Portland Community College | Portland, Oregon

1. Make your budget

This section will help you understand monthly costs associated with housing in Portland and the difference in housing options.

Here are common living arrangements:

• Alone in an apartment
• A room in a shared apartment
• A room in a shared house
• Homestay programs offer the opportunity to live with an American family. PCC currently suggests American Cultural Exchange Services (ACES). You may find additional homestay options in your own research.

Rent

Average monthly rental prices in the Portland/Vancouver Metro Area are*:

• Studio Apartment: $1,339
• 1 bedroom, 1 bathroom: $1,541
• 2 bedrooms, 1 bathroom: $1,539
• 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms: $1,928
• 3 bedrooms, 1 bathroom: $1,804
• 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms: $2,093
  *Apartment Report, Spring 2024, Multifamily NW

Utilities

When you share an apartment or house with roommates your costs are lower than if you live alone. In addition to monthly rent, you should be prepared to pay for utilities (like internet and electricity). Average monthly utility costs in the Portland/Vancouver Metro Area are:

• Electricity, heating/cooling, garbage, water: $150 – $200
• Internet: $60 – $80

Move-In Costs

When you first move into an apartment, you may be required to pay first month’s rent, last month’s rent, and a security deposit. For example, for an apartment with $1,500 monthly rent, you may need to pay $4,000 before you move in.

You may get your security deposit back when you move out.

Sometimes apartments or rooms are furnished while others are not, and you will need to buy furniture and kitchen supplies.

Transportation

Your transportation costs will vary depending how far you live from a PCC campus. See more in the transportation section below.

2. Start searching now!

Before you arrive in Portland, spend some time researching locations and types of housing that fit in your budget. You can arrange apartment viewings ahead of time for when you arrive (not during Orientation Week). 

Here are some helpful websites with general information about Portland and housing:

• PCC Campus locations and information
• PCC Transportation and Parking
• PCC Shuttles (free shuttle transportation for PCC students)
• Google Maps (for bike, bus, walking, and driving routes)
• TriMet Trip Planner (for public transportation routes)
• Portland Bridges (neighborhood guide/blog)
• Portland Neighborhood Guide

Here are some places you can look for apartment listings and/or roommates:

• Nonprofit Housing for College Students:
  • College Housing Northwest
    CHNW is a nonprofit organization focused on student success offering affordable apartments in student-centered communities. We work to minimize barriers to renting with just a $500 deposit, and no income verification or rental history requirement. Students must be enrolled at least ½ time and can live with dependents and significant others at locations convenient to PCC and PSU. Utilities and wifi are included at some locations.
  • The Village and The Outpost 
    Portland owned and operated coliving communities close to Cascade Campus that are supportive to student life, affordability, inclusivity, and sustainability. High-speed internet, AC, and utilities are included in the rent.
  • Koz Development
    Affordable living options in urban neighborhoods near college campuses that offer low security deposits, flat rate utility fees, and flexibility for students with no previous rental history.
• Real Estate Websites: Zillow, Apartments.com, Apartment List
• PCC OISS International Student Newsletter
• Facebook housing groups

**Caution! Anytime you invest time and money and share personal information, it’s important to be cautious of fraud and scams. Learn some ways to identify and avoid rental scams here.

3. Give yourself time in Portland & consider short-term housing while you search

When making travel plans, you will need free time to search for an apartment, open a bank account, obtain a cell phone, and become comfortable in Portland. 

Some PCC international students have found short term options using the following:

• Airbnb 
• Furnished Finder
• Hosteling International – Northwest/Portland 
• Hotels.com
• Booking.com

While in short-term housing:

• Look for a roommate if you want to live with another student
• Look for apartment buildings with ‘vacancy’ or ‘openings available’ signs 
• Learn which campus you will take classes at your first term at PCC and decide if you want to find housing close to this campus

4. Visit apartments and make a decision

Narrow down your housing options and schedule tours. When you visit:

• Check out the neighborhood and think about whether you can live there (how close is the grocery store, places of worship, transportation costs and bus stops)
• Use this list for ideas of what to look at and what questions to ask on your tour: Apartment Tour Checklist

Apply for Apartments

• Fill out the application to rent the apartment. 
  • They may require a background check on your criminal history and/or credit score. If you are unable to do a background check, ask if there is other documentation you can provide instead.
  • If you like an apartment, apply as soon as you can. You may be competing with other applicants.
  • You may apply for more than one apartment, in case you do not get your first choice.

5. Sign a lease

If you are approved for the apartment, review the landlord-tenant agreement (this is sometimes called a contract, rental agreement, or lease) and ask the leasing office if you have any questions.

Negotiating and signing a housing contract can be confusing or difficult – especially if English is not your first language. We strongly recommend that you carefully read and understand housing agreements before you sign or make any formal commitment.

• Watch out for additional fees, for example: for the use of parking spaces, laundry facilities, or concierge services at some apartment complexes. 
• Additionally, there are certain legal protections for renters. You can learn more about these rights from the Oregon Community Alliance of Tenants 
• Renters insurance is a good idea to purchase and may be required by your landlord or property manager. Renters insurance is designed to cover the cost of your personal possessions in the event of fire, theft, vandalism, flood, or other damaging event.
• Learn more about what you can expect to find in a lease here.