Cost of Living in USA for International Students
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 the USA for international students is around $10,000 to $18,000 per year, which averages around $1,000 to $1,500 per month.
This includes your accommodation costs, room, and board, food, 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 the USA. This article aims to throw light on the various aspects of living costs in the USA keeping international students in focus and their choice of types of USA universities of study.
Estimated Cost of Living in the USA
The table given below specifies the estimated student cost of living in the USA that is based on different expenses.
Predict your English proficiency score by sharing few details
| Expenses in USA |
Average Yearly / Monthly cost |
|---|---|
| Books and study material |
$900 - $2,000 per year |
| Travel |
$300 - $700 per year |
| Accommodation |
$9,800 - $11,100 per year |
| Electricity |
$100 - $150 per month |
| Food |
On campus: $250 per month Off-campus: $400 - $600 per month |
| Phone subscription |
$50 per month |
| Home Internet |
$45 - $50 per month |
| Health Insurance |
$700 - $1,100 per year |
| Clothes |
$500 per year |
| Water, Trash and Sewer |
$50 - $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.
Average Cost of Living in the 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 on the basis of different types of sectors:
| Sector |
Tuition and Fees |
Room and Board |
|---|---|---|
| Public Two-Year In-District |
$3,800 |
$9,330 |
| Public Four-Year In-State |
$10,740 |
$11,950 |
| Public Four-Year Out-of-State |
$27,560 |
$11,950 |
| Private Non-profit Four-Year |
$38,070 |
$13,620 |
Living Expenses in the USA for the Different States
The living cost in the 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 the sub-urban cities like Seattle, Texas, New Orleans, and others. Let us check the average cost of living in the USA for urban and sub-urban states for international students.
| Big Cities in the USA |
Average monthly expenses in the USA |
|---|---|
| New York |
$3,300 |
| California |
$4,000 |
| Boston |
$3,316 |
| San Francisco |
$4,000 |
| Suburban Cities of USA |
Average monthly expenses in USA |
| Atlanta |
$2,200 |
| New Orleans |
$2,000 |
| Philadelphia |
$1,300 |
| Seattle |
$2,500 |
| Texas |
$2,000 |
| Illinois |
$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.
Housing Accommodation Costs in USA
| Housing Accommodation Options in USA |
Average monthly / yearly cost |
|---|---|
| On-campus stay |
Private colleges: $1,100 yearly Public colleges: $9,800 yearly |
| Off-campus stay |
Sharing: $450 per month One-bedroom apartment in rural states: $500 per month One-bedroom apartment in urban states: $3,500 per month |
Additional Living Expenses in the USA
Students should be able to meet the following costs when they are studying in the US. Costs 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 $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 PC, furniture, or even a rental car etc.
- 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 US when classes are not being held
- Additional expenses such as off-campus transportation
- Entertainment, social outings, weekend trips
Also Read:
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
Download this article as PDF to read offline
Download GuideA passionate writer and a literature fanatic, Aishwarya Bhatnagar has 4+ years of experience - working in EdTech with a strong focus on studying abroad. She holds a postgraduate degree in Linguistics from Delhi Univ... Read Full Bio
Statement of Purpose
Letter of Recommendation
Education Loans
Student Visa Application
Admission Essay Writing
Student Curriculum Vitae
Comments
(29)
N
a year ago
Report Abuse
Reply to Nikunj Shah
A
Aishwarya BhatnagarStudy Abroad Expert
5 months ago
Report Abuse
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
a year ago
Report Abuse
Reply to Amrreesh KR
A
a year ago
Report Abuse
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
a year ago
Report Abuse
Reply to Vinay Chauhan
A
a year ago
Report Abuse
Please refer to this list of college from this link: https://studyabroad.shiksha.com/usa/ms-colleges-dc
A
a year ago
Report Abuse
Reply to Aaryan Bhardwaj
P
a year ago
Report Abuse
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
b
a year ago
Report Abuse
Reply to bangaru
P
a year ago
Report Abuse