Cost of Living in USA For Indian and International Students 2025

Cost of Living in USA For Indian and International Students 2025

Edited By Prabhjyot Kaur | Updated on Apr 23, 2025 11:44 AM IST

USA is an expensive nation for international students with a high cost of living. As per Numbeo, the average cost of living in USA for Indian students is INR 1,02,000 per month without the rent. In comparison, the living expenses in USA in 2025 are 241.0% higher than in India. With rent in USA being 783.9% higher than in India, the country is high cost nation to reside in for international students. For budgeting, the average cost of living in USA for international students is around USD 10,000 to USD 25,000 per year. This means students must budget at least USD 1,000 to USD 2,000 for US monthly expenses. US is one of the popular study abroad destinations, and the high living costs in the country justify the high standards of life, top-notch educational system, academic reputation, networking opportunities, etc.

This Story also Contains
  1. Average Cost of Living in USA For International Students in 2025
  2. Accommodation in USA
  3. Housing Cost In USA
  4. Food & Grocery Expenses in USA
  5. Transportation for International Students in USA
  6. Cost of Health Insurance in USA for International Students
  7. Utilities Costs in USA
  8. Miscellaneous Expenses in USA
  9. Average Cost of Living in USA for One Person
  10. City-Wise Cost of Living in USA: Comparison
  11. Tips to Reduce Living Costs in USA
  12. Funding Options For International Students In US
Cost of Living in USA For Indian and International Students 2025
Cost of Living in USA For Indian and International Students 2025

The cost of living in USA varies from city to city within the country. New York and California are one of the most expensive cities in US for international students. On the other hand, Illinois and Oklahoma are the cheapest US cities for students. Major components of living costs in US include university tuition and accommodation costs. Although the tuition fees for international students in US vary depending on the university, the average university fees range from USD 25,000 to USD 50,000. We have mentioned the comprehensive guide on the cost of living in USA for international students, including housing, food, transportation, utilities, and other factors. Read the article on financial budgeting regarding living expenses before starting studies in USA.

Related Reads:

Average Cost of Living in USA For International Students in 2025

The living costs in USA vary as per the location and personal lifestyle. Some cities in USA are quite expensive, whereas some are affordable for international students. We have provided the table below with the average cost of living in US for Indian students per month in 2025:

Monthly Costs in USA On Average

Expense List

Costs (USD)

Rent (1-bedroom apartment)

USD 1,500 - USD 2,500

Groceries

USD 300 - USD 500

Transportation (public transit, gas, insurance)

USD 100 - USD 300

Utilities

USD 150 - USD 300

Internet and phone

USD 80 - USD 150

Health insurance

USD 200 - USD 600

Entertainment

USD 100 - USD 300

Miscellaneous

USD 100 - USD 200

Also Read:

Study in USA

Universities inviting applications | Get expert guidance

Study in Australia

Shortlist best ranked universities & get expert guidance

Now, let us discuss in detail the factors that make the living expenses in USA for international students. Various components constitute the cost of living includes accommodation, housing, transportation, utilities, food, clothing, miscellaneous, and many more.

Accommodation in USA

Mainly, there are two types of accommodation options available in the US for international students in 2025: on campus and off campus accommodations. Generally, the cost of living in on-campus accommodations in USA is quite affordable in comparison to off-campus accommodations. Check the table below for a comparison of the cost of living in on-campus and off-campus accommodations.

On-Campus and Off-Campus Cost of Living in USA

Accommodation types in USA

Average Monthly Cost

On-Campus Accommodation

Private college: USD 9,800

Public college: USD 1,100

Off-Campus Accommodation

Shared room: USD 450

1-Bedroom apartment (Rural areas): USD 500

1-Bedroom apartment (Urban areas): USD 3,500

Related Reads:

Housing Cost In USA

For off-campus housing, international students can either rent or buy a house in USA. Usually, the majority of students go for renting, with a very small proportion of them going for buying. The house costs vary depending on the location, size, and type. Generally, housing in USA is higher in cities such as New York, LA, and San Francisco, whereas it is quite cheaper in cities such as San Jose and Illinois. Let us now check the two options: Buying and Renting.

Buying House in USA

It is way more money-saving for international students to buy their own house rather than rent for a long duration. However, more than 90% of students still choose to rent the house because it is easier for students to pay a small rent per month rather than pay a very large amount to buy the house. As per the latest report from the US Census Bureau, the median home value in the USA is USD 226,800. It is higher than it in metropolitan cities such as California and LA.

