Comparing costs of living in Bloomington

Fewer distractions, lower costs and companionship drive students to choose to live in either one-, two- or three-bedroom apartments.

Off-campus
On average, an off-campus two- or three-bedroom apartment costs an individual the same amount, depending on utilities provided. On the other hand, single-bedroom apartments cost more, running between $450 and $800 per month plus utilities and groceries.

When comparing the differences in price, utilities must be accounted for. With a single bedroom, the rent is higher; however, the utility bill will not be as large since the usage will be counted from one person.

Thus, while the rent between doubles and triples are comparative, the utility bill for a triple will be larger due to the extra person but will be also be split between the three people.

Before signing the lease, investigate which utilities are included in the rent cost. These include more than water and electric. In residential areas of cities, it may be required to pay for trash service or to keep the lawn mowed which will cost extra.

In the Convenanter Hill, MeadowCreek and other apartments from Renaissance Rentals, the landlord pays for all but electric, water and internet service, according to the Renaissance website.

In Bloomington, different complexes offer different values. The Fields apartment complex lists a three-bedroom, two-bathroom with 1282 sq. ft. at $1,330, or $445 per person. Oakdale Square lists a three-bedroom, one-and-a-half bath with 1234 sq. ft. at $720, about $240 or $360 for two or three people.

RPS
On campus, only certain options are available in select residence halls or apartments.

Choosing to live in the Mason Hall apartments or in a standard double room such as in Briscoe, Collins or Wright is cheaper by almost $700 per academic year.

In contrast with living off-campus, it does not cost less to room with three or four others, which can only be accommodated in Eigenmann and Willkie. These rooms cost between $5,959 and $7,047 per person each year.

While the renovated triples in Eigenmann cost $200 less than the renovated doubles, they cost almost $1000 more than an enhanced double room or almost $2000 more than a standard double room.

Living in a residence hall averages to a payment of between $486 and $783 per month, which can be larger than off-campus apartments.

Other options for living on campus are University-owned apartments. Apartment prices are listed on the RPS website, but for a two-bedroom the cost is between $325 and $425 and singles are $520 to $700 in all but the Union Street Center, where costs are equivalent to dorm rates.

All on-campus apartments include utilities, Internet connection, cable TV and local telephone service.

Before leasing an apartment, consider roommates and utilities to estimate costs for each complex. To find out more about local housing, visit the IDS Housing Fair on Nov. 3 at the Indiana Memorial Union’s Alumni Hall.