From Accommodations to Transportation:
Cost of Living in the USA!
Learn everything you need to know about Studying Cost
in the USA and get end-to-end expert guidance from us.
From Accommodations to Transportation: Cost of Living in the USA!
Learn everything you need to know about Studying Cost in the USA and get end-to-end expert guidance from us.
Cost of Living in USA for Indian Students
The USA is a popular place to study for international students due to its adaptable educational framework, exciting campus culture, outstanding academic reputation, diversity of cultures, and plenty of career options. However, living expenses and tuition fee for overseas students in the US can be quite high. International students should budget between $10,000 and $25,000 a year, or $1,000 to $2,000 per month, to live in the United States.
This covers the cost of your lodging, room and board, meals, transportation, textbooks, weather-appropriate clothing, and entertainment. In addition, personal and incidental costs are included in the living expenses in USA for international students. Let’s understand the various costs associated with studying in USA.
Accommodation Cost in USA for International Students
The location of your school influences the average rent in the United States as well. You can also take advantage of the off-campus living option by renting a private or shared accommodation.
Choosing shared housing during your off-campus stay can result in a lower overall cost. However, you also need to include in the expenses of your everyday journey to and from school.
|
Housing Accommodation options in the USA |
Average monthly/ yearly cost |
|
On-Campus stay |
In Private colleges: $1,100 yearly In Public colleges: $9,800 yearly |
|
Off-Campus stay |
Sharing: $450 per month In rural states, one bedroom apartment: $500 per month In urban states, one bedroom apartment: $3,500 per month |
Food & Grocery Costs in USA for International Students
For monthly expenses in USA for Indian students, the price of groceries varies depending on your location, the items you purchase, and the stores you frequently shop at. Larger grocery chains like Safeway, Kroger, Costco, and Walmart are typically more reasonably priced options than speciality shops.
The typical monthly grocery bill in the United States for an individual is between $250 and $550. The location, the foods you choose, and your preference for premium or organic goods can all affect it.
Transportation Costs in USA
In the USA, public transit is a popular and effective mode of transportation. Public transit is recommended for research, house hunting, job searching, and traveling to and from work, as it is the least expensive mode of transportation in the United States.
|
TRANSPORTATION COSTS IN THE USA |
AVERAGE COST |
|
Gasoline (1 litre / 0.25 gallon) |
$0.69 |
|
Monthly bus/transport pass |
$60 - 119 |
|
Bus ticket, single-use |
$2 - 2.75 |
|
Taxi tariff, 8km/5 mile journey |
$15 |
Healthcare Costs in USA
When enrolling in their programs, international students at the majority of US universities are required to have sufficient health insurance. You can purchase specific health insurance plans on campus at certain universities. Therefore, depending on the type of visa you have, different insurance requirements may apply.
|
Healthcare service |
Average Cost |
|
Family doctor check-up |
$155 |
|
Cold medicine for 6 days |
$9 |
|
Antibiotic Prescription |
$23 |
Utility Costs in USA
In the United States, one of the most significant household bills is that of utilities. The cost of utilities varies greatly based on the state, municipality, house size, and amount of energy used.
|
Expenses |
Average Costs |
|
Electricity |
$0.09 to $0.35 per kWh |
|
Gas |
$2.00 to $3.00 per therm |
|
Water |
$2.50 per 1,000 gallons |
|
Sewer services |
$4.50 |
|
Garbage collection |
$17.00 |
|
Internet |
$74.99 per month |
- Electricity
The most widely used utility in the US is electricity, which has a price range of $0.09 to $0.35 per kWh. In the US, a kWh of power costs $0.13 on average. In addition, several state governments charge taxes and levies on electricity, which can raise the overall cost by 10%.
- Fuel
Gas prices in the United States vary by region but typically range from $2 to $3 per therm. Gas prices typically rise in colder places like Minnesota because of the increased demand for heating.
- Water
Typically, the local government provides the water, and the cost is determined by how much is used. In the United States, the average cost of using water is $3.39 per 1000 gallons, but costs can vary from as low as $1.00 and as much as $8.00. Due to droughts, water prices may be high in several places, such as California. There are water benefits available to incentivise water conservation.
