Student Housing Sacramento, CA
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With a growing student population of more than 35,000 in universities like California State University, Sacramento (Sac State), and UC Davis, Sacramento is one of the top student cities in California. With the help of University Living, one can easily find a wide range of verified and secure student housing in Sacramento. This includes rooms like studios, ensuites, non-ensuites, and shared apartments, with rent under $614/month. Some of the most popular areas here include Midtown, Downtown, and East Sacramento, offering easy access to campus and transport.
Academy 65
1325 65th St, Sacramento, CA 95819, United States
4.40 miles from city centre
Walk score: 65
Lark Sacramento
Redding Ave, Sacramento, CA, USA
5.10 miles from city centre
Walk score: 48
The Spoke
801 J St, Davis, CA 95616, United States
13.23 miles from city centre
Walk score: 86
The Celeste
3820 Chiles Rd, Davis, CA 95618, USA
11.34 miles from city centre
Walk score: 40
Axis at Davis
2555 Research Park Drive, Davis, CA 95618
12.41 miles from city centre
Walk score: 56
Sol at West Village
1580 Jade St, Davis, CA 95616, United States
15.15 miles from city centre
Walk score: 13
Showing 1 - 8 properties out of 8
Nearby Places in Sacramento (California)
Sacramento, California Student Living Guide
Student Housing Sacramento, CA
As the population continues to grow in Sacramento, demand for student housing has reached a new high. With premium properties achieving a 96% occupancy rate, University Living serves as a one-stop platform that connects people with top student housing in Sacramento. We are known for offering an easy booking process with clear pricing, making it easy for students to compare and choose. The student apartments listed with us always prioritize the safety and security of its residents. With features such as 24/7 surveillance, controlled access, and well-lit surroundings, we create a comfortable, community-friendly environment.
By choosing student housing in Sacramento, CA, students can easily access great amenities such as resort-style swimming pools, 24-hour fitness centres, and private study pods. This ensures a better student living experience in Sacramento. Some of the top Sacramento student apartments include Lark Sacramento, Axis at Davis, and The Celeste. Furthermore, the rents here follow all-inclusive utility packages, making it a reliable option for safe, comfortable, and convenient living in this fast-growing city.
Types of Student Housing in Sacramento, CA
Having a unique mix of old and modern architecture, Sacramento has both Victorian style homes as well as sleek, glass-fronted buildings that reflect a modern metropolitan hub. The overall vibe of the city is shaped by the popular "Farm-to-Fork" culture and a strong academic environment. With smart designs and eco-friendly materials, student housing USA is divided into two types: Student Housing (PBSAs) and Private Apartments:
Student Housing (PBSAs): Specially designed according to the modern academic lifestyle of students, these come with transparent pricing, this means that rent is all inclusive with utility bills such as high-speed Wi-Fi, electricity, water, and trash, are bundled into a single monthly payment. This type is divided into four types:
Ensuite rooms: Consisting of a private bedroom with an attached bathroom, residents here share kitchen as well as living area with a small group of flatmates. They are priced between $230 to $340 per week.
Studios: These units offer a bed, bathroom, and kitchen. Highly favored by those who love independence and peace. They usually fall between $350 and $475 per week.
Non-Ensuites: Ideal for those who want something budget friendly, they provide a private bedroom, but rest of the areas such as kitchen, living room, and bathroom are all shared with others. It costs between $195 and $245 per week.
Shared Apartments: If you are someone who wants to live with friends and share everything from bedrooms to bathrooms and kitchens, this is the most affordable student apartment in Sacramento. These are highly social and budget-friendly, often starting from $175 per week.
Private Apartments: These function as traditional homes where you get a full bedroom, bathroom, and kitchen. While they often require separate utility management and whole-unit leases, they offer the highest level of independence and are a perfect choice for students or working professionals looking for a welcoming area in quieter, residential pockets of the city like East Sacramento or Land Park.
About Sacramento, CA
Also known as the “City of Trees”, Sacramento is an important city in California that serves as both political and academic center. Established in 1849, its educational growth began with the foundation of California State University, Sacramento. Today, it is famous for courses such as Public Policy, Agriculture, and Health Sciences, with a high graduate employment rate of 93% in these fields. Located where Sacramento River and American River meet, it sits on a flat valley, with the Sierra Nevada mountains just about an hour away, offering beautiful natural surroundings.
