While Nevada is one of the least densely populated states in the U.S., Reno is the third-largest city in the state, with a population of approximately 266,511 people. You’ll find that there’s a lot to do in and around the city. It’s nestled against the beautiful Sierra Nevada Mountains, making it easy to find opportunities to get out and enjoy nature. In addition, the University of Nevada – Reno (UNR) isn’t far from downtown, so it’s a great city for college students. Casinos mean an active nightlife, and you’ll find that community events take place throughout the year.
The cost of living in Reno is about 7% higher than the national average, with average housing prices in the $300,000 range if you want to own. Utility costs, however, are slightly lower than the national average, with an average electric bill running around $141. Finding an affordable apartment to rent is possible, depending on where in the city you live and the amenities you need.
How expensive is an apartment in Reno?
Apartment prices around Reno vary because the city is pretty spread out. How much you pay for your monthly rent will depend on which part of the city you live in. College students can live near the university to make getting to class quick and easy. A studio apartment near UNR is about $800 on average.
Of course, you can find studio apartments that rent for over $1,000 and some that rent for as little as $590 in this area as well. A one-bedroom apartment will run you $1,200 or more, while three bedrooms will cost close to $2,000 per month and up.
Moving away from the college won’t necessarily save you money, as rents are actually slightly less expensive in that area. The main factors that affect the price of rent for apartments in Reno are the age of the building as well as the amenities you find on the grounds of the apartment complex. If you want to have laundry facilities on-site, you’ll likely pay around $1,000 per month for a studio apartment, while those who prefer to have washer and dryer hook-ups in their own unit will pay around $1,200 per month.
Just east of Reno in Sparks, you can find one-bedroom apartments that rent for about $850 to $995 a month. In south Reno, apartments are a little more expensive, as many of the complexes are less than 20 years old.
How do I find cheap apartments in Reno?
If finding a cheap apartment is your goal, you can definitely find less expensive options in and around Reno. It’s important to know your priorities when apartment hunting. If you just have to have a pool on-site, you’ll pay a little more. Whereas those who are willing to have a bit of a commute or who don’t need many amenities will have more opportunities for finding a cheaper apartment.
Most of the cheap apartments in Reno rent quickly, so you might have to put yourself on a waiting list to get into one that fits your budget. In fact, only 15 apartments were available for under $600 as of early 2021. If you’re willing to commute, you can look in outlying areas. Sparks is slightly less expensive and very close to Reno, but you could also try the state’s capital, Carson City, or other areas such as Truckee, Verdi, or Lemmon Valley.
Getting a roommate is another way you can help reduce the cost of living in Reno. This can also open up your options to include an apartment with more space. Make sure that you and your potential roommate talk about various aspects of living together before you make the leap to renting an apartment. Living with someone, especially someone you don’t know well, can be challenging. You might want to come up with a roommate agreement before moving in together to ensure you’re both on the same page when it comes to the rules of the house.
What is the cheapest rent in Reno?
While it might be difficult to find an apartment to rent for less than $800 a month in Reno, it’s not impossible. Downtown, you can find a furnished studio apartment for $590 per month. This type of unit offers 120 square feet of living space and a shared bathroom and kitchen area. This type of apartment is perfect for college students who want to live close to campus and don’t need much in the way of space.
Another option for those looking for the cheapest Reno cost of living can choose to simply rent a room in someone’s home. Typically, renting a room from someone means utilities are in the rent price, so it can make it easy for those on a budget. Make sure you’re aware of any additional fees that may go along with renting a room in a person’s home, like utilities, landscaping maintenance, or internet.
You can find a fairly nice apartment near the university for $750 to $795 per month, but, as mentioned earlier, many of these apartments rent quickly.
The cost of living in Reno, Nevada, is definitely higher than the national average, but you can still find cheap places to live if you really look. You might have to be more flexible and give up some amenities, like a pool or on-site laundry, but the convenience of living in a city that has just about everything you could need and more might be worth a little extra.
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