Baylor Off-Campus Housing: What to Expect to Pay in 2026

If you're a Baylor student starting to look at off-campus apartments, your first question is probably: how much is this actually going to cost me? Between dorm rates, meal plans, and the sticker shock of "adulting" for the first time, Baylor University off-campus housing costs can feel like a mystery. The good news? Living off campus in Waco is significantly cheaper than most college towns — and way more affordable than staying in the dorms once you factor in everything you're paying for.

Here's a real breakdown of what you'll spend, what's included, and where the hidden costs lurk.

On-Campus vs. Off-Campus: The Real Numbers

Baylor's on-campus room and board runs about $16,638 per year — that's roughly $9,594 for your room and $7,044 for a meal plan. Divide that by 9 months (since most dorm contracts don't cover summer), and you're paying around $1,849 per month for a shared room and dining hall food.

Off campus? The average rent in Waco is $1,341 per month across all apartment sizes. But that's the citywide average — here's what it looks like by bedroom count:

• 1-bedroom: ~$1,074/month (653 sq ft)
• 2-bedroom: ~$1,298/month (938 sq ft)
• 3-bedroom: ~$1,513/month (1,150 sq ft)

Split a two-bedroom floor plan with a roommate, and you're looking at roughly $650 per person — less than half what you'd pay in the dorms. Even a three-bedroom split three ways drops to around $500 per person per month.

That dorm cost is looking a lot less appealing now, right?

What's Included (and What's Not)

This is where apartment shopping gets tricky. A lot of complexes near Baylor advertise low base rent, then stack on fees that balloon your monthly payment. Here's what to watch for:

Fees That Add Up Fast

• "Technology packages" — Some complexes charge $50–$100/month for mandatory internet and cable bundles you can't opt out of
• Parking — Not always included. Some places charge $50–$150/month per vehicle
• Trash valet — $25–$40/month for someone to pick up your trash bag from your door
• Pet rent — $25–$50/month on top of a deposit if you have a furry roommate
• Amenity fees — Monthly charges for access to pools, gyms, or study rooms

What Centre Includes

At Centre, we try to keep things straightforward. Your rent covers a renovated apartment with wood-inspired flooring, in-unit washer and dryer, high-speed internet, and parking included. Monthly fees cover trash, pest control, and facilities — no surprise "technology" surcharges or premium parking tiers.

One-time move-in costs include a $75 application fee, $200 admin fee, and $25 utility activation fee. That's it. Check out our amenities page for the full rundown of what's included.

Baylor Off-Campus Housing Cost: The Full Monthly Budget

Rent is just one piece of your monthly budget. Here's a realistic breakdown for a Baylor student living off campus in Waco:

Expense	Estimated Monthly Cost
Rent (your share, 2BR split)	$600–$700
Utilities (electric, water, gas)	$80–$130
Groceries	$250–$350
Gas/Transportation	$80–$150
Internet (if not included)	$0–$60
Dining out	$100–$200
Personal/Entertainment	$100–$200
Renter's insurance	$15–$25
Total	$1,225–$1,815

Compare that to the dorm's $1,849/month (room + meal plan), and off-campus living often comes out cheaper — even with groceries and utilities factored in. Plus you get your own kitchen, your own bathroom, and the ability to eat something other than dining hall pasta five nights a week.

For a deeper dive into all living expenses, check out our Baylor student budget guide.

Why Waco Is One of the Most Affordable College Towns

Here's the stat that makes Baylor students lucky compared to peers at UT or Texas A&M: Waco's cost of living is 14% below the national average, and housing specifically is about 22% cheaper than the U.S. average.

What that means in practice:

• Groceries run about 5% below the national average
• Gas typically hovers between $2.15–$2.60 per gallon
• A single person's total monthly expenses average around $2,125

You won't find rents like this in Austin, Dallas, or Houston — and you definitely won't find an apartment walking distance to campus at these prices in those cities.

Hidden Costs Most Students Forget

Beyond rent and utilities, there are a few expenses that catch first-time renters off guard:

1. Security deposit — Usually equal to one month's rent. You get it back if you leave the place in good shape.
2. Renter's insurance — Most complexes require it. Budget $15–$25/month through your parents' homeowner's policy or a standalone plan.
3. Furnishing your apartment — If the unit isn't furnished, plan $500–$1,500 for basics (bed, desk, couch). Facebook Marketplace and Baylor buy/sell groups are your best friend here.
4. Lease gap costs — Most leases run 12 months, but you may only be in Waco for 9. Factor in summer rent or find a place that offers subletting.
5. Move-in fees — Application fees, admin fees, and deposits vary widely. Ask for a complete list before signing anything. Our lease signing guide covers every question you should ask.

When to Start Looking (and Why It Matters)

The Baylor off-campus housing market moves fast. The best apartments near campus start filling up in October and November for the following fall semester. If you wait until spring, you'll have fewer options — and likely pay more for what's left.

Here's a rough timeline:

• September–October: Start researching, touring apartments, and comparing costs
• November–December: Sign your lease for next fall
• January–March: Second wave of availability as plans change
• Summer: Slim pickings and less negotiating power

Schedule a tour early in the process. Walking through a place in person tells you things photos can't — like how loud the road is, whether the AC actually works, and how far the walk to campus really feels.

What to Look for Near Baylor

Location matters more than you think. Here's what to prioritize:

• Walking distance to campus — Saves on gas and parking passes. Centre is on South 11th Street, right by Baylor.
• Gated community — Peace of mind, especially if you're coming from a dorm with card-swipe access. See our breakdown of gated vs. non-gated apartments near Baylor.
• In-unit washer/dryer — You'll never miss shared laundry rooms.
• Included parking — One less monthly fee to worry about.
• 2–3 bedroom layouts — More space per dollar when you split with roommates. Check out our two-bedroom townhouse option if you want a bit more room.

Ready to See What Off-Campus Living Looks Like?

The numbers tell the story: off-campus housing near Baylor can save you hundreds per month compared to dorm living, and Waco's low cost of living stretches your budget even further.

Browse our floor plans to see current pricing, schedule a tour to walk through in person, or start your application if you're ready to lock in your spot for next year. The earlier you move, the better your options.