Should You Sublet or Stay Home During Summer Break? Cost Comparison
Deciding between subletting or staying home this summer? Compare costs and benefits to find the best, most affordable option for your break.
Summer break is a time when students face an important decision—should you stay put and continue renting your apartment, or sublet it and move back home to save money? While staying in your college town might seem convenient, the financial implications can quickly add up. On the flip side, subletting your apartment could give you financial relief and flexibility. This blog will walk you through the pros and cons of both options, helping you decide what makes the most sense for your budget and lifestyle.
Why This Decision Matters
For many students, rent is the single largest expense outside of tuition. During summer break, you might be away from campus, working an internship, or traveling. In any of these scenarios, paying full rent for an apartment you’re not using is far from ideal. Subletting provides a way to offset costs, while staying home can help you build up savings.
Option 1: Staying in Your Apartment During Summer
Let’s break it down.
There are some solid reasons why students choose to stay:
- Access to Job or Internship Nearby: If you’ve landed an in-person internship or summer job in your college town, staying put makes sense.
- Independence: Living on your own provides freedom and consistency that some students prefer over moving back in with family.
- Summer Classes: If you’re enrolled in summer courses, staying close to campus is essential.
- Avoid the Hassle of Moving: Moving out, storing your stuff, and moving back in can be stressful and costly.
But these benefits come with a price tag.
Typical Monthly Summer Expenses (for one-bedroom off-campus):
| Expense | Estimated Cost (Monthly) |
|---|---|
| Rent | $900 – $1,500 |
| Utilities (WiFi, electric, etc.) | $100 – $200 |
| Groceries & Essentials | $300 – $500 |
| Transportation | $50 – $150 |
| Total Monthly | $1,350 – $2,350 |
Over three months, this adds up to $4,000 – $7,000, depending on your location.
Option 2: Sublet Your Apartment and Stay Home
Subletting your space for the summer can be a huge financial relief.Instead of paying rent, you pass on the cost to a student who needs short-term housing—like an intern or a study-abroad student.”
Financial Benefits:
- Avoid Paying Rent: If your sublet covers the full rent, you essentially eliminate your biggest expense.
- Lower Living Costs at Home: Living with family often means spending less on rent, groceries, and utilities.
- Potential Profit: In high-demand areas, you might even sublet at a slightly higher rate—just make sure it complies with your lease.
Common Costs While Living at Home:
| Expense | Estimated Cost (Monthly) |
|---|---|
| Transportation | $50 – $100 |
| Occasional Contributions at Home | $100 – $300 |
| Food/Essentials | $100 – $200 |
| Total Monthly | $250 – $600 |
That’s a summer total of $750 – $1,800, which could save you thousands compared to staying on your own.
Important Considerations Before You Sublet
Before handing over your keys, keep these things in mind:
- Check Your Lease: Not all landlords allow subletting. Always get written approval before proceeding.
- Use a Trusted Platform: Semester Sublet is a safe and student-focused platform where you can list your apartment and connect with other students needing temporary housing.
- Vet Your Subletter: Do a background check, ask for references, and get everything in writing with a signed sublet agreement.
- Document Everything: Take photos before you leave to avoid disputes over damage or cleaning costs later.
Case Study: Cost Comparison
Let’s say you pay $1,200/month in rent and $200 in utilities.
-
Stay for the Summer (3 months): $1,400 x 3 = $4,200
-
Sublet and Move Home (Assume home costs are $300/month): $300 x 3 = $900
Total Potential Savings: $3,300 over the summer
Find Best Affordable Student Sublets
To find the best student sublets, it’s recommended to use a reliable platform such as Semester Sublet.
Each listing on Semester Sublet is verified, with posters confirming their ability to sublet by ticking a mandatory checkbox when submitting their ad. All transactions are conducted directly between the tenant and the subletter.
You can find sublets in popular areas such as:
- Indiana University – The platform boasts the largest number of listings here.
- Boston University – A prime location for those seeking summer internship housing.
- New York University (NYU) – Sublet demand is high in Manhattan.
Final Thoughts: Which Is Right for You?
If you’re looking to save money, reduce stress, and spend summer with family or traveling, subletting your apartment is a smart financial move. However, if you have commitments that keep you in town—like a job, internship, or class—staying might be the better choice.
Whatever your decision, Semester Sublet is here to help. Whether you’re looking to rent out your space or find a short-term sublet in another city, you can browse listings and connect directly with students who get your lifestyle.
Ready to sublet your apartment or find summer housing? Check out Semester Sublet today to get started.