Renting House in USA

It is a very popular housing type which offers flexibility and affordability to international students. Rent varies as per the location and type, with a one-bedroom apartment costing approximately USD 1,224 as per Apartment List. Let us now check the city-wise housing rent in USA for international students:

City Wise Average Renting House in USA

Cities

Average Rent in US per Month

Ohio

USD 1,000 – USD 2,000

Illinois

USD 1,400 – USD 2,000

Los Angeles

USD 1,500 – USD 2,200

Texas

USD 1,500 – USD 2,500

Austin

USD 2,000 – USD 2,500

Boston

USD 2,500 – USD 3,000

Chicago

USD 3,000 – USD 4,000

New York

USD 3,500 – USD 4,500

San Francisco

USD 4,000 – USD 4,500

Food & Grocery Expenses in USA

It is important to understand that the food costs depend on individual preferences and eating habits. International students can either dine out, buy groceries for cooking or take university meal plans. Let us now check what the costs are to be expected for food and groceries.

Groceries Expenses

Candidates living off-campus can buy wholesome groceries and cook food at home reduces a bit of budget in the overall USA cost of living. The average monthly groceries for food are around USD 200 to USD 400 per month.

Cost of Dining Out

Eating out is one of the options for international students. One can expect to pay around USD 10 TO USD 50 as per the restaurant, cuisine, and others. Frequent dining out can lead to a high cost of living in USA, and hence, one must not do it every day for financial cost-saving.

On-Campus University Meal Plans

Students also get an option to take the meal plan from the university. These are generally quiet affordable and convenient for international students. The average meal plan cost in USA is around USD 250 per month.

Transportation for International Students in USA

The average transportation expenses in US range between 150-200 per month for international students. Students can use public transport which is the best and cheapest option to commute from residence to campus and a few other places. The university also provides transportation which can be a bit higher than public transport.

The use of public transport instead of private transport helps to reduce the overall cost of living in USA for Indian students. Generally, the transportation costs in metro cities like New York are relatively lower than in other cities like Texas. Students can use MUNI Pass, Metro card, ORCA card, and passes to reduce their travel expenses in USA.

Cost of Transportation in US

Type of Transport

Average Cost per Month

Public transport (buses, trains)

USD 50 - USD 120

Taxi services (Uber, Lyft)

USD 10 - USD 30 per ride

Car rental (if applicable)

USD 300 - USD 700 per month

Cost of Health Insurance in USA for International Students

Health insurance for international students varies depending on the location and the type of coverage opted. Generally, the universities offer health insurance plans along with the course. There will be several packages available, including bronze, silver, and gold plans that cover a variety of health issues and can be chosen based on the candidate's suitability or requirements.

The government does not mandate health insurance, but students must have health insurance to get admission to US universities. On average, the cost of health insurance can range from USD 400 to USD 1000 per month. On the other hand, the medical visits without health insurance in USA cost around USD 100 to USD 500 per visit

Utilities Costs in USA

The utilities also makes the living expenses in USA for international students. They must understand the costs of utilities such as electricity, water, gas, sewer, garbage collection, and other for financial budgeting. However, the cost of utilities varies as per the location, source, and municipality.

Utility List

Average Costs per month

Electricity

USD 0.09 to USD 0.35 per kWh

Water

USD 2.50 per 1,000 gallons

Gas

USD 2.00 to USD 3.00 as per the city

Internet and cable

  • Internet: USD 30 to USD 200

  • Cable: USD 50 to USD 200

Garbage collection

USD 4.50 per 1,000 gallons, approx

Sewer services

USD 4.50

Miscellaneous Expenses in USA

We have already mentioned all the factors that typically form the cost of living in USA for international students. Along with these, there are several miscellaneous costs in US. Let us now discuss these miscellaneous expenses in USA for international students in 2025:

  • The price of books, laptops, domestic travel, and personal expenses such as toiletries, body care items, etc. The annual cost of the books and supplies can range from USD 1,000 to USD 2,000, depending on whether new or used books are selected.

  • Personal care products like lotions, soaps, and shampoos can range in price from USD 3 to 10 per item.

  • The prices of clothing like t-shirts, and jeans are around USD 15 to USD 30 per item, while opting for brands includes USD 50 to USD 100 per item.

  • Entertainment such as movies, events, concerts, and other live events costs around USD 15 to USD 20.