Furthermore, it has a strong and stable economy, mainly supported by government jobs, healthcare, and a growing $2 billion farm industry. Around 64% of the population here is part of the workforce, and major employers include UC Davis Health and Intel. Highly focused on safety and quality of life, making areas like East Sacramento, Midtown, and Land Park popular places to live. There are also many popular attractions such as the Old Sacramento Waterfront, the California State Capitol, and the Golden 1 Center.
Best Student Housing in Sacramento Under $740/Month
Finding the right student apartment Sacramento for yourself that offers both comfort and affordability is very important. Several student housing Sacramento show that you can easily get good value for money, without compromising quality. Some options even start as low as $185 per week, making them budget friendly. These apartments offer more than just basic living. They are especially designed to support both students' education and social life. Here are some of the best Sacramento student housing under $740/month:
Top Student Housing in Sacramento, CA
Sacramento is an elite hub where the demand for premium residential spaces is fueled by growth in the enrollment. Living in these top-tier developments offers an elevated quality of life, with 92% of residents reporting higher academic focus due to amenities like soundproof study pods and 1Gbps fiber internet. Residents benefit from safety and security features in well-lit, welcoming areas, while all-inclusive utility models save students an average of $180/month. Most of the properties here range between $606-$3,857. Following are some of the top student housings in Sacramento:
Ideal Cost of Living in Sacramento, CA
The average monthly cost of living for students in Sacramento is between $2,867 and $3,894. This reflects the city’s modern urban lifestyle while still being a well-developed metropolitan hub. Sacramento’s economy is strongly influenced by its role as California’s capital, but it is still more affordable compared to major cities like San Francisco. For students, living costs depend a lot on their lifestyle and the type of student housing in Sacramento they choose. Students can also reduce their expenses by using the SacRT "Zip Pass," which offers almost free public transport, and by shopping at local co-ops that give around 15% discounts on bulk groceries. Below is the breakdown of monthly cost of living in Sacramento:
Category | Average Monthly Cost |
Accommodation (1 Bed Apt.) | $1,611.76 – $2,045.29 |
Groceries & Food | $300 – $500 |
Utilities (Electricity, Water, Heating) | $339.61 |
Internet & Mobile | $138 – $160 |
Public Transport | $100 |
Dining & Eating Out | $150 – $300 |
Gym & Leisure | $48 – $100 |
Study Materials & Misc. | $80 – $150 |
Extra Expenses | $100 – $200 |
Total Monthly Cost (Including Rent) | $2,867 – $3,894 |
To get a more accurate estimate based on your lifestyle and preferred area, you can use the Cost of Living Calculator.
Best Areas to live in Sacramento, CA
Sacramento is also known as a “biophilic” city, which means it focuses on green and well-designed spaces. This approach has helped increase native biodiversity by 15% in urban areas. It is also growing as a tech hub, with tech jobs increasing by 3.3% every year and new developments in transportation. The city offers a safe environment, clear pricing in housing, and a well-connected, transit-friendly lifestyle for students and young professionals. Below are the best areas to live in Sacramento:
Midtown/Downtown: It is the main cultural and social area of the city. Having a walk Score of 94, it is easy to get around. The area has a creative and lively atmosphere. Located 3 to 4 km west of the California State University, Sacramento (Sac State) campus, one can easily reach it in a 6-minute drive or a 15-minute ride on the Gold Line light rail. Midtown is popular for its lifestyle, with places like Old Soul Co. and events like the Second Saturday Art Walk. More than 60% of people living here are under 35, making it a young and energetic area. Rent for modern Sacramento student apartments usually ranges from $1,650 to $2,300 per month.
East Sacramento: Known for the “Fabulous 40s” and its large tree-lined streets, it offers a great mixture of historic charm and modern living. Located about 1 to 3 km from the university, you can reach campus in a 4-minute drive or a 10-minute bike ride. The area is centred around McKinley Park, which is 32 acres in size, and home to popular spots like Chocolate Fish Coffee Roasters. Rent for good apartments here usually ranges from $1,550 to $2,100 per month, making it ideal for students who want a quiet and green environment in student housing in California.
