Cost of Living in Denton for Students: 2026

Have dreams of going to university in Texas? Well, you are far from being alone in doing so. Students come to study in Denton because of its great reputation in terms of universities, vibrant music scene, affordable living, and unique Texan lifestyle. However, the real deal of living in a new country could seem like a challenge to you.

But here’s the good news for you; Denton is one of the most affordable student cities in Texas.

With this guide on the cost of living in Denton for students, you will get a lot of useful information about what exactly it costs and how to cope with it. As of 2026, the average rent in Denton for students is between $1,000 to $1,750 per month. It’s significantly lower than other Texas cities.

Denton is a vibrant student city located in the northern tip of the Dallas–Fort Worth “Golden Triangle”. Known as the “Redbud Capital of Texas,” Denton is home to more than 60,000 students.

Let’s break it all down! From student housing Denton to food, transport, and other costs, so you can prepare confidently for your study abroad journey in the best student apartments in Denton for international students.

Average Monthly Cost of Living in Denton

The average monthly cost of living in Denton for students is between $1,000 to $1,750. The largest proportion of expenditure goes towards housing. Students that opt for budget student flats in Denton or live in groups or choose the all-inclusive type to spend less compared to their counterparts. The international student cost of living in Denton varies depending on the choice of lifestyle and location.

Here’s a realistic monthly expenses in Denton for students in 2026:

Important tip: These figures cover an estimated balanced student life in Denton. Most student accommodation are all-inclusive rentals in Denton.

If you’re careful with cooking at home and using student discounts, you can use the Cost of Living Calculator for a more accurate budget.

Student Accommodation Costs in Denton

Accommodation is going to account for most of the money that you spend in Denton, especially if you are studying here. The choice of housing will have a direct impact on many other aspects in terms of expenses, commuting, security, and social activities as well. Denton offers some of the most affordable student accommodation in Texas which helps manage your overall cost of living in Denton.

In most cases, international students prefer purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) because it’s secure, fully furnished, and is an all-inclusive room in Denton. These properties are specifically made for students and include utility bills like electricity, water, gas, and Wi-Fi bills in the rent.

Types of Student Accommodation in Denton

If you’re looking for the best student accommodation in Denton for international students. Here are the options available in Denton for ensuring your student life both comfortable and exciting:

1. Shared Apartments: These properties are the most affordable options for student flats. Students get to share a room with 2 or 3 other occupants and get a shared washroom, shared living room, and a kitchen. Since the property is shared among various occupants, the per-person cost reduces even further. Average monthly rent: $500–$800.

2. En-Suite Accommodations: These are some of the most preferred types of student rooms in Denton. Students get to have a personal room with an attached washroom, along with a shared living room and a kitchen. This provides enough privacy while still giving an option for socializing. Average monthly rent: $700–$1,000.

3. Non-En-Suite Accommodations: These properties are very similar to an En-Suite Accommodation, apart from just one major difference. Unlike its counterpart, a Non-En-Suite does not include a private washroom. The washroom in these rooms is shared among all occupants of the property. Average monthly rent: $600–$900.

4. Studio Apartments: Studio apartments Denton are the most comfortable and private options available. Students get to have an entire property to themselves, which comes with a room, an attached washroom, and a kitchen. All of this is for just one person! Average monthly rent: $1,000–$1,500.

5. Private Apartments: A private apartment is the most comfortable and extravagant type of student property that you can get in Denton. These properties are leased as independent units for just one occupant and come with 2 or 3 rooms along with attached washrooms, a living room, and a kitchen. Students must note that the rent for these properties does not include utility bills. Average monthly rent: $1,200–$2,000+.

Accommodation Cost Comparison Table

The average rent in Denton for students may widely vary depending on the nature of the housing, its location, and facilities available at the place. Here is an estimate of the monthly cost of living in Denton for various types of student accommodation in Denton:

Exploring the best student homes in Denton for international students? University Living helps you compare verified student homes near universities with ease. 

Best Areas to Live in Denton

Managing monthly cost of living in Denton can be difficult for students to plan, especially when considering rent. In addition to the costs incurred through rent, selecting suitable areas in the city can make or break your whole stay at university. Below are some of the best areas to live in Denton:

Premium area for students

Downtown Denton 

• Average Rent: $800–$1,300 per month

• Nearby Universities: University of North Texas, Texas Woman’s University

• Transport Convenience: Downtown Denton Transit Center, A-train Commuter Rail, Connect Bus routes

• Student Vibe: Located in the heart of the city, Denton Downtown is one of the best areas to live in the city. It is very walkable and there are various cafes, pubs, and recreational spots. This neighborhood is best suited for young professionals and students who want a vibrant and energetic vibe.

