by our College Data Analytics TeamIt is important to understand all of the costs associated with going to college so you can plan accordingly at California State University-Los Angeles.
On this page you will find:
Housing and meal plans are priced out separately here. The standard student paid $10,810 in 2026, with the price of an average meal plan at $5,664. Taken together, a typical student living on campus at California State University-Los Angeles can expect to spend about $34,216 in 2026 in total yearly living costs beyond tuition.
The table below shows the expected costs of on-campus and off-campus housing and dining plans for California State University-Los Angeles.
| Expense | On Campus | Off Campus |
|---|---|---|
| Room and Board | $26,304 | $27,162 |
| — Housing | $10,810 | |
| — Meals | $5,664 | |
| Other Living Expenses | $6,858 | $6,670 |
| Books and Supplies | $1,054 | $1,054 |
| Total | $34,216 | $34,886 |
Like tuition, room and board usually rises a little each year. A forward look helps you avoid sticker shock later in your degree.
Carried across a typical four-year degree, room, board and other living costs add up to about $167,607 by the time you graduate.
This is how on-campus room and board has tracked over the last few years, plus a forward projection, at California State University-Los Angeles.
| Year | Room & Board |
|---|---|
| Three Years Ago | $19,993 |
| Two Years Ago | $22,631 |
| One Year Ago | $25,516 |
| Most Recent Year (2026) | $26,304 |
| One Year From Now * | $29,071 |
| Two Years From Now * | $32,130 |
| Three Years From Now * | $35,511 |
| Four Years From Now * | $39,247 |
* estimated
On-campus room and board has trended up an average of 10.5% each year. Carrying that rate forward one year puts on-campus living costs near $36,983 for their first year on campus.
At this pace, a senior would spend approximately $47,159 for a bachelor’s program; a two-year student would see about $40,042 in the final year of a two-year (associate) degree.
For a full bachelor’s degree, expect to spend a total of around $167,607 for a bachelor’s, while two years would run about $77,025 over a two-year associate program.
Expect modest annual increases in room and board, and factor that growth into your long-term budget.
The table below outlines what this school reports about on-campus housing.
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| On-Campus Room Capacity (Per Occupant) | 2,487 |
| Offers On-Campus Housing | Yes |
| Offers a Meal Plan | Yes |