The USA is among the top choices for international students because of its quality education, culture, exciting campus life, and job opportunities. However, studying in the U.S. can be expensive, especially regarding daily living costs. On average, international students spend around USD 1,000 - 2,000 per month on living expenses and about USD 10,000 - 25,000 per year.
These costs include accommodation, food, transport, books, clothing, and entertainment. There are also personal and other miscellaneous expenses to consider.
By the end of this blog, you will know
The average monthly cost of living in US for Indian students includes food, rent, transportation, and utilities.
A detailed comparison of costs across cities and lifestyles, helping you estimate your budget whether you're single, living as a couple, or with a family.
Insights into education, transportation, and food expenses, enabling you to make informed financial decisions before moving to the U.S.
Cost of Living in USA for Indian Students: Highlights
Below are the key highlights of the cost of living in US:
Item
Average Price
Price Range
Restaurants
Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant
INR 250
INR 100 - INR 500
Meal for 2 People, Mid-range Restaurant, Three-course
INR 1,200
INR 700 - INR 3,000
McMeal at McDonald's (or Equivalent Combo Meal)
INR 350
INR 280- INR 500
Cappuccino (regular)
INR 161
INR 50 - INR 350
Coke/Pepsi (0.33 litre bottle)
INR 36
INR 25 - INR 60
Water (0.33 litre bottle)
INR 14
INR 10 - INR 20
Markets
Milk (1 litre)
INR 60
INR 44 - INR 75
Bread (500g)
INR 43
INR 25 - INR 70
Rice (1kg)
INR 60
INR 40 - INR 100
Eggs (12)
INR 80
INR 60 - INR 120
Local Cheese (1kg)
INR 455
INR 230 - INR 1,000
Chicken Fillets (1kg)
INR 260
INR 150 - INR 450
Buffalo Meat (1kg)
INR 490
INR 200 - INR 850
Apples (1kg)
INR 180
INR 80 - INR 299
Banana (1kg)
INR 60
INR 40 - INR 120
Oranges (1kg)
INR 90
INR 40 - INR 200
Tomato (1kg)
INR 48
INR 20 - INR 80
Potato (1kg)
INR 36
INR 17 - INR 50
Onion (1kg)
INR 41
INR 20 - INR 66
Lettuce (1 head)
INR 45
INR 20 - INR 100
Water (1.5-litre bottle)
INR 28
INR 20 - INR 35
Bottle of Wine (Mid-Range)
INR 700
INR 300 - INR 1,500
Domestic Beer (0.5 litre bottle)
INR 150
INR 98 - INR 250
Imported Beer (0.33 litre bottle)
INR 255
INR 150 - INR 450
Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro)
INR 350
INR 250 - INR 400
Transportation
One-way Ticket (Local)
INR 30
INR 15 - INR 60
Monthly Pass
INR 900
INR 250 - INR 2,000
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)
INR 80
INR 29 - INR 150
Taxi per km
INR 25
INR 15 - INR 50
Taxi 1-hour Waiting
INR 150
INR 100 - INR 200
Gasoline (1 litre)
INR 100
INR 96 - INR 110
VW Golf (New)
INR 1,200,000
INR 1,000,000 - INR 1,800,000
Toyota Corolla Sedan (New)
INR 1,950,000
INR 1,600,000 - INR 2,500,000
Utility
Basic Utilities (85m² Apartment)
INR 3,400
INR 2,000 - INR 8,000
Mobile Plan (10 GB+ Data)
INR 300
INR 200 - INR 600
Internet (60 Mbps or More)
INR 600
INR 500 - INR 1,000
Sports and Leisure
Fitness Club (Monthly Fee)
INR 1,300
INR 500 - INR 3,000
Tennis Court (1 Hour Weekend)
INR 600
INR 300- INR 1,012
Cinema Ticket
INR 300
INR 200 - INR 500
Childcare
Preschool (Full Day, Private, Monthly)
INR 6,000
INR 2,700 - INR 15,000
International Primary School (Yearly)
INR 1.5 lakhs
INR 72,000 - INR 4.4 lakhs
Clothing and Shoes
Jeans (Levis or Similar)
INR 2,000
INR 999 - INR 4,000
Summer Dress (Zara, H&M)
INR 2,200
INR 1,000 - INR 4,000
Nike Running Shoes
INR 3,900
INR 2,000 - INR 7,000
Men's Leather Business Shoes
INR 2,800
INR 1,500 - INR 5,000
Rent Per Month
Apartment (1 BHK, City Centre)
INR 16,000
INR 8,000 - INR 58,000
Apartment (1 BHK, Outside Centre)
INR 10,000
INR 5,000 - INR 47000
Apartment (3 BHK, City Centre)
INR 37,000
INR 18,000 - INR 1.5 lakhs
Apartment (3 BHK, Outside Centre)
INR 22,900
INR 12,000 - INR 75,000
Buy Apartment Price
Price/m² (City Centre)
INR 1.3 lakhs
INR 65,000 - INR 5.6 lakhs
Price/m² (Outside Centre)
INR 74,000
INR 40,000- INR 2.6 lakhs
Salaries and Financing
Avg Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)
INR 47000
—
Mortgage Interest Rate (20 Years Fixed)
8.99%
7.00% - 12.00%
Which is the better choice for Indian students: the USA or Australia? Find out everything about tuition fees, living expenses, and student benefits.