• Nearby Attractions: Denton Downtown Square, Historic Courthouse (built 1896), history museum, indie boutiques, rooftop bars, breweries, cafes, and eateries

Mid-range areas for students

Rayzor Ranch 

• Average Rent: $750–$1,200 per month

• Nearby Universities: University of North Texas, Texas Woman’s University

• Transport Convenience: Excellent public infrastructure, multiple bus routes

• Student Vibe: Rayzor Ranch is another neighborhood in the city that is preferred by students who want more convenience with modern facilities and appeal. You can get everything from a sewing needle to a laptop within a 100-meter radius. This area houses some of the top properties for student rooms in Denton.

Fry Street (Near UNT Campus)

• Average Rent: $574–$1,000 per month

• Nearby Universities: University of North Texas (walking distance)

• Transport Convenience: UNT Campus Shuttles, bus routes

• Student Vibe: This area is home to popular student properties like City Parc at Fry Street and U Centre at Fry Street. It’s extremely close to the UNT campus and offers a vibrant student community with music rooms, fitness rooms, BBQ areas, and volleyball courts.

Budget-friendly area for students

South Ridge 

• Average Rent: $700–$1,100 per month

• Nearby Universities: University of North Texas, Texas Woman’s University

• Transport Convenience: Close to major public transit systems, bus routes

• Student Vibe: The South Ridge is the most family-friendly and safest neighborhood in Denton. Since it offers a classic suburban feel with a mature charm, South Ridge is one of the most desirable areas for students in the city. Many PBSAs are located here, and students absolutely love staying in South Ridge.

Popular Student Accommodation Options in Denton

The city has many accommodations to choose from and balance your cost of living in Denton, these include modern PBSAs and private apartments. Such student homestays in Denton properties are quite preferred by international students since they are located near major universities, provide student facilities and easy access to the city.

Here are some well-loved options in Denton:

Uptown

• Starting from: $599/month

• Room Types: Shared apartments, private rooms

• Best For: Students looking for all-inclusive student accommodation in Denton with washer, dryer, and hardwood floors

• Nearby University: University of North Texas

• Key Amenities: Bills included, washer and dryer, hardwood floors, closet, No Visa No Pay

City Parc at Fry Street

• Starting from: $574/month

• Room Types: Shared apartments, private rooms

• Best For: Students who want to be close to University of North Texas with amazing recreational facilities

• Nearby University: University of North Texas (1.10 miles from city center)

• Close to UNT, No Visa No Pay, music room, fitness room, BBQ, volleyball court

U Centre at Fry Street

• Starting from: $694/month

• Room Types: 1-bedroom, 2-bedroom, 3-bedroom, 4-bedroom apartments

• Best For: Students seeking best student flats in Denton for international students with resort-style amenities and walking distance to UNT campus

• Nearby University: University of North Texas (0.3 miles / 7 minutes’ walk)

• Key Amenities: All-inclusive, hardwood-style flooring, full-sized washer and dryer, leather-style furniture, 24-hour on-call staff, 24-hour fitness center, swimming pool, music practice room with piano, Academic Success Center

The Metro

• Starting from: $621–$905/month (varies by unit type)

• Room Types: Shared apartments, private rooms

• Best For: Students looking for affordable student accommodation near University of North Texas with pet-friendly amenities and strong sense of community

• Nearby University: University of North Texas

• Key Amenities: Fully furnished, hardwood floors, secure parking, pet-friendly community, green spaces, modern fitness center, close to public transportation and major highways, walking distance to Fry Street dining and entertainment

Food & Grocery Costs in Denton

The most straightforward way of cutting down your student budget in Denton is when you buy food outside. Avoid the temptation of going out to well-manage your cost of living in Denton because such actions can soak up your budget. Rather, you should eat homely meals to make it cheaper for you and keep your cost of food in Denton in budget.

Buy ingredients from supermarket stores such as Walmart, Kroger, ALDI, or Target, where the prices are much lower.

Don’t forget the importance of using student discount apps. Such apps offer discounts in selected grocery shops and food joints.

Here’s how the cost of food in Denton typically looks:

Shop at Walmart or Kroger for affordable groceries! And save big on food in Denton with student discounts and smart home cooking.

Transportation Costs in Denton

Denton is a huge city that is spread across at least 100 square miles. Therefore, to help students travel from one place to another and balance the cost of living in Denton, the city has an extensive network of public transit systems.

Here are the main transportation options in Denton:

A-train Commuter Rail

The A-Train Commuter Rail is one of the most widely used modes of public transport in Denton, as it connects Denton to Dallas County. It is a 21-mile commuter rail service that has 5 stations in total. The best part about this service is the free ride section where riders get free rides between the Downtown Denton Transit Center and MedPark, and between Hebron Station and Trinity Mills.

Connect Bus

The Connect Bus is another preferred mode of public transit in the city. It is a fixed route daily bus service within Denton that connects major universities to neighborhoods with major student properties in Denton. The Downtown Denton Transit Center serves as the main terminal for these bus services. There are a total of 3 routes in this service.

UNT Campus Shuttles

The UNT Campus Shuttles are special service shuttles that are run by the university only for university students, teaching, and support staff. This shuttle service connects major public transport stations with the university. Students and staff members require a DCTA University Pass to travel in the shuttle.

