When envisioning a quintessential college town, the city of Auburn will likely come to mind. Located in the heart of Alabama, this charming city is home to the prestigious Auburn University, one of the South's top academic institutions and, after their performance in the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament, the proud host of one of the nation’s best college basketball teams.
Whether you’re drawn to Auburn for its thriving sports teams or expansive curriculum, it’s easy to see why many plant their roots in this thriving collegiate community. And with plenty of off-campus housing options available, you can find the perfect home away from home to make your time at Auburn unforgettable.
In this guide, we’ll highlight some of Auburn’s best off-campus rental options and share practical tips for optimizing your university living experience. Let’s get started, Tigers!
Where Do Most Auburn University Students Live Off-Campus?
Auburn is celebrated as the ultimate college town, and a big part of that recognition lies in its diverse off-campus housing options. Whether you’re looking to immerse yourself in the energy of downtown or prefer a quieter spot near the campus edge, here are some top areas to consider when moving off-campus in Auburn:
Downtown Auburn
Living in Downtown Auburn is an experience like no other. Just steps away from Jordan-Hare Stadium, Toomer’s Corner, and campus green spaces like Samford Park, this bustling area offers excitement on every corner. Not to mention, it’s also conveniently located adjacent to campus, simplifying commutes for students.
South College Street
South College Street is another sought-after area for Auburn students. This lively street is lined with local eateries, shops, and, of course, off-campus rental options. Some popular residences include Evergreen and The Beacon, which are found down South College Street, a little past main campus.
West Magnolia Avenue
West Magnolia Avenue is another hotspot for off-campus living. Perpendicular to South College Street, West Magnolia spans some of Auburn’s most popular bars and restaurants, such as Skybar and Auburn Draft House. However, it also conveniently houses many of Auburn’s academic buildings, offering a balanced lifestyle for students.
How Much Does Off-Campus Housing Cost in Auburn?
The average cost of rent in Auburn is $1,028 per month as of March 2025. This is 34% lower than the national average, making Auburn a relatively affordable place to live compared to many other U.S. markets.
When surveying Auburn’s rental options, you’ll find that price generally goes up with square footage. For example, the average two-bedroom apartment costs $1,814/month for 1,000 square feet, while a slightly bigger three-bedroom apartment costs $2,228/month for 1,291 square feet. If you plan to live by yourself, prices for studio apartments and one-bedrooms are nearly identical. The average studio costs $1,561/month for 468 square feet, while a one-bedroom costs $1,560/month for 699 square feet.
Pricing also varies by location in Auburn. High-demand neighborhoods like Downtown Auburn typically come with higher renter costs. However, if you venture a little farther from campus to areas like North Auburn, you may find more affordable options. For example, Yugo Auburn North, located in North Auburn, offers units for $619-$1,049 per month, depending on unit size and time of year. Keep in mind, though, that living farther from campus may mean sacrificing the convenience of shorter commutes and easy access to nightlife.
Make sure to factor in utilities as well when renting off-campus in Auburn. Some apartment communities may include utilities in monthly rent, in which case, you’d pay one flat rate. Others, however, charge utilities separately, meaning your costs will fluctuate month to month based on usage. Be sure to clarify these details before signing a lease to avoid unexpected expenses. If the costs seem too high, consider sharing the space with a roommate to help cut expenses and stay within budget.
Can You Live Off Campus as a Freshman at Auburn University?
Freshmen are allowed to live off-campus during their first year of enrollment. However, most first-year students prefer to live in on-campus residence halls to better adjust to the university lifestyle and form connections. If you’re debating either option, consider factors like budget and lifestyle.
For the 2025-2026 school year, Auburn on-campus housing costs $8,605. This figure also includes a meal plan, which eliminates the need for recurring grocery expenses. While off-campus housing can appear more affordable at first glance, it’s important to consider additional costs such as food, utilities, and transportation to and from campus.
Lifestyle should also factor into your decision. Living in an on-campus residence hall might be more satisfactory if you're extroverted. However, if privacy is your top priority, an off-campus rental may better suit your personality and preferences.
