What is the Cost of Living in USA for International Students
Interested to know about cost of living in USA? This blog provides a complete guide cost of living in USA for international students, including everything you must know.

Do you want to move to the United States for higher studies and experience the rich American culture? Out of all other study-abroad countries, the USA has a unique charm of its own. With countless international students every year, you will find several places and cities to live and study in the US.
But before you start planning to travel to the country and book your flights, you must research about the available opportunities and costs of living in USA. In this blog, we will walk you through the cost of living in USA, starting from your stay and food expenses to tuition fees, transportation, stationary, and much more.
What are the Living Expenses in USA For International Students?
The US is definitely one of the most popular destinations for higher education and career opportunities. But, the country's living costs are higher than other study-abroad destinations. According to Numbeo, the cost of living in USA is, on average, 214.77% higher than in India. It is estimated to be around 10,000 USD to 18,000 USD per month. The average monthly cost for an international student can be 1,195 USD to 1,690 USD.
Expenses Type Average Costs (USD)
Accommodation 9,800 - 11,100 per year
Books and Material. 900 - 2,000 per year
Travel 300 - 700 per year
Electricity 100 - 150 per month
Food Off-campus: 400 - 600 per month
On-campus: 250 per month
Home Internet 45 - 50 per month
Phone Subscription 50 per month
Health Insurance 700 - 1,100 per year
Clothes 500 per year
Water, Sewer, and Trash 50 - 75 per month
Entertainment, Furniture and Other 2,000 per year
Cost of Living in Different US States
The living costs of any students will typically depend on their location. For instance, the average cost of staying in big cities like New York and Boston is higher than in suburban areas such as Seattle, Texas. On average, the suburban area living costs are 1,100 to 2,000 USD less than in big cities. Let us find out more about it below:
Cost of Living in Different Cities in USA
Cities Average Monthly
New York 3,300 USD
Boston 3,316 USD
California 4,000 USD
San Francisco 4,960 USD
Suburban Areas
Suburban Area Average Monthly
Philadelphia 1,476 USD
Illinois 1,693 USD
Texas 1,960 USD
New Orleans 2,417 USD
Atlanta 2,035 USD
Seattle 2,513 USD
Types of Accomodation Cost in USA
Some universities and colleges offer on-campus stay to their students, less than off-campus living in the USA. Living off campus may cost you transportation, wifi, electricity bills etc.
Some universities and colleges also offer on-campus stay to their students that is somewhere less than off-campus living in USA. Living off campus may cost you transportation, wifi, electricity bills etc.
Housing Accomodation Average Costs
On-campus Stay Public Colleges: 9,800 USD per year
Private Colleges: 11,100 USD per year
Off-campus Stay Sharing: 450 USD per month
One-bedroom Apartmentment Rural States: 500 USD per month
One-bedroom Apartmentment Built-up city: 3,500 per month
Costs of Living: Private Vs Public Universities in USA
The costs of living in private universities and public universities differ a lot as the public universities in USA are mainly funded by the government. In contrast, private universities receive funds from investors and tuition fees.
The costs of attendance in public universities, including the tuition fees, range from 32,924 to 51,220 USD. Whereas private universities like MIT and Stanford, the cost of attendance can go upto 78,678 USD per year.
USA universities and governments also offer financial aid in terms of scholarships and awards to their students to cover their expenses. Students can also do some post-study work to reduce their cost of living in USA. However, if you have got a ticket to a US university and worry about the costs, do not worry, as we have compiled scholarships that will be helpful in your costs of living. Connect with the best overseas educational consultant today to get this.




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