Student Housing Tucson, AZ

Tucson is a small city, and more than 15% of the population of the city consists of students. This city is home to some of the top and most reputable institutes in the United States. As a result, several thousand students come to the city to pursue higher education and build their careers.

Now, even before coming into the United States, one of the most common problems that every student faces is finding student housing Tucson. To help these students find their perfect accommodation, University Living comes to their rescue. With over a decade of experience in providing accommodations to over a million students till now, University Living is a name that literally means trust! Therefore, if you are a student looking for student housing in Arizona, you are in the right place! The average rent for student apartments in Tucson ranges between $440 and $1259 per month!

When it comes to student accommodation in Tucson, there are plenty of options available for students. Choosing the right type of home is important as this decides how you shall spend the next few years of your student life in the city. The type of accommodation directly influences the rent that you pay because student properties in Tucson are divided into 2 broad categories: PBSAs and Private Apartments. Let’s discuss them in brief:

Student Housing

Purpose-Built Student Accommodations, also referred to as Student Housing, are properties designed specifically for students. These properties have great benefits and are best suited for international students. PBSAs have also been divided further in 4 types which have been explained below:

• Shared Apartments: These are the most affordable types of student rooms in Tucson. Students get to have a room for themselves that is shared with 2/3 occupants, along with a shared bathroom, shared living room, and a shared kitchen.

• En-Suite Accommodations: These are the top choice for international students coming into Tucson, as in these properties, students get to have an entire room with a bathroom for themselves, along with a shared living room and a shared kitchen.

• Non En-Suite Accommodations: These properties are very similar to En-Suite Accommodations. The only major difference between these two property types is that, unlike its counterpart, in a Non En-Suite Accommodation, the bathroom is shared.

• Studio Apartments: A studio apartment is the epitome of comfort and privacy in Tucson. This is because students get to have an entire separate unit to themselves that comprises a room, a bathroom, and a kitchen.

Private Apartment

A private apartment is the best type of accommodation that a student can get in Tucson. These are ideal for both, students and working professionals. Individuals get an independent unit with 2/3 rooms along with a living room, bathrooms, and a kitchen. All of this is for just one person!

However, students must note that unlike PBSAs, these properties do not include utility bills like electricity, water, gas and maintenance bills in the rent. Also, sometimes these properties come with no or fewer furnishings. If the furnishings and appliances are not up to your expectations, you might have to buy new ones. Therefore, students in the first and second years are suggested to go for PBSAs for student rooms in Tucson.

Tucson is a sun-drenched desert city in southern Arizona, surrounded by five majestic mountain ranges, including the Santa Catalina and Rincon Mountains. Known as "The Old Pueblo," Tucson blends a rich multicultural history with a laid-back, artistic vibe. The city enjoys over 350 days of sunshine annually, making it a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts who hike, bike, and climb in Saguaro National Park, home to the iconic giant saguaro cacti. Tucson's unique desert landscape is complemented by the nearby Sonoran Desert, one of the most biodiverse deserts in North America. The city also holds a UNESCO City of Gastronomy designation, the first in the United States, thanks to its deep-rooted Mexican-American culinary traditions, including the famous Sonoran hot dog and mission-style dishes.

Culturally, Tucson offers a vibrant blend of Native American, Spanish, Mexican, and Anglo influences, visible in its architecture, festivals, and art scenes. The annual All Souls Procession, Tucson Folk Festival, and gem and mineral shows draw visitors from around the world. The University of Arizona brings a youthful energy and serves as a major research and cultural hub, with its planetarium, art museums, and sporting events. Tucson's cost of living remains affordable compared to other southwestern cities like Phoenix or Las Vegas. With its stunning sunsets, star-filled night skies, and a relaxed, friendly atmosphere, Tucson offers a distinctive and enriching desert living experience.