Average Cost of Living in US for Bachelors, Couples & Families
Below is the average monthly cost of living in the USA for individuals, couples, and families:
Expense Category
Singles
Couples
Families
Accommodation
$1,000 – $4,000
$3,000 – $5,000
$1,500 – $8,000
Food (per meal)
$12 – $35
$50 – $140
$100 – $300
Transportation
$40 – $130
$80 – $250
$150 – $500
Utilities
$125 – $350
$250 – $700
$400 – $1,000
Entertainment (cinema ticket)
$10 – $20
$20 – $40
$40 – $80
Deciding between the US or UK for your studies? Compare costs, job opportunities, and top universities to find the best fit for you.
Living Expenses in USA for International Students
Housing is often the biggest monthly expense for individuals and families living in the United States, and costs can vary greatly depending on the city and type of housing.
Buying a Home
Here is a look at the median home values in different parts of the U.S.:
City/Area
Median Home Value (USD)
National Average
$226,800
San Jose, CA / Honolulu, HI
$338,900
Flint, MI / El Paso, TX
Below $130,000
Cost of Living in USA with Rent
Below is a comparison of the average monthly rent for a one-bedroom apartment in different U.S. cities:
City
Average Monthly Rent (1BHK)
San Francisco
$4,000
New York City
$3,300
Boston
$3,200
Texas (avg.)
$2,000
Ohio (avg.)
$1,000
Additional Housing Expenses
Other housing-related costs you should be aware of include:
Property Taxes – Based on local tax rates and property value
Homeowners Insurance – Varies by location and home type
Maintenance & Repairs – Especially for older or larger homes
Utilities – May or may not be included in rent
Cost of Education in the US for a Single Person
The table below gives an overview of the average yearly expenses for undergraduate students in the U.S.
Transportation is a key part of daily life in the U.S., and costs can vary based on the mode of travel and the city. Here's a breakdown of typical transportation expenses:
Food is a major part of the monthly budget, and prices can vary depending on where and how you shop or dine. Here is a detailed look at typical food-related expenses in the U.S.
Utilities are essential for day-to-day living, and their cost varies by location, provider, and usage. Here is an overview of common utility expenses across the United States.
Average Utility Expenses Overview
Utility Type
Average Cost
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 per 1,000 gallons
Garbage Collection
$17.00 per month
Electricity
Detail
Information
Cost Range
$0.09 – $0.35 per kWh
National Average
$0.13 per kWh
Additional Charges
Up to 10% in taxes and service fees
Gas
Region
Average Cost per Therm
General Range
$2.00 – $3.00
Cold States (e.g. Minnesota)
Higher due to demand
Water
Detail
Average Cost
National Average
$2.50 per 1,000 gallons
Low Range
$0.50 per 1,000 gallons
High Range
$7.00 per 1,000 gallons
States with Higher Cost
California (due to drought)
Sewer Services
Region/Type
Average Cost per 1,000 Gallons
National Average
$4.50
Low Range
$2.00
High Range
$18.00
Garbage Collection
Service Type
Monthly Cost Range
National Average
$17.00
Lowest
$10.00
Highest
$30.00
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Apart from essential expenses like housing, food, and utilities, several other costs contribute to the average cost of living in the U.S. Here are miscellaneous monthly expenditures.