What to Consider When Searching for Student Housing at Auburn
To successfully find an off-campus rental in Auburn, you must first pinpoint your wants and needs. Do you want to be within walking distance from campus? Or would you rather commute with a personal vehicle or by bus? Are you looking to live in a social community or somewhere more reserved? Answering these questions will help determine which areas/properties are the best fit for you.
Proximity to campus and downtown
Many Auburn students love the convenience of living near campus or downtown. Rather than hopping on a bus or driving to class, students can enjoy quick, walkable commutes through the heart of the city. Plus, it makes it much easier to take advantage of Auburn’s lively nightlife, with bars, restaurants, and entertainment venues just a short stroll away.
Some popular apartment communities near campus and downtown include West & Wright or 319 Bragg. However, if you’re more interested in a single-family home or condo, check out properties like 836 W Glenn Ave or 423 N Donahue Dr. Unit 5.
Walkability
Traveling by foot or bike is easy in Auburn. With a walk score of 91 and a bike score of 67, you’ll find students, faculty, and locals always on their feet, leisurely traveling to their next destination. Whether commuting to class or running errands, just about any daily activity can be conveniently completed on foot.
If walkability is a non-negotiable for you, we recommend looking for housing in the earlier-mentioned areas: Downtown, South College Street, and West Magnolia Ave. These neighborhoods are popular for many reasons, with one of their biggest pulls being walkability. Venturing out farther from campus to areas in North Auburn won’t offer the same convenience.
Public transportation
While many Auburn students walk from place to place, some rely on public transit for their daily commutes. During the fall and spring semesters, Auburn operates its Tiger Transit system Monday-Friday from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tiger Transit is exclusive to university students, faculty, and staff, who can ride with their valid Auburn University ID card. It is not available to the general public, who instead must use the Lee-Russell Public Transit system.
Lifestyle fit
The student lifestyle at Auburn doesn’t look the same for everyone. While you’ll find some students at a local bar or brewery after class, there are others who spend their free time in the library or out exploring local parks. Whichever type you are, or if you’re somewhere in the middle, it’s important to find an off-campus rental that aligns with your lifestyle.
Social butterflies might prefer large downtown apartment communities like Accolade Auburn. These types of properties will offer many opportunities to connect with neighbors, thanks to shared spaces like community pools and study lounges. Meanwhile, more introverted students might venture out to North or South Auburn. Here, you’ll find more secluded rentals with privacy and quiet spaces, such as Savannah Square or The Austin.
Find Student Housing in Auburn with Apartments.com
Searching for the perfect Auburn off-campus rental? Apartments.com has got you covered! With hundreds of off-campus listings to explore, our platform is the perfect place to find student housing in Auburn.
Simply search “Auburn, AL” in the search bar. Then, customize your search by clicking “Specialty Housing.” Select “Student” from the housing type drop-down menu, and voila! You’ll have endless Auburn student housing options at your fingertips. And, to take it a step further, utilize our other advanced search tools to filter by price, size, amenity selection, and more!
You can also explore quality off-campus housing options on the Auburn University Off-Campus Housing website. Use advanced search filters or sort by proximity to campus to find your perfect place. Take advantage of valuable renter resources, and if you're a student, join the Roommate Finder to connect with potential roomies who share your living preferences.
So, what are you waiting for? Find an off-campus rental today on Apartments.com to plant your roots in Auburn. Warrrrrrr Eagle!
FAQs
Where is the best off-campus housing at Auburn University?
The best off-campus housing at Auburn University depends on your preferences, but popular options often include rentals in Downtown Auburn, South College Street, or West Magnolia Avenue.
Is it cheaper to live on or off campus at Auburn University?
Living off-campus can be cheaper than on-campus housing, but it depends on factors like roommate arrangements, utilities, and the specific housing option chosen.
What is the average rent cost in Auburn, AL?
According to data from Apartments.com, the average rent in Auburn is $1,028 per month.
Are there any specific requirements for first-year students living off-campus at Auburn University?
There are no specific requirements for first-year students living off-campus at Auburn University. However, it is recommended to research and carefully consider both off- and on-campus housing options before making a decision.
Are utilities typically included in the rent for off-campus housing?
Utilities are sometimes included in rent, but many off-campus housing options require tenants to pay utilities separately. Always check with the landlord or leasing office for details.