Land Park: A peaceful area in the south of the city centre, it is known for its green spaces and relaxed, suburban feel. Located about 5 to 6 km from the Sac State campus, with a 10–12 minute drive via US-50, the area includes places like the Sacramento Zoo and local favourites such as Vic’s Ice Cream. Land Park has a safety rating that is 20% higher than the city centre, making it a good choice for graduate students. Rent here usually ranges from $1,450 to $1,950 per month, making it a great option for students who want peace and security in student housing.
Best Transportation for Students in Sacramento, CA
Sacramento is a well-connected, transit-friendly city, with over 17.7 million public transport passengers each year. Last year alone, the light rail system carried around 7.4 million riders. The city strongly supports students through programs like RydeFreeRT, which recorded over 5 million student rides in 2025 and allows students in grades TK–12 to travel free of charge. Because of this strong system, about 60% of students in central areas use public transport or bikes daily, and the network maintains a high reliability rate of 96%. This makes student living Sacramento easy, safe, and well-connected to both academic and city life. Below are the best modes of transportation in Sacramento:
SacRT Light Rail & Bus: It is the city's main transportation system, with three light rail lines (Gold, Blue, and Green) and 80+ bus routes. For students at California State University, Sacramento (Sac State), the Gold Line is very important. The University/65th Street Station is just a few blocks from campus and connects to Midtown and Downtown in about 15 minutes. A normal ticket costs about $2.50, but students can travel for free using their Sac State OneCard with a commuter sleeve, which is already included in their university fees. This makes it easy for those living in student housing California to travel to classes from early morning until about 10:30 PM.
Biking and Micromobility: Sacramento is a bicycle-friendly city, known for the 32-mile American River Parkway, that leads directly to the Sac State campus. About 15% of students choose cycling to avoid traffic. And if you don’t have a bike, you can use shared e-bikes and scooters from services like Lime. These usually cost $1.00 to unlock + about $0.35 per minute. Many students get 25-50% discounts through special student or low-income plans.
Amtrak Capitol Corridor: As a regional train service, it connects Sacramento Valley Station to cities like Davis California, Berkeley California, and San Jose California. Popular among students who travel for internships or commute from nearby cities, the train has Wi-Fi and power outlets, making it comfortable for studying or working. The journey from Sacramento to Davis takes about 20 to 25 minutes, and trains run frequently to go there. Students aged 13-25 get a 15% discount, making it a good alternative to driving on the busy I-80 highway.
Walking and Hornet Express Shuttle: Most places on campus are easy to reach on foot. To help students move faster and safely, the university runs the Hornet Express Shuttle, a free on-campus service that runs every 10 to 15 minutes. The campus is also very safe, with well-lit pathways and the Hornet Safety Escort program, which helps students travel safely at night from places like the library to nearby Sacramento student apartments.
Top Tourist Attractions in Sacramento, CA
As a popular cultural city, Sacramento attracts over 15.3 million visitors every year, generating around $4 billion for the economy. It also offers a healthy and balanced lifestyle, with more than 5,000 acres of parks. Hosting over 500 live events every year at the waterfront and downtown areas, travel here is more affordable with the free "commuter sleeve" transit pass. This can save about $15.00 per day when moving between major places. Below are some of the top tourist attractions in Sacramento:
Old Sacramento Waterfront: 28-acre historic area that takes you back to the Gold Rush era with its vintage streets and old steam trains. It includes shops, museums, and the famous Delta King riverboat. Entry to the area is free, but some museums may be charged separately.
California State Railroad Museum: One of the best railroad museums in North America, it displays 21 restored trains and coaches. It highlights the history of railways in the region. Entry costs $12.00 for adults and $6.00 for youth (ages 6-17).
California State Capitol and Museum: This is the main government building of California, surrounded by a beautiful 40-acre park. Visitors can take guided tours and explore historic rooms. Entry is free.
Crocker Art Museum: The Crocker is the oldest public art museum in the western US and has an excellent collection of Californian art. It combines a historic Victorian mansion with a modern gallery space. Entry is $15.00 for adults and $8.00 for students.