The table below gives a clear picture of transportation cost in Denton for students:

Book seamless airport pickup with ULInfinity and stay connected from day one in Denton. 

Utility, Internet & Mobile Expenses in Denton

In terms of monthly utility bills in Denton, most student accommodation properties are all-inclusive apartments, meaning electricity, water, gas, and Wi-Fi are included in the rent. This is a huge saving for students and further helps to reduce the overall cost of living in Denton.

You will need some SIM cards and data for your mobile and Internet connection, and ULInfinity provides great international student-friendly SIM plans in the US with reasonable call and data charges.

Here’s a typical monthly breakdown:

Without all-inclusive rent, you would pay $100 to $180 per month and with all-inclusive student homes in Denton, you save upto $70–$120 per month!

Stay connected abroad using affordable international student-friendly SIM plans from ULInfinity.

Part-Time Jobs & Student Income in Denton

Most international students on a student visa can work up to 20 hours per week during school terms and full-time during holidays. The average salary in Denton is between $12 to $18 per hour depending on the kind of job and your age.

Here’s an overview of student part-time wages in Denton:

Living in Denton gives you easy access to job opportunities in the city, including retail positions at the many shopping centers, hospitality jobs at downtown cafes, and campus jobs at the universities.

Hidden Costs Students Often Miss

There are various hidden costs which many international students often do not consider and can increase your cost of living in Denton. For example, bedding, visas, and other moving supplies may surprise many students.

But the good news is with ULInfinity you’ll get guarantor service for students, Room Essentials kit, Flight Tickets, Forex services for your deposit and international money transfers, Student bank account, Health Insurance, and Travel Insurance all at once.

It’s smart to budget an extra $500 to $1,000 for these setup costs and emergencies. Here’s a quick breakdown for you of the miscellaneous costs in Denton:

Secure your abroad journey with trusted student support services from ULInfinity.

Denton Tourist Attractions for Students

Denton is one of the most aesthetic and gorgeous cities in Texas. Every year, thousands of tourists who visit Texas also pay a visit to this city. Here are some attractions you can enjoy while studying and balancing your cost of living in Denton:

1. Denton Downtown Square & Historic Courthouse: These are some of the most iconic spots in the city. Downtown also houses a history museum that is free for all visitors.

2. University of North Texas (UNT) Campus: A beautiful campus to explore, attend events, and enjoy student life.

3. Clear Creek Natural Heritage Center: Here you’ve got hills, creeks, a lake, and trails for hiking and cycling.

Top Universities for Students in Denton

Denton is home to more than 60,000 students studying at some of the most prestigious institutions in Texas:

University of North Texas (UNT): The biggest and flagship public research institution in the UNT system. Home to more than 40,000 students. Top courses include Music, Visual Arts, Business, Kinesiology, Psychology, Logistics/Supply Chain, and Computer Game Programming.

Texas Woman’s University (TWU): A co-educational university with around 15,000 students. Top courses include Nursing, Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, Health Sciences, Speech Language Pathology, Business, Psychology, Biology.

Smart Ways to Reduce Living Costs in Denton

To cope with extra cost of living in Denton, as a student living in the city should adopt the following strategies:

1. Share Accommodation: Splitting rent and bills with roommates significantly lowers your housing costs. Shared apartments start at just $500 per month.

2. Plan Ahead: Reserving student housing Texas in advance ensures that you pay the lowest possible price.

3. Live Near University: Properties like City Parc at Fry Street are just 1.10 miles from the city center and close to UNT.

4. Choose All-Inclusive Rent: Most Denton student properties include electricity, water, gas, and internet – avoiding surprise utility bills.

5. Use Public Transport: Rely on the DCTA University Pass for buses and A-train rail. UNT students get free campus shuttles.

6. Cooking at home is much less expensive than eating out. Shop at Walmart, Kroger, or ALDI.

7. Utilize Student Offers: There are several apps that provide student discounts on food, shopping, and leisure.

8. Walk or Cycle: Properties like City Parc at Fry Street have a walk score of 73, making it easy to walk to campus and local amenities.

Is Denton Affordable for International Students?

Yes, absolutely! This city is one of the most affordable student cities in Texas with a comparatively lower cost of living in Denton.

Here’s why Denton is a good choice for budget-conscious international students:

You can afford to lead a nice life if you choose a suitable student home in Denton for yourself. All you need is around $1,000 to $1,500 per month in Denton.

Conclusion

This city is perfect for goal-driven students who want to study here without breaking the bank and feel the burden of high cost of living in Denton. This vibrant, music-filled city offers world-class universities, a lively downtown, beautiful nature preserves, and job opportunities, all at an affordable price point.

With University Living, the process of securing best student housing USA becomes much easier for you.  Properties like Uptown and City Parc at Fry Street are best examples of comfortable, affordable, and all-inclusive student living offered by us.

Yes! Denton is an affordable, student-friendly city which is totally worth the investment, especially with the savings you make living in this wonderful Texas city.

Frequently Asked Questions