For students, it is very crucial to find the right housing in Tucson, which is more than a place to sleep. Thus, student apartments in Tucson must be in vibrant hubs designed for connection, comfort, and convenience. That’s why we’ve curated a selection of the city’s top student accommodations based on location, amenities, and genuine student feedback. The rent for these student properties ranges between $440 and $1259 per month and have been mentioned below:

• Malibu

• The Pacific

• Aspire Tucson

• The Seasons

• Union on Bellevue

• Yugo Tucson Campus

• Entrada Real

• The U At Park

• Camous Crossings at University Heights

• Camous Crossings on 8th Street

Book the top student properties in Tucson at the best prices. Speak to our housing experts now!

Tucson is a very affordable city compared to other major cities in the US, including New York, Ithaca, San Diego and Atlanta. The city is considered to be one of the most friendly cities in the country, with property rents almost 25-30% less than others. The cost of living is a personal concept that is determined by the type of expenses you make and the lifestyle you lead. However, if you make a strict budget and follow it properly, you can expect to spend a month in Tucson in well under $1000.

Note: Students must note that these figures are subject to change based on their actual consumption and expenses in the city. However, if you want to have a better idea on the cost of living in Tucson, you can use University Living’s exclusive cost-of-living calculator.

Tucson is a great town to stay in. The serene views that the city has to offer, without the hustle and bustle of a big city, but with all conveniences, are just unmatched. These areas already have an established student community, and students are recommended to stay in these neighborhoods as birds of the same feather flock together. Students can reach out to their peers and roommates that are already students in case they have any issues or problems.

University Boulevard

Located right in front of the door to the University of Arizona, University Boulevard is one of the most vibrant, purpose-built student hubs for student housing in Tucson. It is a very energetic, loud and never-sleeping locality and therefore, is the best suited for students who love to stay in the middle of action. Students can easily reach the university from the end of this neighborhood in under 5 minutes. Extremely convenient and proximate! University Boulevard is also famous for some of the top bars and pubs in the city, like Gentle Ben's, which is an iconic brewpub and restaurant located right in Main Gate Square, famous for its patio and student-friendly atmosphere. Another one of the most beloved fast-casual spots for burritos and margaritas in the neighborhood is Illegal Pete’s, and it is extremely popular with students. The Time Market is a unique spot for some grocery shopping along with good cafes, restaurants, bars, and bakeries, all at one place! If you crave something in the middle of a night study session, one of your go-to places is the Epic Cafe, which is open late until 4 AM. The average rent for student properties in University Boulevard ranges between $1000 and $1250 per month!

West University

One of the best neighborhoods for student apartments in Tucson is West University, and as the name suggests, is located just west of the University of Arizona. It offers a more residential and vibrant vibe than the Boulevard, and is much quieter and calmer! Located just 5-minute streetcar ride to the university, West University has great transport connectivity and can be mapped in just 10 minutes on foot! The Time Market is a major hangout spot for students and is known for housing some of the best pizza parlors in the city and also, good expresso and bars. The neighborhood also houses the Epic Cafe, which is an anti-establishment coffee house and is open until midnight. One of Tucson’s premier walkable shopping center is Fourth Avenue, which is frequented by local residents. This complex houses aesthetic book stores, vintage clothing, cafes, bars, and music venues. The average rent for student properties in West University ranges between $800 and $1100 per month!

Sam Hughes

Located directly East of the campus, Sam Hughes is one of the most desirable and established neighborhoods for student rooms in Tucson. It is known for its historic homes, excellent elementary school, and family-friendly atmosphere. It has one of the lowest crime rates in the city. The residents of this neighborhood include graduate students, faculty, and upperclassmen who seek a quieter, more residential experience. San Hughes is located just a few blocks away from UoA and is a short 5-minute walk away. The neighborhood also houses Himmel Park, which is a large community park with a pool, library, and recreational facilities. The best part about Sam Hughes is that it is a short streetcar ride to Fourth Avenue for a quick Sunday shopping expedition! Th average rent for PBSAs in San Hughes ranges between $600 and $900 per month!

