Portland State University Housing Costs

$2,259 Other Living Expenses Typical Cost

What Are the Living Expenses at Portland State University?

It is important to understand all of the costs associated with going to college so you can plan accordingly at Portland State University.

On this page you will find:

Outline of Housing Costs
Room & Board Trends and Total Expenses
Meal Plans and Housing Requirements
References

Housing and Meal Plan Costs at Portland State University

Housing and meal plans are priced out separately here. The standard student paid $8,115 in 2026, and a standard meal plan cost $5,460. When you add it all up, the average on-campus student at Portland State University can expect to spend about $18,969 in 2026 for room, board, books and other living costs combined.

The following table outlines average expected costs for both on-campus and off-campus housing, meals and other expenses at Portland State University.

Expense	On Campus	Off Campus
Room and Board	$15,978	$15,978
— Housing	$8,115
— Meals	$5,460
Other Living Expenses	$2,259	$2,259
Books and Supplies	$732	$732
Total	$18,969	$18,969

Will You Spend Four Years On Campus? Forecasted Cost is $80,306

Room and board is a moving target: it tends to creep up every year you are enrolled. Knowing where it is headed helps you budget for the full degree, not just year one.

The projected four-year total comes to about $80,306 for living costs.

See how housing and dining costs have changed over recent years and where they are trending at Portland State University.

Year	Room & Board
Three Years Ago	$14,781
Two Years Ago	$14,667
One Year Ago	$15,987
Most Recent Year (2026)	$15,978
One Year From Now *	$16,409
Two Years From Now *	$16,852
Three Years From Now *	$17,307
Four Years From Now *	$17,774

* estimated

On-campus room and board has trended up an average of 2.7% a year over the last three years. Carrying that rate forward one year puts on-campus living costs near $19,400 in their first year.

At this pace, a senior would spend approximately $20,765 for a four-year (bachelor’s) degree, and about $19,843 for the last year of an associate degree.

Over a four-year stay, the projected room, board and living-cost total is about $80,306 for a bachelor’s, while two years would run about $39,243 for a two-year (associate) degree.