Let’s be real, college is hella expensive, and it’s never just rent and textbooks. Between groceries, utilities, parking, gas, and those random “how much did I spend last night?” moments, your money disappears fast. That’s why finding affordable apartments in Tallahassee can make a huge difference when you’re trying to keep your college budget in check.
If you want to stay on top of your finances and still enjoy college life, here are the real expenses you should plan for, especially if you’re living in Tallahassee.
Rent
Rent is likely going to be your biggest monthly expense, so it matters. A good rule of thumb is to keep it at 25% or less of your income or allowance. That sounds nice in theory, but it’s way easier if you choose the right place.
Jackson Properties offers affordable apartments and houses in Tallahassee. One popular apartment choice for college students is our University Center Apartments. They’re within walking distance of Doak, next door to the Palace Saloon, and just minutes from campus.
Rent at Jackson Properties typically ranges from $500 to $1,200 per month, depending on the property and how many roommates you have. More roommates usually mean lower rent, which frees up money for everything else.
Utilities
Utilities aren’t included in rent, and they tend to sneak up on you if you’re not prepared. This includes electricity, water, and sometimes internet.
On average, expect to pay around $100-$200 per month. Not fun, but way better than being surprised by a bill you didn’t budget for. And again, more roommates usually means lower costs per person. So, call up your best buds and lock in.
Don’t have roommates lined up yet? No stress. Jackson Properties offers roommate matching to help make the process smoother. Just let one of our leasing agents know, and we’ll get you set up in no time.
Groceries
If you’re trying to save money without living off ramen noodles, where you shop matters. Wholesale stores like Sam’s Club and Costco are clutch for stocking up on essentials at a lower cost. Pro tip: ask your parents or guardians to add you to their membership, or better yet, ask them to take you for a mini haul on their next visit.
For weekly basics like produce and perishables, you really can’t go wrong with Walmart, ALDI, and Trader Joe’s. Trader Joe’s is great thanks to their elite frozen food lineup. From Butter Chicken to Stuffed Gnocchi, they make it ridiculously easy to have a fire meal ready in under 10 minutes. ALDI is another win if you’re on a budget. They’ve got solid, affordable produce, and the location on Ocala Road makes it an easy drive from any of our properties.
On average, college students can expect to spend around $250–$350 per month on groceries, depending on how often they cook and what they buy.
Gas
If you have a car, gas is another expense you’ll need to plan for. Prices fluctuate, but you can expect to pay around $50-$100 per tank… yikes. That can easily add up to $200 a month or more.
One of the biggest perks of living with Jackson Properties is the location. All of our properties are conveniently located close to campus. We’re talking like 5 minutes away. Less driving means less gas used, which means extra cash for your late-night Uber Eats cravings.
Parking
Many apartments charge extra for parking. Lucky for you, Jackson Properties doesn’t. Parking is completely FREE at all locations. And not just for you, but for your friends or sneaky links too. I’d call that a big W.
You’ll probably still need a campus parking pass, which can be pricey. To save money, many students use the Seminole Express or Night Nole bus services, or carpool with roommates and friends.
Start Saving Today
These are the most basic expenses you’ll deal with every month during college. Keep in mind that this doesn’t include college tuition, going out, shopping, or other random expenses that somehow always seem to pop up. We recommend tracking your expenses, so you know where your money is going. The earlier you get your budget together, the easier college life becomes.
Leasing with Jackson Properties helps you save on rent, gas, and parking, which means more room in your budget for things that actually make college fun. If you’re ready to start saving, schedule a tour or contact our office at (850) 894-7368.
