington University in St. Louis Housing & Dorms: Cost Breakdown

$20,778

Room & Board (Annual)

$13,188

Room Only

$7,590

Meal Plan

7,088

On-Campus Beds

4-Year Housing Cost

Based on current room & board rates

$83,112

Housing Guarantee at Washington University in St. Louis

Freshmen typically guaranteed; upperclassmen via lottery. Washington University in St. Louis houses about 80% of undergrads on campus. Most schools at this capacity guarantee freshmen housing and offer 2nd/3rd-year housing through lottery or theme-based applications.

Off-Campus Rent Near Washington University in St. Louis (ZIP 63130)

Median gross rent figures below are from the U.S. Census Bureau's American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates (2023) for the ZIP code where Washington University in St. Louis's campus sits (63130).

$1,199/mo

Median Gross Rent

$1,074/mo

Studio

$1,006/mo

1-Bedroom

$1,192/mo

2-Bedroom

$1,632/mo

3-Bedroom

Rent trend: Median rent in this area rose 3.7% between the ACS 2022 and ACS 2023 5-year estimates ($1,156 → $1,199 median).

Washington University in St. Louis Housing Cost: On-Campus vs Off-Campus

The right call depends on whether you're comparing a 9-month academic year (matching the on-campus dorm contract) or a full 12-month lease, and how many roommates you split with.

Setup	Per Month	9-Month Year	vs On-Campus
On-campus dorm (room + meal plan)	$2309	$20,778	—
Off-campus 1-bedroom (solo)	$1,006	$9,054	−$11,724
Off-campus 2-bedroom (1 roommate)	$596	$5364	−$15414
Off-campus 3-bedroom (2 roommates)	$544	$4896	−$15882

On-campus figure is room and board (includes meals). Off-campus figures are rent only — add roughly $200-400/mo for groceries, $80-180/mo for utilities (electric/gas/water), $30-80/mo for internet, and transit or parking depending on commute distance. Renter's insurance runs $10-25/mo.

4-Year Housing Cost Comparison at Washington University in St. Louis

$83,112

On-campus, 4 years

$36,216

Off-campus 1-bd solo, 4 years

$21456

Off-campus 2-bd shared, 4 years

Over four years, a solo 1-bedroom in ZIP 63130 costs about $46,896 less than on-campus dorms — even before factoring in roommates. Washington University in St. Louis's on-campus housing is on the expensive end relative to local rent.

Off-Campus Housing Tips for Washington University in St. Louis Students

Start the search 4-6 months before move-in

College towns turn over inventory in February-April for fall leases. Inventory thins quickly in May-June. Most leases are 12 months and require first month + last month + security deposit upfront — budget $4,000-$10,000 for the move-in lump-sum depending on rent.

Check sublet boards before signing direct in Saint Louis

Subleases from departing students often run 10-30% below market because the original tenant is locked into a lease. Search Facebook groups specific to Washington University in St. Louis, university-affiliated housing forums, and Reddit's school-specific subreddit. Summer subleases are especially cheap — many tenants leave for internships and want to recover any rent.

Verify the building before paying any deposit

Run the address through your county recorder to confirm the listing party owns or formally manages the unit. Scammers post fake listings of real properties and ask for wire transfers or gift cards as deposits. Legitimate landlords will let you tour in person before any payment.

Stack the hidden costs before signing

Beyond rent: utilities ($80-180/mo for electric/gas/water), internet ($30-80/mo), renter's insurance ($10-25/mo), application fees ($50-100), broker fees in some markets (1 month rent), and a guarantor or co-signer if you don't have rental history. Add it all up before deciding off-campus is "cheaper."

Washington University in St. Louis Campus & Location

Washington University in St. Louis is located in Saint Louis, MO — classified as Suburb: Large. The suburban location offers a quieter environment while still being close to urban amenities.

Sources: Room and board figures from IPEDS 2023 Institutional Characteristics. Off-campus rent benchmarks from U.S. Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates 2023, Table B25064 (Median Gross Rent) and Table B25031 (Median Gross Rent by Bedrooms) for ZCTA 63130.

Washington University in St. Louis Housing & Dorm FAQs

How much do Washington University in St. Louis dorms cost?

Room and board at Washington University in St. Louis costs $20,778/yr. That breaks down as $13,188 for the room and $7,590 for the meal plan. Costs vary by room type (single/double/suite) and meal plan tier.

Are Washington University in St. Louis freshmen required to live on campus?

Washington University in St. Louis has on-campus housing capacity for 7,088 students. Most US colleges require freshmen to live on campus when capacity allows — check the residential life policy for current requirements.

How much does it cost to rent near Washington University in St. Louis?

Median rent near Washington University in St. Louis (ZIP 63130) is $1,199/month overall. A 1-bedroom rents for a median of $1,006/mo and a 2-bedroom for $1,192/mo (Census ACS 5-year 2023 estimates). Rents are up 3.7% from the prior ACS estimate.

Is it cheaper to live off campus at Washington University in St. Louis?

Off-campus typically saves money at Washington University in St. Louis — even after groceries (~$3,000/yr) and utilities (~$1,500/yr), it usually beats the $20,778/yr dorm cost. A solo 1-bedroom for the 9-month academic year totals about $9,054, versus the on-campus room and board of $20,778/yr. Splitting a 2-bedroom with a roommate is almost always the cheapest option.

Where do Washington University in St. Louis students typically live off campus?

Most Washington University in St. Louis students who live off campus stay within 1-2 miles of the Saint Louis campus to keep walking or biking distance to classes. Sublet boards from departing students often run 10-30% below market — search university Facebook groups and local subleasing pages a few months before the semester starts. Cities with stronger transit (large metros) make it practical to live further out for cheaper rent.

When should I start looking for off-campus housing near Washington University in St. Louis?

For a fall move-in, start the search 4-6 months ahead — most leases turn over February through April. Inventory thins quickly in May-June. If you missed the main season, check sublet listings (many tenants leave for summer internships and offer steep discounts) and look at older buildings, which tend to lease later in the cycle.

What should I budget on top of rent at Washington University in St. Louis?

Beyond base rent, plan for utilities ($80-180/mo for electric/gas/water), internet ($30-80/mo), renter's insurance ($10-25/mo), groceries ($200-400/mo if you cook), and transit/parking. Application fees ($50-100), security deposits (1-2 months' rent), and broker fees (some markets) hit at lease signing. First-time renters without rental history may need a guarantor.

More About Washington University in St. Louis

Washington University in St. Louis Acceptance Rate Washington University in St. Louis Tuition & Cost Transfer to Washington University in St. Louis Washington University in St. Louis Salary & ROI Washington University in St. Louis AP Credit Best Majors at Washington University in St. Louis Washington University in St. Louis Housing International at Washington University in St. Louis

Data source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, IPEDS. Washington University in St. Louis is not affiliated with DeepColleges.