The USA is a sought-after study destination for international students due to its flexible education system, vibrant campus life, academic excellence, cultural diversity, and abundant job opportunities. However, studying in the US can be expensive, including high living costs. The estimated cost of living for international students in the USA ranges from USD 10,000 to USD 18,000 per year, averaging around USD 1,000 to USD 1,500 per month. This covers accommodation, room and board, food, travel, textbooks, clothing, entertainment, and miscellaneous expenses. This article aims to provide insights into the various aspects of living costs in the USA, tailored for international students and their choice of universities.
Tips To Reduce Cost of Living in USA for International Students
- Compare the cost of living based on the University and State in the USA.
- Choose transparent money exchange providers to avoid hidden charges.
- Reduce living costs by practicing basic saving steps like using public transport and eating homemade food.
- Consider a part-time job to supplement income and reduce living expenses in the USA.
- Utilize discount cards such as Hostel Discount Cards, International Student Identity Cards (ISIC), and International Student Exchange Cards (ISE).
Average Living Expenses In USA
| Expenses | Average Monthly Costs (USD) |
|---|---|
| Rent (1-bedroom apartment) | 1,500 – 2,500 |
| Utilities (electricity, heating, cooling, water, garbage) | 150 – 300 |
| Groceries | 300 – 500 |
| Dining out | 150 – 300 |
| Transportation (public transit, gas, insurance) | 100 – 300 |
| Health insurance | 200 – 600 |
| Entertainment | 100 – 300 |
| Internet and phone | 80 – 150 |
| Clothing | 50 – 150 |
| Miscellaneous | 100 – 200 |
Housing
| Types | Average cost (USD) |
|---|---|
| Buying (an apartment) | 3,189 – 4,706 (price per square meter) |
| Renting | 1,386 – 3,054 |
Renting
| City Name | Average Monthly Rent (USD) |
|---|---|
| New York city | 3,300 |
| San Francisco | 4000 |
| Texas | 2000 |
| Boston | 3,200 |
| California | 4000 |
| Ohio | 1000 |
| Illinois | 1470 |
Travel
| TRANSPORTATION COST IN USA | AVERAGE COST (USD) |
|---|---|
| Gasoline (1 litre / 0.25 gallon) | 0.69 |
| Monthly bus/transport pass | 60 – 119 |
| Bus ticket, single use | 2 – 2.75 |
| Taxi tariff, 8km/5mile journey | 15 |
Miscellaneous Expenses
Miscellaneous expenses also contribute to the average cost of living in the U.S. Here are some of the most common miscellaneous expenses in the U.S.:
| Expenses | Average Monthly Costs (USD) |
|---|---|
| Entertainment | Movie Ticket – 15 per ticket, Sporting events & concerts- 20 to 100 |
| Healthcare | 400 to 1000 |
| Internet and cable | 30 to 200 |
| Cable | 50 to 200 |
| Personal care | 50 to 70 |
Monthly Living Expenses In USA
| Item | Monthly Costs (USD) |
|---|---|
| Accommodation | 200 |
| Electricity | 20 |
| Groceries(home-cooked meals) | 150 |
| International Calling cards | 15 |
| Home Internet | 15 |
| Cell phone | 50 |
| Restaurant meals | 75 |
Cheap Living Expenses In USA
Forbes lists the top ten most inexpensive cities in the United States for 2023 as Brownsville, Dayton, Wichita Falls, South Bend, Toledo, Erie, Fort Wayne, Evansville, Akron, and Buffalo. Choosing a university in these areas can help reduce the cost of living in the USA.
| City | State | Cost of living (USD/month) |
|---|---|---|
| Brownsville | Texas | 1,400 – 2,000 |
| Dayton | Ohio | 1,500 – 2,000 |
| Wichita Falls | Texas | 1,900 – 2,200 |
| South Bend | Indiana | 1,600 – 2,000 |
| Toledo | Ohio | 1,700 – 2,000 |
| Erie | Pennsylvania | 1,600 – 2,000 |
Cost Of Living In Different Cities
The cost of living for Indian students in the US varies based on the chosen location. Urban areas like Boston, New York, or San Francisco have higher living costs compared to suburban cities like Texas, Seattle, New Orleans, and others.
| Big Cities in the USA | Average Monthly Cost of Living (USD) |
|---|---|
| Los Angeles | 4,000 |
| New York | 3,300 |
| Boston | 3,316 |
| San Francisco | 4,000 |
Cost Of Accommodation In USA
The cost of living in the United States for international students is typically calculated based on various factors. On-campus housing provided by American institutions is often the more economical option, with an annual cost ranging from $6,000 to $12,000 (approximately 4,40,000 INR to 8,80,000 INR). Students may also consider living in apartments near their institution. To save money, international students have the option of choosing homestays or living with local guardians or relatives if they are situated close to the college.
| Accommodation Type | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| On-Campus | up to 21,500 each year |
| Off-Campus Shared accommodation | 650 to 25,000 |
Types of Accommodations
- Hotels: Ranging from budget motels to luxury resorts, hotels offer private rooms with amenities like room service, swimming pools, and fitness centres.
- Hostels: Popular among budget travellers, hostels provide dormitory-style accommodation with shared bathrooms and common areas. They are cost-effective and suitable for young people.
- Vacation Rentals: Offering a home-like experience, vacation rentals provide private apartments, houses, or condos for rent. They often include a kitchen, living area, and bedrooms, offering more space and privacy.
- Bed and Breakfasts (B&Bs): B&Bs offer a unique experience by providing rooms in private homes or small inns. They typically include breakfast and offer a more personalized stay.
- Camping: For outdoor enthusiasts, camping is a popular option, offering various campsites from basic tent sites to RV parks with full hookups. Camping allows for a close-to-nature experience and is usually more affordable than traditional accommodations.
Health Insurance Costs In USA
International students in the US need health insurance to cover potential high healthcare costs, as the country lacks a nationalized healthcare system. Without insurance, students might have to pay for medical expenses out of pocket, posing a significant financial risk. Having a reliable health insurance plan is essential to cover medical costs while studying in the United States.
How To Get Health Insurance For International Students In USA?
- Confirm if your US college has a mandatory group health insurance program.
- Determine if the insurance costs are included in tuition or require a separate payment.
- Check for eligibility for mandatory group health insurance plans and inquire about voluntary exemptions.
- Request a waiver form if exemptions are possible.
Living Expenses In USA For Family
A single person’s monthly living expenses in the USA are USD 3,189, or USD 38,266 per year. A family of four may expect to pay USD 7,095 monthly or USD 85,139 annually.