Average Cost of Living in USA for One Person

It is important for international students to understand the cost of studying in USA (tuition fees + accommodation) for financial and academic decisions. Let us now check the average tuition fees and housing, and accommodation costs for one person as per the university in the table below:

Cost for International Students (Out-of-State Applicants)

Type of Institution

Tuition Fees

Accommodation

Private Non-profit Four-Year Institutions in USA

USD 43,350

USD 15,250

Public Four-Year Institutions in USA

USD 30,780

USD 13,310

Also Read: Cost of MS in USA for Indian Students 2025

City-Wise Cost of Living in USA: Comparison

As the cost of living in USA tends to vary depending on the state, it is crucial to understand the costs per city. Typically, New York in USA is the most expensive city for international students. One of the cheapest cities in USA for international students is San Jose. Let us now check the table below for city wise cost of living in USA 2025:

City-Wise Cost Comparison for International Students

Cities

Costs per month

New York

USD 3,300 – USD 4,000 USD

San Francisco

USD 4,000

Boston

USD 2,300 to USD 2,900

Los Angeles

USD 1,500

Seattle

USD 1,600 – USD 2,200

Chicago

USD 1,500 and USD 2,500

Austin

USD 1,300 – USD 1,800

Houston

USD 1,200–USD 1,700

San Antonio

USD 1,000–USD 1,500

Tips to Reduce Living Costs in USA

The USA is expensive for international students to study and live in. The cost of living in USA is comparatively pricier for Indian students. However, it is possible to reduce the overall cost of expenses in USA using some important tips. A few significant money-saving tips in USA for overseas candidates are as follows:

  • Apply for Financial Aid in USA: To manage or to support the cost of living in USA, student can apply for various scholarships in USA, depending on their financial need. These scholarships are offered to students based on their need and academic potential. Most universities in the USA provide grants, awards, scholarships, and fellowships to candidates.

  • Take up Part-time Work: Other than scholarships, students can work while studying in the USA through part-time jobs. The USA student visa allows the candidate to work for 20 hours per week on school days and 40 hours per week during the school break period.

  • Take Education Loan: Indian citizen with confirmed admission to a recognised university in the USA are eligible to apply for different educational loans to manage their studies in USA. The amount of the loan will depend on the level of education and the candidate’s circumstances. Students can repay their loans within 5-10 years.

  • Avail Student Discounts: There are some websites and apps available in the USA such as UNiDAYS, Student Advantage, and Totum that offer student discounts to international students. Students can access their student discounts using their student IDs. Students can get up to 10% and 20% discount on food, transportation, rent, and other essentials.

  • Use Budget Calculator: Use a budget calculator to track your expenses in USA. Try to use public services to cut off on your expenses. Limit your expenses on fancy restaurants. Instead, try to cook food at home. Set up automatic transfers from your checking account to your savings account to save money.

Funding Options For International Students In US

To save on the living costs in USA, students can avail some of the funding options. Students can choose different options ranging from education student loans and scholarships to self funding and sponsorships. One another way of funding the studies in USA is by working part time in the country along with the academic studies. Let us check the funding options available for international students in US:

  • Student Loan: Students can apply for an education loan either with or without a collateral. It helps them to focus on their studes without worrying about the tuition fees. The payment of the student loan is generally done after the completion of the course of study offering leverage to students regarding managing the living expense in US and also save for the laon repayment.

  • Scholarships: Different scholarships are available in US for international students, ranging from fully funded to partially funded by the government, university, and private organisations. They can search different scholarship websites, NGOs, trusts, and the chosen university for more information. The Fulbright scholarship is one such prestigious scholarship in US for international students.

  • Sponsorships: Many known individuals and non-profit organisations sponsor students’ studies based on their merit and qualifications. It can be either fully covered or partially covered, depending on the terms and conditions.

  • Part time work in US: International students are allowed to work 20 hours a week while pursuing a course on a US student visa. They can take up one of many part time roles including tutor, barista, waiter, assistantships, internships, and many more. Through these jobs, they can cover their lviign expenses in US.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the average cost of living in the USA?

The average cost of living in USA is around Rs. 97,600 per month without rent for a single student. The average range is calculated by including multiple factors such as rent, food, transportation, clothing, and other miscellaneous costs.

