Cal State Long Beach Apartments for Rent: Student Housing Guide

Cal State Long Beach apartments for rent are plentiful and generally more affordable than comparable units near LA-area campuses. Long Beach has a large and established rental market, which means steady inventory, competitive pricing, and more negotiating room than you'd find closer to USC or UCLA. This guide breaks down the best areas and what to expect budget-wise.

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Best Areas for Cal State Long Beach Apartments for Rent

The neighborhoods directly east and north of campus — around E 7th Street, Clark Avenue, and Stearns Street — are the most student-dense and closest to campus buildings. Apartment complexes in this zone are often specifically student-oriented. Belmont Heights and Belmont Shore are popular with upperclassmen and grad students who want walkable streets, coffee shops, and easy beach access — about 10–15 minutes by bike from campus. Bixby Knolls, north of campus, offers larger homes and quieter streets at lower per-square-foot cost. It's a solid pick if you're sharing a house with 3–4 roommates.

Rent Ranges for CSULB Off-Campus Housing

Shared rooms near campus typically run $900–$1,300/month. Studios start around $1,400 in the campus-adjacent zones and can be found closer to $1,200 a mile or two out. Belmont Shore commands a slight premium for the beach proximity — expect $1,500+ for a studio there. Most landlords in the area require a 12-month lease, though student turnover in June creates summer sublet opportunities.

Renting Tips for CSULB Students

• Long Beach has solid bus and bike infrastructure — you don't necessarily need a car

• Check for included parking — street parking near campus is limited during school hours

• Look for units with on-site laundry — laundromats are sparse in some residential zones

• Beach-adjacent neighborhoods fill up early — start searching by January for fall move-in

For a full neighborhood breakdown and student life overview, read the Off-Campus Housing Guide: Cal State Long Beach.

Browse Cal State Long Beach apartments for rent at Off-Campus Universe.

This article is provided by an independent housing resource and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by California State University, Long Beach.