Keeling

Best suited for the students of the University of Arizona and Banner University Medical Center, Kneeling is one of the most affordable neighborhoods for student housing in Tucson. It is popular among students and professionals alike due to its affordability, lower cost of living and convenience. It has everything that student might require whilst their stay in the city! Located a short 10-minute streetcar ride from the university, the neighborhood is home to the Banner – University Medical Center, which is a major landmark and employer for many students and professionals in the area. The area also has some of the best and fulfilling food options in the city! The rent for PBSAs in Keeling ranges between $450 and $750 per month!

Tucson has a total population of more than 550,000, and yet, the city boasts an extensive network of public transit systems that consist of buses and train links. These modes of transport are a boon for students and residents of the city, and include the Sun Tran Buses and Streetcar services. These have been explained briefly below:

Sun Tran Buses

One of the primary modes of public transit systems for students is the Sun Tran bus service. These services serve Tucson with over 40 routes, hence covering almost the entire metropolitan area. Sun Tran also includes 13 high-speed express routes that provide faster commuting throughout the city. These services run from 5:00 AM in the morning until midnight. The best part is that real-time bus tracking is available on the Sun Tran app. Major bus routes cover the University of Arizona, downtown, shopping centers, and residential neighborhoods.

Sun Link Streetcar

Another major and fun mode of public transit is the Sun Link Streetcar, which is a modern electric streetcar which provides connectivity to 5 key districts in the city along a 4-mile route. Major stops include University of Arizona campus, Main Gate Square, 4th Avenue, Downtown, and the Mercado District. The best part about these services is that they have extended service duration until 2:00 AM on Fridays and Saturdays, hence the best option to come back home after a night out!

Note: Tucson's public transit (both Sun Tran buses and Sun Link streetcar) is operating at no cost to riders as of 2025-2026. The fare-free program was initially implemented as a COVID-19 safety measure and has been continued by Tucson's Mayor and Council. When fares return, standard rates are expected to be $1.75 per ride, $4 for a day pass, or $48 for a 30-day pass

Tucson is one of the most underrated cities in the USA for tourists. The city offers some of the most pristine views of Arizona. There are several places that students and tourists love to be at, and if you are a student living in Tucson, you cannot afford to miss these marvelous tourist spots.

Saguaro National Park

Spanning across a whopping 91,000 acres of land, the Saguaro National Park is one of the most iconic desert parks in the world! It is most famous for its giant Saguaro Cacti, with some reaching as high as 50 feet and ageing for more than 150 years. The park is home to diverse flora and fauna, including javelinas, coyotes, Gila monsters, and over 200 bird species. The Saguaro National Park offers great hiking trails, scenic drives, and the sunset views are just spectacular. The standard entry fee to the park is $25 per vehicle, but you can enjoy free entry on certain days, such as Martin Luther King Jr. Day and Veterans Day.

Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum

Located right adjacent to Saguaro National Park, the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum combines a zoo, a botanical garden, a natural history museum, and an aquarium. Some of the best viewpoints in the museum include the walk-through hummingbird aviary, desert grassland wolf exhibit, and an underground cave replica. It also features over 230 animal species and 1,200 types of plants native to the Sonoran Desert. Also, the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum is one of the few places in the world where you can see the Mexican gray wolf! The museum is open daily, and the admission charges are roughly $29.95 for adults, $21.95 for children!

Mission San Xavier del Bac

Located just 10 miles south of Downtown Tucson, the Mission San Xavier del Bac is an historic Spanish Catholic mission which is also known as the White Dove of the Desert due to its striking white dome and Baroque architecture! It was founded in 1962 by Father Eusebio Kino and is the oldest intact European structure in Arizona. The church features original frescoes, carvings, and statuary inside a beautifully restored interior. It is still an active parish serving the Tohono O'odham Nation, and therefore, is a must visit in the city!