Prices for UC San Diego on-campus housing vary by room type, meal plan, and contract length. This guide outlines typical cost ranges for U.S. readers and highlights the main drivers behind the total housing price.
Assumptions: region, dorm type, meal plan choice, and standard dining access.
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Room (Shared Dorm) | $1,300 | $1,600 | $1,900 | Monthly rate; shared bath; varies by building. |
| Meal Plan | $360 | $520 | $700 | Monthly average; includes campus dining access. |
| Housing Fees & Services | $60 | $90 | $130 | Locker, maintenance, student services. |
| Deposit & Application | $100 | $200 | $350 | One-time or annual charges depending on term. |
| Total Monthly Cost (Estimated) | $1,860 | $2,210 | $3,080 | Sum of Room + Plan + Fees; excludes personal extras. |
Overview Of Costs
Typical cost ranges include room, meal plan, and mandatory fees for a standard academic year. The exact price depends on room type (shared vs. private), meal plan level, and contract duration. By factoring room rate, dining access, and university fees, students can estimate the monthly or quarterly budget for campus living.
Cost Breakdown
The following table presents a detailed breakdown that combines total costs and per-unit estimates. Assumptions: UCSD dorms; standard dining; 9- to 12-month term.
| Category | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Materials | $0 | $0 | $0 | Housing is primarily service-based; furniture included in most dorms. |
| Labor | $0 | $0 | $0 | Administrative tasks included in fees. |
| Fees | $60 | $90 | $130 | Facilities, student services, and access adjustments. |
| Overhead | $0 | $0 | $0 | Built into base rates. |
| Contingency | $10 | $20 | $40 | Miscellaneous changes in service charges. |
| Taxes | $0 | $0 | $0 | Most campus housing is not taxed as a separate sale. |
Factors That Affect Price
Key price drivers include room type, meal-plan tier, and contract length. Shared rooms are cheaper than private rooms, and higher-tier meal plans raise monthly costs. Longer contracts may yield steadier monthly payments but higher total commitment. Additional factors include campus maintenance cycles and housing demand during fall quarter.
Ways To Save
Evaluate room and plan options carefully to balance current needs and long-term costs. Consider sharing a room or choosing a mid-tier meal plan to reduce monthly expenses. Applying early for housing or selecting off-peak move-in dates can also help lower upfront deposits or processing fees.
Regional Price Differences
On-campus housing costs vary by region, even within California. In nearby urban areas with higher living costs, rates tend to be above national averages. Suburban campuses often show moderate pricing, while rural campuses may offer lower base rates but different dining and service charges. For UCSD, Coastal San Diego pricing typically sits in the middle-to-upper range compared with national averages.
Real-World Pricing Examples
Assumptions: 9-month academic year, shared dorm, mid-tier meal plan, standard fees.
Basic scenario
- Room: Shared dorm approximate $1,500/mo
- Meal plan: Moderate $480/mo
- Fees: $80/mo
- Total: about $2,060/mo
Mid-Range scenario
- Room: Shared dorm $1,700/mo
- Meal plan: Higher tier $560/mo
- Fees: $100/mo
- Total: about $2,360/mo
Premium scenario
- Room: Private or larger dorm $2,100/mo
- Meal plan: Premium $700/mo
- Fees: $130/mo
- Total: about $2,930/mo
Seasonality & Price Trends
Pricing tends to rise ahead of fall housing markets. Demand spikes with new student intake, leading to tighter availability and higher deposits in late spring. Summer rates may decline slightly as housing demand softens during break periods, though campus services remain active for continuing students.
What To Expect By Term
Academic-year terms typically bundle most costs into monthly charges. Shorter summer-only housing, if available, often carries different per-month rates and separate meal plan options. Students should review the official housing contract for exact monthly pricing, deposits, and renewal terms.