2. How much money do I need to live in USA?

A student must need at least USD 2000 to USD 3500 to live in USA. The range may vary depending on the location of the university. For instance, the average cost of living in New York City is around 3700-5400. Whereas, the amount is comparatively lower for smaller cities like Atlanta.  

3. What US state has the lowest cost of living?

Mississippi has the lowest cost of living in the US. It has low housing costs, a reasonable cost of living index, and is located in the affordable Southern region.

4. Is the USA cheaper than India?

No, USA is not cheaper than India. The average cost of living in USA is on average  241.0% higher than in India. Rent in United States is around 783.9% higher than in India. Whereas, transportation, food, health, and other significant aspects of living are also comparatively higher in USA  than in India.

Articles

Questions related to

Have a question related to ?

Hi there

Yes you can try to learn various courses that are for approximately 3 months to 6 months in duration.

Yes you can learn before going to us. Learning skills definitively adds some value to the life of a candidate and also improves in getting good recognition in life..

Below i have mentioned some courses  that you can try before visiting us:

  • Social media marketing
  • Content writer
  • Content creation
  • Video editing
  • Photography skills
  • Digital marketing
  • Stiching
  • Makeup artist course
  • Hairstyling course.

So these are some courses you can try.

Hope this answer will help you. Revert incase of any query.

Thank you and good luck:)

Hello Samarasimha,

YES, you can MS in UA after completing Bsc in Statistics. . All you have to do is score good marks in your PG and prepare for GRE. You should also decide upon the country and the university in which you are going to study.

Furthermore, the requirements to pursue MS in USA are as follows :

  • 3 to 4 years bachelors degree in relevant field.
  • 3.5 or higher GPA, equivalent to 87% in bachelors.
  • GRE score of 330 or above.
  • Statement of Purpose.
  • Research Internships/ Published Research Papers.
  • Project work/Seminars.
  • 2-3 Letter of Recommendation.
  • Social & Leadership Activities.

Further, requirements for Software jobs in USA are as follows :

  • Enroll in a software development program. The first step to becoming a software engineer is to enroll in a software development degree program. ...
  • Gain internship experience. ...
  • Choose your specialty. ...
  • Pursue industry certifications. ...
  • Continue your education.

I hope that this will help.

Dear aspirant hope you are doing well..

To study at foreign universities/abroad in U. S , the admission process will require the candidate to give one language exam and one standardized exam. However, depending on the country, course, college, or university you are applying for you may be exempted from standardized exams. The language test will showcase your English proficiency skills. These exams are required for pursuing almost all courses abroad. Different countries have different language exams such as

  • TOEFL exam for getting admission to the universities in the US and Canada. The score of this exam is valid for two years after the declaration of results
  • There are plenty of universities abroad where you can apply to do master-level course, MSc in statistics, MSc in Operation Research, and Applied Mathematics, MSc in Mathematical Modeling, etc are some of the Master level Course in Mathematics that are available abroad. Students who have completed their graduation or bachelor's degree in Mathematics can apply for these courses. Foreign universities like Uppsala University, Dublin City University, Oxford Brookes University, University of York, University of Liverpool, etc offer all the above-mentioned courses in mathematics.

Top university of The USA for master degree courses

  • John Carroll University
  • Missouri University of Science and Technology
  • Michigan State University
  • West Virginia University
  • Rhode Island College
  • University of Arkansas
  • Vanderbilt University
  • DePaul University
  • Delaware State University
  • Texas A&M University-Commerce
  • University of South Florida
  • California State University Northridge

You can get the detailed information about the process how to apply for MS in USA. read the given article. Link is given below

https://studyabroad.careers360.com/articles/how-apply-for-ms-in-usa/amp

Hope it's helpful for you..

Thank you

There are many ways to choose your university such as fees, the ranking of the university, which state it is located and scholarships. My suggestion is to choose your research focus and write academic papers. In the US, PhD in Commerce admission into the university depends on what you want to study (your area of research) and your already completed research papers. You can begin your research by searching online for US universities offering PhD in Business Administration. One example is University of California Los Angeles (https://www.anderson.ucla.edu/degrees/phd-program/admissions#app-req) .


Hello  Student

You are aBHM means Bachelor in Hotel Management so after doing BHM,to gain a bright future  inthis trade you have to do MSc in Hotel Management,post graduation in Hospitality Management,Master degree in travel and tourism management,or MBA in hotel management,AFter doing post graduation in Hotel management or travel and tourism management will give you the best return in employment opportunity.

Hope this will help.


View All
Back to top