Cost of Living in USA for International Students 2025

Cost of Living in USA for International Students 2025

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Aishwarya
Aishwarya Bhatnagar
Study Abroad Expert
Updated on Apr 22, 2025 21:13 IST

The USA is a popular study destination among international students because of its flexible education system, vibrant campus life, academic excellence, cultural diversity, and availability of numerous job opportunities. Along with so many plus points, studying in the US for international students is expensive and so are the living costs. The estimated cost of living in USA for international students is around USD 10,000 to USD 25,000 per year, which averages around USD 1,000 to USD 2,000 per month.

cost of living in usa

While studying in USA, the living expenses in USA include not just accommodation costs, room, and board, food but also costs for travel, textbooks, weather-appropriate clothing, and entertainment expenses as well. There are also personal and miscellaneous expenses which are covered within the costs of living in USA. This article aims to throw light on the various facets of living costs in USA keeping international students in focus and their choice of types of USA universities of study.

Estimated Cost of Living in USA 2025

The table given below specifies the estimated student cost of living in the USA that is based on different expenses.

Expenses in USA

Average Yearly / Monthly cost

Books and study material

USD 900 - USD 2,000 per year

Travel

USD 300 - USD 700 per year

Accommodation

USD 9,800 - USD 11,100 per year

Electricity

USD 100 - USD 150 per month

Food

On campus: USD 250 per month

Off-campus: USD 400 - USD 600 per month

Phone subscription

USD 50 per month

Home Internet

USD 45 - USD 50 per month

Health Insurance

USD 700 - USD 1,100 per year

Clothes

USD 500 per year

Water, Trash and Sewer

USD 50 - USD 75 per month

Note: These amounts will differ from state to state within the US. On average, the cost of Indian food in the USA is around USD 350 - USD 400 for one person. 

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Average Cost of Living in USA for One Person








The table given below is based on the data of College Board, Trends in College Pricing and Student Aid 2021. Undergraduate students can gauge the average tuition and other annual costs based on different types of sectors:

Expense Head for Out-of-State Applicants

Tuition Fees

Housing & Accommodation Fees

Public Four-Year Institutions in USA

USD 30,780

USD 13,310

Private Non-profit Four-Year Institutions in USA

USD 43,350

USD 15,250

The cost of studying in USA is an equally important factor when factoring in the cost of living expenses in USA.







Living Expenses in the USA for the Different States

The cost of living in USA for Indian students depends on the areas in which they decide to stay. For instance, if students are living in big cities like New York, Boston, or San Francisco, then the cost of living in the USA for students shall be much higher than in suburban cities like Seattle, Texas, New Orleans, and others. Let us check the average cost of living in the USA for urban and suburban states for international students.  

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Top Student Cities in the USA

Average Cost of Living in USA (Monthly)

New York

USD 3,300

California

USD 4,000

Boston

USD 3,316

San Francisco

USD 4,000

Suburban Cities of USA

Average Cost of Living in USA (Monthly)

Atlanta

USD 2,200

New Orleans

USD 2,000

Philadelphia

USD 1,300

Seattle

USD 2,500

Texas

USD 2,000

Illinois

USD 1,470

Students aiming to study in any of the above-given cities of the USA will have to bear the consequent costs of living as well. The cost of living in the USA for Indian students will additionally be calculated with the course they've opted for. Those pursuing an undergrad course in the USA will have to bear more living costs in the USA whereas bearing expenditures to land in USA for master's will vary with each university, but costs will be lower in comparison to undergraduate courses. 

Check out: The Best Student Cities in USA for Studying

On-Campus Cost of Living in USA

On-campus accommodations in USA will usually be affordable in comparison to the off-campus accommodation, check out the difference below:

Housing Accommodation Options in USA

Average monthly / yearly cost

On-campus stay

Public colleges: USD 1,100 yearly

Private colleges: USD 9,800 yearly

Off-campus stay

Sharing: USD 450 per month

One-bedroom apartment in rural states: USD 500 per month

One-bedroom apartment in urban states: USD 3,500 per month

It is essential that applicants understand the living expenses in USA before applying to US universities. They must check out the on-campus accommodation options along with the off campus accommodation options and whichever is a more feasible option, they can consider that. 