Golden 1 Center: This modern arena is home to the Sacramento Kings and is located in the lively DOCO district with shops and restaurants. Visiting the area is free, but tickets for NBA games usually start at around $40.00.
Top Universities in Sacramento, CA
Having a strong education system that focuses on career success, with a 93% graduate employment rate in specialized fields, Sacramento has a large alumni network of over 290,000 former Sac State students. Studying here is not just about getting a degree, but also about gaining real-world skills. Students can study at large campuses like the 5,300-acre suburban campus at UC Davis, while enjoying a high quality of life in a city where nearly 33% of people have a bachelor’s degree or higher. Every year, Sac State awards around 9,000 degrees, and Sacramento City College, the 7th oldest community college in California, helps students move into top QS World Rankings: USA universities. Some of the top universities in Sacramento:
University of California, Davis (UC Davis): Founded in 1905 as the University Farm, UC Davis is now 121 years old and has grown into a top global research university. It is ranked #32 in National Universities and #9 in Top Public Schools. The university is well known for programs in Agricultural Sciences, Veterinary Medicine, and Biological Sciences. It has around 32,273 undergraduate students and offers a high-quality academic experience. Famous alumni include Astronaut Tracy Caldwell Dyson, US Representative Jackie Speier, and chef Martin Yan.
California State University, Sacramento (Sac State): Established in 1947, Sac State is now 79 years old and is ranked #9 in the US for social mobility. It is popular for courses like Criminal Justice, Business Administration, and Psychology. The campus offers a lively, walkable environment for students. Its alumni include well-known names like Tom Hanks, Lester Holt, and members of Creedence Clearwater Revisited.
Sacramento City College (SCC): Founded in 1916, SCC is 110 years old and the oldest college in the city. It offers programs in areas like Nursing, Aeronautics, and Graphic Communication. It is an important step for students who want to transfer to top universities. Notable alumni include LeVar Burton, Joan Didion, and Tanisha Wright.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
We have 24/7 support available.
When should I start booking student housing in Sacramento?
It’s best to start looking and booking student housing in Sacramento 4-6 months before your move-in date. Booking early helps you get better prices, more room options, and properties closer to California State University, Sacramento.
How can I rent student apartments in Sacramento?
You can explore verified student apartments in Sacramento online, compare prices, room types, and locations, and complete your booking digitally. Most platforms also guide you through documents, lease details, and payments for a smooth process.
What should I check before booking off-campus housing in Sacramento?
Before booking, students should check distance to campus, neighborhood safety, rent inclusions, Wi-Fi speed, transport access, and furniture availability.
Which are the best areas for student housing in Sacramento CA?
Students usually prefer Midtown, Downtown, East Sacramento, and areas near 65th Street, as they offer easy access to cafes, public transport, grocery stores, and universities.
What types of rooms are available in Sacramento student housing?
One can choose from studios, non-ensuites, ensuites, and shared apartments.
How much does student housing in Sacramento cost per month?
Most student apartments in Sacramento cost between $1,612 - $2,046 per month, depending on location, privacy level, and amenities.
What bills are included in Sacramento student housing?
Many student apartments in Sacramento include Wi-Fi, water, and trash services. However, electricity and gas may be separate, so always check what is included in your rent.
How do students usually pay rent in Sacramento?
Rent is usually paid monthly through online portals, debit/credit cards, or bank transfers, depending on the property.
Are there any student discounts available?
Yes, some properties offer early booking discounts, seasonal offers, or group booking deals, which can help reduce overall costs.
Should I visit the property before booking?
Yes, you should. In fact, it is recommended for students to do so. With University Living, students can easily book virtual tours according to their own convenience.
What documents are required to book student housing in Sacramento?
You typically need:
A valid ID
A passport
A university offer or confirmation letter
When should I start looking for housing if I plan to study abroad in Sacramento?
Start searching from January. If you haven’t booked by May or June, you should act quickly, as options become limited. By August, most good properties are already taken.
What should I consider before renting in Sacramento?
Think about your budget, location, commute time, safety of the area, and whether you want to share. Also check nearby facilities like supermarkets, hospitals, restaurants, and transport options. If you share, discuss everything clearly with your roommates.
What should I check during move-in?
Make sure the keys, room condition, and listed facilities are correct. It’s a good idea to take photos as proof.


