If you’re planning to live near ASU, you’ve probably noticed that many off-campus student apartments in Tempe come with premium features, and premium prices. Between rooftop pools, fitness centers, and fully furnished units, the rent can seem steep, especially for students trying to stay on budget.
At Rambler, we’ve helped hundreds of students navigate the Tempe student housing market, and we know what actually drives rent prices up, and how to keep them down.
In this article, we’ll walk you through seven proven ways to save money on student apartments near ASU, from choosing the right floor plan, when to sign a lease, and what to look for when you’re touring.
7 Strategies to Save Money on Student Apartments in Tempe, Arizona
1. Opt for a Larger Floorplan Type with More Roommates
Rambler’s four bedroom, four bathroom (4×4) floorplan, The Sienna.
Rent per square foot in Tempe tends to be high, so maximizing your living space can go a long way in reducing housing costs. Generally, the more roommates you have, the lower your monthly rent will be per person. For instance, choosing a 4×4 (four-bedroom, four-bathroom) layout can often save each roommate several hundred dollars per month compared to a 2×2. That’s because you’re splitting the cost across more people, even though the overall square footage per person is smaller.
Adding more roommates isn’t the only way to stretch your budget. You can also consider sharing a bedroom (double occupancy) or opting for a shared bathroom layout (like a 4×2).
2. Lower Rent with a Double Occupancy Bedroom
While similar in concept to dorm-style living, double occupancy bedrooms in student housing apartments usually come with far more perks than traditional residence halls. Sharing a room with a roommate in one of these apartments often means access to a robust amenities package — all at a more affordable price point.
If you’re open to sharing a room with a friend or enjoy the communal feel of dorm life, double occupancy could be a smart, budget-friendly option to consider.
This is a great option for freshmen looking to live in an off-campus apartment while still having the “freshman year experience.”
3. Save Money by Sharing a Bathroom with Roommates
If you’d prefer not to share a bedroom but still want to lower your rent, consider choosing a floor plan with shared bathrooms. This setup gives you a private room while still saving money by sharing a bathroom with one or more roommates.
If that sounds like a good compromise, keep an eye out for 4×2 layouts, one of the most common and budget-friendly shared-bathroom options near ASU. You can also look for 3×2 or 2×1 floorplans.
Regardless of the layout you choose, the more roommates you share space with, the lower your monthly rent will typically be.
4. Get the Best Rate by Signing your Lease Early
Near ASU, especially in new student housing developments, the best way to lock in the lowest rental and parking rates, without sacrificing space or amenities, is to sign your lease early.
Most properties in Tempe begin pre-leasing around 10 months before the official move-in date. At high-demand developments, it’s common for students to secure leases 5 to 6 months in advance to avoid rising prices.
Many student housing communities use a tiered pricing system, where rates increase by $10 to $20 per month, per person, after a certain number of leases are signed.
So, if you’re aiming for the best deals in luxury student apartments near ASU, signing early is your smartest move.
Read Next: 5 Reasons to Lease Early at Student Apartments Near ASU
5. Look for Inclusive Rental Rates
In the neighborhoods surrounding ASU, student housing apartments can vary widely in what’s included in the monthly rent.
To get the most value for your money, look for properties that include extras in the base rate rather than charging for them separately. These add-ons might include Wi-Fi, cable, or tech packages, but can also be things like extra windows, balconies, or upgraded appliances.
Always ask the leasing team how different units compare in terms of included features, so you know exactly what you’re paying for.
Read Next: What’s Generally Covered in Student Apartment Rent Near ASU?
6. Opt for a Less Popular Floor Plan or Unit
While we’d all love a sweeping view of the Tempe skyline or A Mountain from a premium apartment, one of the easiest ways to save money is by choosing a unit that’s less in demand. That could mean selecting a unit on a lower floor or one with a less desirable view.
Apartments on lower levels are often priced lower because they don’t offer the scenic views that higher floors do, and they may be closer to communal areas like the gym or lobby, which can mean more noise.
This is a smart option if your top priorities are access to new, luxury amenities, a strong community feel, and location near campus, but you’re less concerned about having a picture-perfect view from your window.
Regardless of the floor, not every unit will have a view of downtown Tempe, Sun Devil Stadium, or the ASU campus. If you’re okay with a view of the courtyard, parking garage, or alleyway, choosing that type of unit can lead to meaningful monthly savings.
7. Consider Furniture Costs
Representative fully-furnished living and kitchen area at Rambler Tempe.
Personalizing and furnishing your apartment is a great way to make it feel like home, but it can quickly become expensive. Beyond decorative touches, essentials like a bed and a couch are must-haves.
To cut down on costs, consider choosing a fully furnished student apartment. Not only does this eliminate the upfront expense of buying furniture, but it can also help you avoid the added cost of renting a storage unit if you were to:
- Study abroad
- Accept an out-of-town internship
- Sublease your apartment during the summer
Many student housing properties near ASU recognize this need and offer fully furnished options, making it a key factor to consider when deciding between a traditional apartment and a student apartment.
If you do choose to furnish your own apartment, there are still ways to save. Look into discount furniture stores, secondhand shops, or local yard sales, and consider repurposing gently used pieces to stretch your budget.
Read Next: Student Apartments vs. Traditional Apartments Near ASU
While living off-campus might seem expensive at first glance, there are plenty of strategies to help you lower your monthly rent. Before you rule out living in a student apartment in Tempe, be sure to consider your many options so that you can take advantage of the best student housing deals near ASU.
If you have questions about off-campus housing or want to explore what Rambler Tempe has to offer, don’t hesitate to reach out to our leasing team. We’re here to help you find the perfect place to call home!