- Services for sewers
Typically, the municipality provides sewer services and charges according to usage. In the United States, the average monthly sewage cost falls between $14.04 and $135.57. Although sewer services are often billed on a monthly basis, in certain areas they are billed quarterly or annually.
- Garbage collection
Garbage collection is usually done by the municipality, and usage-based billing is applied. In the United States, the average monthly cost of garbage collection is approximately $17.00; however, costs can vary from $10.00 to $30.00.
- Internet
Internet service providers like AT&T and Verizon offer internet services. Internet usage determines how much it costs. In the US, the average monthly cost of using the Internet is $74.99.
Clothing and Accessories Costs in USA
The cost of clothing varies widely throughout the United States. T-shirts, pants, and basic accessories are examples of low-end clothes that may be purchased for as little as $10 to $30 per piece. High-end apparel, such as items from designer labels, can cost anywhere from $50 to hundreds of dollars.
In the US, personal care products can range in price from highly expensive high-end goods to extremely inexpensive drugstore brands. Depending on the manufacturer, the price of basic products like shampoo, body wash, and lotions can range from $3 to $10 per item.
|
Types |
Average monthly cost (USD) |
|
Clothing |
$10 - $50 |
|
Personal care |
$50 - $70 |
Entertainment and Leisure Costs in USA
The average USA living expenses for international students are also influenced by a few other costs. We've listed the most typical incidental costs below.
|
Types |
Average monthly cost (USD) |
|
Entertainment |
Movie ticket- $15 per ticket, Sporting events and concerts- $20 to$100 |
|
Books and supplies |
$75 per month |
- Entertainment
In the United States, a movie ticket costs roughly $15. Depending on the kind of event, tickets to plays, concerts, sports, and other live events can cost anywhere from $20 to $100. A mid-range restaurant dinner will cost you between $15 and $25.
- Books and Resources
Both the college campus and retail establishments sell books and materials to students. It will benefit them in their academic endeavors. It will cost about seventy-five dollars a month, which is not too much when you consider the whole cost of living.
Average Cost of Living in USA: City-Wise
Massachusetts and Hawaii have the highest cost of living among the states. The top ten least expensive and most accessible cities in the US for 2024 are as follows: Brownsville, Dayton, Wichita Falls, South Bend, Toledo, Erie, Fort Wayne, Evansville, Akron, and Buffalo, according to Forbes. To lower the cost of living in the USA, take into account the universities in the following areas while selecting the city where you will pursue your studies.
|
City |
Cost of living (USD/month) |
|
Buffalo |
$2,000 - $2,500 |
|
Akron |
$1,450 - $2,000 |
|
Evansville |
$1,650 - $2,000 |
|
Fort Wayne |
$1,400 - $2,000 |
|
Erie |
$1,600 - $2,000 |
|
Toledo |
$1,700 - $2,000 |
|
South Bend |
$1,600 - $2,000 |
|
Wichita Falls |
$1,900 - $2,200 |
|
Dayton |
$1,500 - $2,000 |
|
Brownsville |
$1,400 - $2,000 |
Factors Affecting Cost of Living for International Students in USA
The cost of accommodation, food, transportation, health insurance, and personal expenses are some of the factors that impact the cost of living for international students studying in the United States. The total cost of living is also greatly influenced by lifestyle decisions, university location, and tuition rates. Prices in urban areas are typically higher than in rural ones.
Tips to Save Money in USA for International Students
In the USA, living in shared housing, cooking at home, taking trains and buses, and purchasing used textbooks are some ways that international students might cut costs. Working part-time, looking for student discounts, and carefully planning your budget is also helpful. Choose cheap phone plans and use the campus resources to save on the cost of entertainment and exercise.
Takeaway
If you've always wanted to study abroad, even with the high living cost in USA for international students, it's still something to think about. For graduates, the United States provides a great education, a good standard of life, and plenty of employment options. You can regulate your spending while you're studying in the United States if you prepare ahead and create a budget.
If you are planning to go and study in the USA, AECC can help you out. Our team of experts is always ready to assist you in the pursuit of your dreams.
