You’re comparing student apartments near the University of Michigan and the listed rent looks manageable, but what will you actually be paying each month? What extra fees should you expect? Which costs add up quickly? And which ones aren’t included in rent at most Ann Arbor apartments?
At Rambler Ann Arbor, we help Michigan students understand the full cost of living off campus, from required fees to monthly expenses, so they can budget confidently and avoid surprise charges.
In this article, you’ll learn the nine most common additional living costs students face when renting an apartment near Michigan, what each fee covers and how to plan for them before signing your lease.
Read Next: How Much Does It Cost to Live Near the University of Michigan?
1. Application Fee
Most Ann Arbor apartments charge an application fee to cover background checks and application processing. These typically fall between $50 and $150 and are paid when you first apply.
Some properties run specials where they waive or discount this fee, but you should still budget for it when comparing student apartments.
2. Administration Fee
Administrative fees usually range from $75 to $300 and cover expenses related to lease setup, billing and property operations. This fee is almost always non-refundable and may be due either when you apply or before move-in.
Make sure to ask when the fee is due so you know what to expect upfront.
3. Parking
If you plan to bring a car to campus, parking will likely be one of your largest extra expenses. Parking at student apartments in Ann Arbor typically ranges from $100 to $300 per month, depending on location and whether the space is covered or in a secured garage.
Parking near campus fills quickly, so consider reserving early if you know you’ll need a spot.
If you’re looking for a breakdown on parking in Ann Arbor, check out our Ultimate Guide to Parking near Michigan.
4. Security Deposit
A security deposit is a refundable fee your apartment holds during your lease to cover any damages beyond normal wear and tear. In Ann Arbor, deposits usually range from around $200 to the equivalent of one month’s rent, depending on the property.
Security deposits are typically due before move-in and are returned at the end of your lease if the apartment is left in good condition. After you move out, the property will evaluate any damages and deduct repair costs if necessary. As long as you keep your space clean and take care of basic maintenance throughout the year, you should receive your refund within the required timeframe.
Read Next: What Is a Guarantor? Do Michigan Students Need One for Off-Campus Housing?
5. Renter’s Insurance
Most student apartments in Ann Arbor require renter’s insurance during your lease term and even if it’s optional, it’s still a smart way to protect your belongings. Policies generally cover things like theft, fire damage, water damage and personal liability. As of May 2025, the average cost for renter’s insurance in Ann Arbor is about $23 per month.
If you want a deeper breakdown of what renter’s insurance covers and how to choose a policy that makes sense for a student, check out A UMich Student’s Guide to Renter’s Insurance.
6. Utilities
When you’re comparing student apartments in Ann Arbor, it’s important to look closely at which utilities are included in your rent and which ones you’ll need to pay for separately. Most properties require residents to handle at least a few of the following:
- Electricity
- Water and sewer
- Gas or heat
- Wi-Fi or internet
- Trash service
- Cable or streaming services
Many UMich students pay around $50 to $150+ per month depending on usage and season. Bills can also shift throughout the year, for example, higher electric bills in the summer if you’re running your AC more often.
Before you sign, ask the leasing team which utilities are included and what residents typically pay. Every property is different, so getting these details upfront will help you budget accurately.
Read Next: How to Find the Perfect Student Apartment in Ann Arbor
7. Maintenance Fee
Some apartments charge maintenance-related fees, especially for items not covered under normal wear. These fees may include:
- Key or fob replacements
- Filter or lightbulb replacements
- After-hours service calls
- Trash removal or cleaning charges
Before you sign, check with the leasing team about what’s included and what might cost extra as it’ll help you avoid surprise charges during your lease.
If you want an easy way to stay on top of basic upkeep throughout the year, you can also download our Cleaning Checklist to help prevent unnecessary charges.
8. Moving Costs
Moving always comes with a few extra expenses, whether you’re coming from the dorms or switching apartments in Ann Arbor. A few common costs to plan for include:
- Storage: If you have a gap between leases and are not able to take your items home, storage units in Ann Arbor typically run $40 to $250+ per month, depending on the size.
- Cleaning Services:
Some students hire cleaners for move-in or move-out. Prices usually land around $100 to $300, depending on how much work the space needs. - Professional Movers: If you don’t want to haul everything yourself, movers usually charge $30 to $50 per hour per person, plus truck fees.
If you’re hoping to save money, try sharing a truck or moving supplies with friends, helping to split those costs!
For a full breakdown of what to prep before the big day, check out our Moving Checklist.
9. Pet Fees
If you’re planning to bring your pet with you to Ann Arbor, you’ll want to budget for a few extra costs. Most student apartments near UMich charge a pet deposit, which typically ranges from $150 to $350. This deposit is usually refundable and is meant to help cover any damage beyond normal wear and tear.
On top of that, many properties also charge a one-time, non-refundable pet fee, often between $100 and $350, due at the start of your lease.
You’ll also want to factor in monthly pet rent, which usually falls between $10 and $40 per month per pet. Pricing can vary by property, some apartments charge a flat rate for all pets, while others adjust pricing based on size or breed.
Before signing a lease, make sure to ask about weight limits, breed restrictions and any additional requirements for pet owners. These policies can vary more than you’d expect from property to property.
Understanding additional living costs helps you choose the student apartment that best fits your budget. Beyond base rent, fees like utilities, parking, insurance and more expenses all contribute to the true cost of living in Ann Arbor.
If you have questions about pricing, availability, or what your costs might look like at Rambler, reach out to our leasing team to walk you through everything and help you get started.
Alexis
Alexis is a Property Marketing Intern for Rambler Ann Arbor. She's a sophomore at the University of Michigan, majoring in Communication and Media Studies. Her favorite drink to order is a Blueberry Dream matcha!
Published On: April 30, 2026
Last Updated On: May 6, 2026