Additional Living Expenses in the USA

Students should be able to meet the following costs while studying in the US. Cost of living in USA may increase by about 6 to 9% per year due to inflation and external factors. As per the report “College Tuition Inflation Rate” by EducationData.Org, the annual inflation rate in the US (in higher education) stood at 8%. It is advised to keep USD 2,000 for additional living expenses in the USA. The additional living expenses in the USA can include the following things:

  • Travel expenses between India and US during vacation time
  • Large purchases, such as a PC, furniture, or even a rental car.
  • Medical expenses not covered by health insurance, e.g. dental care, eye care, cosmetic treatments.
  • Additional summer expenses - room and board, grocery costs for the summer months you stay on in the U,S when classes are not being held
  • Additional expenses, such as off-campus transportation
  • Entertainment, social outings, weekend trips
Q:   Is MIT costly for Indians?
A:

MIT is not costly for Indian students. Applicants can study BTech program at affordable tuition fees as compared to other BTech colleges in the USA. The MIT BTech fees is around INR 50 L to INR 52 L.

Q:   What is the decent score required on the ACT test to get a good university in the USA?
A:

The definition of a good ACT score varies from university to country. However, to get into the top 100 universities, you must aim for a score higher than 31 on the ACT.

Q:   Is it expensive to study at University of Arizona, USA?
A:

On an average, the annual tuition fee required to pursue a degree course at the University of Arizona is around INR 30 L - 40 L, which can be considered expensive as a study abroad option. Students can refer to the table listed below for course specific fees requirements:

Courses1st Year Tuition Fees
MBA/PGDM (24 courses)
INR 26 L - 45 L
MS (64 courses)
INR 26 L - 38 L
MIM (16 courses)
INR 26 L - 45 L
BE / BTech (24 courses)
INR 33 L - 38 L
BBA (16 courses)
INR 33 L - 34 L
MEM (1 course)
INR 27 L
Q:   What GPA is required for the University of South Dakota?
A:

The University of South Dakota expects a GPA score of 2.5 from undergraduates and 3 from postgraduates on the 4-pointer scale. Along with the GPA scores, undergraduates must meet the basic eligibility and submit an ACT score of 21 or higher and an SAT score of 1070 or higher. In addition, they must submit the required documents, such as academic history, transcripts, letters of recommendation, English language scores, and more.

Q:   How can a student from India apply for admission to the University of Delaware, USA?
A:

Student from India can apply for admission to the University of Delaware, USA easily by following UD admission process. Applicants must have all the necessary documents along with English language test score to complete the admission application. Mentioned below are the steps to apply for UG admission at Delaware USA:

Step 1: Complete the UD Online Application and submit the Delaware University application fee of USD 75 or INR 6,265.51

Step 2: Submit your English-proficiency test scores

Step 3: Send official transcripts/examination results for all secondary and post-secondary work to the Office of Undergraduate Admissions

Step 4: Provide a letter of recommendation from a teacher or academic advisor

Q:   What is Texas A&M University best for?
A:

TAMU MSc in CS course is ranked at #26 among public institutions as per a top-ranking publisher in 2025. Furthermore, the university has highly ranked graduate courses that are offered through the College of Engineering, College of Education and Human Development, and Mays Business School. The popular majors at the university are Engineering; Social Sciences; Health Professions and Related Programs; Psychology; Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services, etc.

Q:   What is the maximum and minimum score in GRE to get admission for MS in USA?
A:

GRE is a popular standardised test for getting admission in MS program in the world. However, there are many universities in the USA that offer admission to MS courses without GRE scores. There is fixed minimum or maximum GRE score for admission. However, even if your GRE score is below the average for a particular program, you may still be considered for admission if you have strong qualifications in other areas. It is adviseble to check university website for the exact information.

Q:   What GPA do you need to get into Iowa State?
A:

International students who wish to study at Iowa State must have at least GPA of 3.0 on a scale of 4.0 for UG and PG admission. International transfer applicants must have a minimum equivalent GPA of C+ on a scale of A to F or 2.25 on a 4.0 scale for all transferable courses.

Applicants must ensure that they cover the hidden charges also and can manage their expenses based on their spending capacities in the USA. 

Also Read:

Universities in the US

US Visa Guide

Part-time Work in the US

Post-Study Work Permit in the US

While the USA presents many appealing factors for international students, the significant costs of studying and living there cannot be overlooked. The annual living expenses, ranging from approximately USD 10,000 to USD 25,000, and tuition fees necessitate careful financial planning and management.

Despite the high costs, numerous strategies can help international students navigate their finances effectively. Crucial steps include creating a detailed budget, exploring scholarship and financial aid opportunities, considering shared accommodation and on-campus housing, utilising public transportation, and taking advantage of student discounts. Additionally, being mindful of food expenses by cooking at home and looking for affordable grocery options can lead to substantial savings.

Furthermore, students should be prepared for additional and often unexpected costs such as health insurance, textbooks, travel, and personal expenses. Building an emergency fund can provide a financial cushion for unforeseen circumstances. By proactively managing their finances and making informed choices, international students can make their study abroad experience in the USA more affordable and less financially stressful, allowing them to focus on their academic and personal growth.