Average Miscellaneous Expenses
Category
Average Monthly Cost / Range
Entertainment
Movie: $15/ticket, Events: $20 – $100
Healthcare
$400 – $1,000
Internet
$30 – $200
Cable TV
$50 – $200
Personal Care
$50 – $70
Entertainment
Type of Entertainment
Cost
Movie Ticket
$15 per ticket
Sporting Events & Concerts
$20 – $100+ per ticket
Mid-range Dinner
$15 – $30 per person
Healthcare
Expense Type
Estimated Monthly Cost
Health Insurance Premiums
$400 – $1,000+
Out-of-pocket Costs & Deductibles
Additionally, based on the plan
Internet and Cable
Service Type
Cost Range (Monthly)
Internet
$30 – $200
Cable
$50 – $200
Extra Charges
Installation, rentals, taxes
Clothing
Type of Clothing
Estimated Cost per Item
Low-End (T-Shirts, Jeans)
$10 – $30
High-End / Designer
$50 – $300+
Personal Care
Item Type
Price Range
Basics (Shampoo, Lotion)
$3 – $10 per item
Premium (Makeup, Skincare)
$15 – $50+ per item
Gym
Gym Brand
Monthly Price (USD)
Planet Fitness
From $15
24 Hour Fitness
From $9.99 - $64.99
LA Fitness
From $39.99
Gold's Gym
From $29.99
Equinox
From $200
Anytime Fitness
$41
Crunch Fitness
From $67
Fitness Club (average)
$46.60 (roughly €42)
Mobile Phone Plan
When setting up mobile service in the U.S., you can choose between prepaid SIM cards and contract plans. Prepaid options are great for newcomers as they require no credit checks, while contracts offer more stability but need ID and credit approval.
Major Mobile Service Providers
Provider
Plan Type
Monthly Cost Range
Features
Verizon
Contract/Prepaid
$35 – $80
Excellent coverage, especially in rural areas; unlimited data, calls, texts
AT&T
Contract/Prepaid
$30 – $75
Reliable service, wide coverage, flexible plan options
T-Mobile
Prepaid/Contract
$30 – $70
Affordable pricing; unlimited data options available
The table below outlines the average yearly expenses international students might incur while studying in the United States:
Expense Category
Estimated Yearly Cost (USD)
Books and Study Materials
900 – 2,000
Travel
300 – 700
Accommodation
9,800 – 11,100
Electricity
1,200 – 1,800
Food (On-Campus)
3,000
Food (Off-Campus)
4,800 – 7,200
Phone Subscription
600
Home Internet
540 – 600
Health Insurance
700 – 1,100
Clothing
500
Water, Trash, Sewer
600 – 900
Average Cost of Living in US Per Month
Living in the USA can be expensive, and how much you spend depends on where you live and your lifestyle. Here is what a person might spend each month:
Expense
Monthly Cost (USD)
Rent (1-bedroom apartment)
$1,500 – $2,500
Utilities (electricity, water, etc.)
$150 – $300
Groceries
$300 – $500
Eating Out
$150 – $300
Transportation (bus, gas, insurance)
$100 – $300
Health Insurance
$200 – $600
Entertainment
$100 – $300
Internet & Phone
$80 – $150
Clothes
$50 – $150
Other Personal Expenses
$100 – $200
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Cost of Living in US for Different States
The cost of living in the USA varies greatly depending on the city or state. For Indian or international students, big cities like New York and San Francisco tend to be more expensive than suburban areas like Texas or New Orleans.
Below is a comparison of average monthly living expenses in urban and suburban cities.
Factors Impacting the Cost of Living in the US for Indian Students
Here are the significant factors that influence living costs in the U.S.:
1. Location Matters
Big cities, especially on the East and West coasts like New York and Los Angeles, are more expensive than smaller towns or rural areas.
2. Lifestyle Habits
Daily choices such as how often you eat out, travel, or engage in entertainment can significantly impact your monthly spending.
3. Housing Type
Whether you rent, own a home, or share an apartment significantly influences your overall living expenses.
4. Utilities and Bills
The cost of electricity, water, phone, and internet services can vary depending on your state and service provider.
5. Healthcare Costs
Medical care in the U.S. is expensive. Most people rely on health insurance to reduce the burden of medical expenses.
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Cost of Living in US: Expensive States to Live In
Below are the top five most expensive states, the cost of living.
State
Average Home Price
Monthly Energy Bill
Annual Homeowners Insurance
California
$1,708 (San Jose)
$295
$2,124
Hawaii
$1,674 (Honolulu)
$360
$1,883
Massachusetts
$961 (Boston)
$303
$2,226
Montana
$792 (Bozeman)
$177
$1,755
Colorado
$651 (Denver)
$145
$2,650
What is the Average Income in the USA?
Income levels in the USA can vary significantly based on factors like job type, industry, and location. Here is a general income estimate for students, singles, couples, and families:
Students: Budget between USD 1,100 to USD 1,200 per month.
Singles: Monthly budget of USD 1,000 to USD 1,500.
Couples: Combined monthly income of USD 6,372.
Families (4 people): Typical monthly expenses range from USD 7,189.
The cost of living in the USA, especially in cities like New York and Los Angeles, is generally higher than in many other countries. Housing, healthcare, education, and transportation can be costly.
