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.
Cost of Living in USA for Indian Students: Highlights
Below are the key highlights of the cost of living in US:
Which is the better choice for Indian students: the USA or Australia? Find out everything about tuition fees, living expenses, and student benefits.
Get 100% fee financing and fast approval in 7 days with Propelld!
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:
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.:
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:
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.
Custom Loans, Zero Stress! Propelld makes education affordable.
Cost of Living in US: Transportation Costs
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:
Average Transportation Costs
Public Transportation
Ride-Sharing Services
Car Rental Costs
Car Ownership
No collateral? No problem— Get quick and easy education loans.
Cost of Living in US: Food Cost
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.
Average Food Expenses Overview
Grocery Costs
Eating Out
Farmers' Markets
Special Dietary Needs
Cost of Living in US: Utility
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
Electricity
Gas
Water
Sewer Services
Garbage Collection
Are you parent of a JEE/NEET aspirant?
Need guidance on funding your MBA College Fees?
Cost of Living in US: Childcare Costs
Below are the childcare options and their associated costs in the United States.
Study abroad 10x faster than banks with Propelld’s easy loans and low interest rates!
Cost of Living in US: Miscellaneous Expenses
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
Entertainment
Healthcare
Internet and Cable
Clothing
Personal Care
Gym
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
Compare top lenders for collateral-free study loans—choose wisely!
Budget-Friendly Providers
eSIM Availability
Check eligibility, compare rates, and apply for a loan in minutes!
Average Cost of Living in U.S. Per Year
The table below outlines the average yearly expenses international students might incur while studying in the United States:
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:
Looking to elevate your finance career? Learn about the eligibility, leading universities, and career opportunities for MS in Finance in the USA.
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.
Suburban Cities
Financing your studies abroad will be made easy! Learn how to get an education loan for Abroad studies.
Cost of Living in New York City
Cost of Living in Los Angeles
Cost of Living in Chicago
Cost of Living in Houston
Cost of Living in Miami
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.
Wondering if Canada or the USA is the best choice for you? Compare education systems, costs, and PR options. Get in touch today for expert advice to help you decide where to study!
Cost of Living in US: Expensive States to Live In
Below are the top five most expensive states, the cost of living.
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.
Below are the salaries in popular job sectors
Cost of Living in US Compared to Other Countries
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:
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.
Why Propelld?
Propelld helps students by offering easy and flexible education loans. It has a quick approval process, doesn't ask for too many documents, and lets you pay in smaller parts over time. This makes it easier for students to focus on their studies without worrying too much about money.
The following are the primary benefits of Propelld.
Take the next step in your academic journey - Apply for an education loan today!
.svg)