If you are interested in studying in the USA, you can sign up for free Shiksha Abroad Counselling and request a callback from our team of expert counsellors. 

Cost of Living in USA for Students FAQs

Q. What is the average cost of living in USA for international students?

A. The monthly expenses in USA for international students will be around $1,000 to $1,500. However expenses are usually miscellaneous and depends upon the applicants on a case by case basis. Some may need more expenditure to live in USA while the others may manage in bare minimum also. Thus, applicants must plan ahead of travelling to USA for higher education and also while calculating the costs of studying and living in USA. 

Q. Which states in the US that have the highest monthly cost of living for Indian students?

A. New York, California, Maryland, New Jersey, etc are some of the states in the US that have the highest monthly expenses in USA. These are metropolitan cities and have higher costs of living in USA on the whole. Some cost analysis is given in the table below:

US Cities Living Costs (Monthly)
New York USD 11,000 - USD 12,000
California USD 4,000 - USD 5,000
Maryland USD 9,000 - USD 10,000
New jersey USD 11,000 - USD 12,000

The costs are subject to change and applicants are suggested to check for the costs before they proceed for admission to USA.

Q. Is the housing and accommodation living cost in USA for international students expensive?

A. The housing and accommodation living cost in USA for international students is $9,800-$11,000 per year for an on-campus stay and $3,500 per month for an off-campus stay. Thus, yes, for those who are staying off-campus may have to bear additional and extra costs but those living on-campus will have to pay one time yearly fee which includes all major amenties and expenses are more or less included. Thus, if getting an option for on-campus, international students must take it up. 

Q. Is it expensive to live in the US?

A. Yes, the US is one of the most expensive countries to live for international students. However, to reduce the cost of living, students can do part-time jobs. The cost of living in the US will also depend on the state where a student lives. Living in USA is expensive but again depends person to person. Thus, applicants must keep an upper calculation in rouded figure so that if they have to spend extra they are prepared for it. 

Q. Which are the most affordable universities in the US to study for international students?

A. Some of the most affordable universities in the US for international students as per U.S. News & World Report are:

  • Brigham Young University – Provo
  • Nicholls State University
  • South Dakota State University

Q. How much does it cost to live in the US as a foreign student?

A. To give an estimat, the cost of living in the USA for international students varies around USD 10,000 to USD 25,000 per year, which averages around USD 1,000 to USD 2,000 per month. These costs may vary based on the US state of study as well.

About the Author
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Written by
Aishwarya Bhatnagar
Study Abroad Expert

Aishwarya is a professional Writer currently working as a Study Abroad Expert in the Editorial Team at Shiksha. She has over 5 years of experience and is skilled at creating Online Content with leveraged knowledge i... Read Full Bio

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Reviewed by
Kalyani
MBA Course in the US

Having Worked as an Academic Manager in Experiential Marketing earlier, Kalyani made her move to the study abroad vertical in 2017.Passionate about education and wanting to make a difference, Kalyani holds a B.Com d... Read Full Bio

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Comments

(30)

Hello, could anyone please share college list for M.Sc in Game Design and Development with cost of living for course duration

Reply to N Sai Tharun Janardhan

N

Nikunj Shah

2 years ago

Hello, anyone could share college list for MS in VLSI?

Reply to Nikunj Shah

A

2 years ago

Hello Nikunj! You find all possible options here - https://studyabroad.shiksha.com/usa/ms-in-embedded-systems-colleges-ds if you still want more help, get in touch with our counsellors by signing up here - https://studyabroad.shiksha.com/apply. All the best!

A

Amrreesh KR

2 years ago

Hello I am Amrreesh I am looking to work for Sap MM jobs I am 1 year experience How could I proceed

Reply to Amrreesh KR

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Aprant Agarwal

2 years ago

Hello. Kindly elaborate your question. In case if you are looking for part-time work in the US, please refer to this article: https://studyabroad.shiksha.com/10-popular-part-time-campus-jobs-for-students-in-the-us-articlepage-54

V

Vinay Chauhan

3 years ago

I would like do ML and AI from USA please give me a list of college and requirement for the top university in USA.

Reply to Vinay Chauhan

A

Aprant Agarwal

2 years ago

Please refer to this list of college from this link: https://studyabroad.shiksha.com/usa/ms-colleges-dc

A

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3 years ago

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Reply to Aaryan Bhardwaj

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Piyush Kohli

3 years ago

Hi Aaryan, you can register with Shiksha Counseling Service for free through below link. They offer services online and not face to face. https://studyabroad.shiksha.com/apply