Here is a comparison of expenses with other major cities:
City
Accommodation (Monthly)
Transportation (Monthly)
Dining for Two (3 Courses)
Other Monthly Expenses
New York
Starting USD 3,000
Starting USD 200
Starting USD 80
Starting USD 100
London
Starting EUR 2,000
Starting EUR 200
Starting EUR 100
Starting EUR 200
Jakarta
Starting IDR 5,000,000
Starting IDR 100,000
Starting IDR 50,000/meal
Starting IDR 750,000
Sydney
Starting AUD 650
Starting AUD 160
Starting AUD 150
Starting AUD 190
Madrid
Starting EUR 1,000
Starting EUR 50
Starting EUR 60
Starting EUR 150
Tips for Reducing the Cost of Living in US
Here are some practical tips to help reduce the cost of living in the USA:
Share an apartment or consider renting a more affordable place.
Cook meals at home instead of dining out to save money.
Cancel unused subscriptions and memberships.
Use public transportation to reduce the cost of owning a private vehicle.
Conserve energy by using LED bulbs and turning off lights when not in use.
Look for discounts for students, seniors, or employees before making purchases.
Avoid credit card debt, as it can lead to high interest charges.
Stick to a shopping list to avoid impulse buying.
Use budgeting apps to track your spending and find areas to save.
Look for free or inexpensive local activities, like community events or museums.
The cost of living in US can be expensive, but with smart budgeting and planning, you can manage it well. Knowing the average costs in advance helps you prepare financially and avoid surprises once you arrive.
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Particulars
Details
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Collateral
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Moratorium
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Processing Time
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Approval Rate
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What are some common miscellaneous expenses for students in the US?
Students usually spend extra money on entertainment, internet, clothing, personal care, and healthcare.
What is the average cost of living in the USA?
The average cost of living in the USA varies significantly based on location and personal lifestyle. Expenses typically range from $2,500 to $3,500 per month. Individuals may spend around $1,000 to $2,000 monthly on essentials, while couples or families face higher living costs.
How much money do I need to live in the USA?
The amount needed to live in the USA can differ depending on your location, lifestyle, and circumstances. A single person's monthly budget of $2,500 to $3,500 is often sufficient to cover housing, food, utilities, transportation, and healthcare.
How much money is needed to live comfortably in the USA?
To live comfortably in the USA, a single person typically requires an annual income of approximately $96,500. This amount covers living essentials debt repayment and allows room for savings and discretionary spending. The required income for a family of four to maintain a comfortable lifestyle could range from $200,000 or more, depending on the area.
What is considered a good salary in the USA?
A "good" salary in the U.S. depends on location and individual financial needs. The national average wage in 2023 is approximately $65,470, but in high-cost cities like New York or San Francisco, a good salary starts around $70,000 or higher.
How much do Indians earn in the USA?
The median household income for Indian Americans was around $145,000 in 2022, which is notably higher than the overall median for Asian Americans ($100,000). Despite only 1.5% of the U.S. population, Indian Americans contribute significantly to the nation’s tax revenue, estimated at 5-6% of total income tax collection.
What benefits do Indians get in the USA?
Indian nationals residing in the USA may qualify for various government benefits, including:
Food assistance
Health insurance
Housing aid
Utility bill assistance
Social Security benefits
Welfare (TANF) for eligible individuals
Financial help for Native Americans
Can I permanently settle in the USA?
Yes, individuals with the right qualifications—such as specific skills, education, or work experience—can apply for permanent residency through an employment-based immigrant visa. There are five categories under this visa, each with different eligibility criteria.
How much cash can I carry from India to the USA?
When travelling from India to the USA, you can carry up to 25,000 INR in Indian currency. For foreign currency (e.g., USD), you can carry up to $5,000 in cash without declaring it.
Which jobs are best for Indians to settle in the USA?
Some of the top job opportunities for Indian nationals looking to settle in the USA include:
Nurse Practitioners: 46% job growth; $126,260 median annual salary
Data Scientists: 36% job growth; $108,020 median annual salary
Information Security Analysts: 33% job growth; $120,360 median annual salary
Medical and Health Services Managers: 29% job growth; $110,680 median annual salary
How long does it take to get PR in the USA?
To gain a Permanent Residency (PR) or a Green Card, you typically must reside in the USA for at least five years. However, this duration can be reduced to three years if you are married to a U.S. citizen. Additional requirements must also be met, such as demonstrating good moral character, passing an English language test, and completing a citizenship test.
How much money can be transferred from India to the USA without paying tax?
Non-resident Indians (NRIs) can transfer up to $1 million from their NRO (Non-Resident Ordinary) account to their NRE (Non-Resident External) account without incurring any tax under Section 206C(1G) of the Income Tax Act. There are no tax implications for such transfers.
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