During your housing search, one of the most important factors to consider before signing a lease is cost. As a college student myself, I know how stressful it can be to determine the total amount I’ll be paying each month between rent, utilities and other added fees.
At Rambler, we know how important it is for students and parents to be fully aware of the expenses that they will encounter each month. We want to be as up front as possible with you about the cost so there are no unexpected charges on your monthly bill.
Read Next: 8 Ways to Save Money on Student Apartments in Athens
In this article, we will explain the difference between your base rate and your total monthly cost to help you understand the full amount you will pay upon signing a lease at a student apartment in Athens. We will cover:
Base Rate vs. Total Monthly Cost at Athens Student Apartments
Rambler is conveniently located just blocks from UGA campus.
What is the base rate?
The base rate for an apartment is the price listed for each floor plan at a given property. The base rate only includes rent– it does not include any upgrades, utilities or additional fees.
How is the base rate calculated?
Base rates are typically based on two things: the property (location, amenities, age, etc.) and floor plan. Base rate is calculated differently depending on if you live in traditional housing or student housing.
Read Next: Benefits of Student Apartments vs. Traditional Apartments in Athens
If you choose student housing, you will sign an individual or “by-the-bed” lease. This means that each roommate within a unit will be given a separate base rental rate, and you will not have to worry about splitting rent yourselves each month and getting it to the landlord on time. Each roommate will be responsible for only their room and the use of communal space, rather than leasing out the whole apartment.
While these are commonly included, it could differ between each apartment. Be sure to ask what is included while touring properties.
If you opt for a traditional house or apartment, the base rental rate will be one fixed cost given by the landlord, and you and your roommates will be responsible for splitting up the rent. You are all equally responsible for the whole space rather than just your bedroom.
For student living, the following features typically result in a higher base rate:
- Furnished apartment
- Balcony access
- Higher floor of building
- Ensuite bathrooms
- Fewer bedrooms (studio apartment, 1×1 unit, etc.)
For traditional housing, the following features typically result in a higher base rate:
- Square footage
- Number of house levels
- Number of bedrooms
- Number of bathrooms
Some properties include things like Wi-Fi or cable within their base rental rate. When you are touring, be sure to ask about everything that is included!
Rambler Athens kitchens feature stainless steel appliances and white quartz countertops.
Read Next: Ultimate Guide to Living Off-Campus for UGA Students
What is total monthly cost?
The total monthly cost is your base rental rate plus all of the additional costs you will be responsible for throughout your lease. Some of these fees are required, and some will depend on your personal lifestyle. For example, you may be required to pay a pet fee if you have pets.
Additional fees may include, but are not limited to:
- Renter’s insurance
- Utilities
- Parking
- Trash services
- Wi-Fi
- Cable
- Pet fees
- Security deposit
- Apartment upgrades
Some apartments will include some of these add-ons in their base rent, while others do not.
Comparing Total Monthly Cost
Now that you know the difference between base rate and total monthly cost, let’s compare pricing as a whole between Rambler and a competitor.
| Base Price | Utility Estimate | Additional Fees | Total Estimate | |
| Rambler | $1,309 | $30 | $75 Parking + $5 Trash | $1,353.75 |
| Competitor | $1,295 | $80 | $45 Recycling Fee + $50 Parking | $1,470.00 |
As shown in the table, just because a property has a lower base rent does not mean it will be cheaper over all. Make sure to know all included expenses before signing a lease.
We hope this article has given you a better understanding of base rate vs. total monthly cost and will assist you when budgeting for your future home! If you have any further questions on apartment pricing or floor plans at Rambler, please reach out to our leasing staff. We will be happy to help you in your housing search!
