Cost of Living in USA For Indian and International Students 2025

USA is a high cost nation to reside in for international students. The cost of living in USA for Indians is approx. INR 1,67,000 every month. Additionally, the cost of living in USA for Indian students, on average, is around 234.2% more compared to India. This estimate is a budget forecast derived from past trends of the cost of living in USA. One should also keep in mind that the actual costs that form the cost of living in USA for Indians can differ based on the cost of food, housing, transport, utilities, and other major expenses.

This Story also Contains

1. Cost of Living in USA Per Month 2025
2. Average Cost of Living in USA 2025
3. Accommodation Cost in US 2025
4. Food Prices in USA 2025
5. Transportation Cost in USA 2025
6. Clothing Expenses in USA 2025
7. Healthcare Cost in USA
8. Other Miscellaneous Expenses in USA
9. City Wise Cost of Living in USA 2025
10. Top 5 Tips for Saving Money in USA

Cost of living in the USA varies from city to city within the country. New York City is the most costly city in the USA, while, Atlanta is relatively less expensive for Indian students. Significantly, the living costs in USA per month for an individual student studying in USA are more in metro cities than in rural towns of USA. The university's tuition fees and accommodation expenses are the prime determinants of the total cost of living in USA for international students. Rent in USA is approximately 649.8% more than India. International students require a minimum of USD 8,000 to USD 55,000 to pay their tuition fee in the USA. Read the information regarding USA cost of living in the article and prepare for a budget needed every month.

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Cost of Living in USA Per Month 2025

Average Cost of Living in USA 2025

What is the cost of living in the USA? On average the cost of living in USA for one student is Rs. 97,600 without rent. On average, the living costs in USA for Indian students are approximately 234.2% higher than in India. These prices stated for the cost of living in the USA are just estimates, the actuals can differ either high or low depending on the candidate's lifestyle.

Various components constitute the cost of living. Elements like accommodation, food, groceries, transportation, etc., and many more. which help estimate the average living expenses in USA are discussed below.

Accommodation Cost in US 2025

The accommodation in USA captures the major portion of the cost of living in USA. Rent in the United States is, on average, 660.6% higher than in India. Almost half of the budget must be allocated to housing. Depending on the facilities provided, the location and size of the housing rates will differ. On average, the rental cost will range from 1500 to 3000 per month for a single-bedroom apartment in the city centre.

Cost of Living in USA 2025: Accommodation

Food Prices in USA 2025

Food is a necessary element that has to be considered in the cost of living in USA. The diversity in food options is one of the things to know before studying in USA. A lot of universities come with food meal plans, based on the university and type of package the rate differs.

Candidates living off-campus can buy wholesome groceries and cooking food at home reduces a bit of budget in the overall USA cost of living. The average monthly groceries for food and a few basic needs are around USD 60 to USD 150 per month.

Food Expenses in USA Per Month:

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Transportation Cost in USA 2025

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 the private ones 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.

Transportation Cost in USA:

Clothing Expenses in USA 2025

The clothing of the candidate depends on their lifestyle choices. There can be no limit in mentioning the clothing expenses in the cost of living in USA. However, the prices of clothing like t-shirts, and jeans are around USD 15 to USD 30 per item, while opting for brands include USD 50 to USD 100 per item.

Clothing Cost in USA

Healthcare Cost in USA

Healthcare is one of the most expensive components of the average cost of living in USA when compared to other countries. 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 it is compulsory fr all universities. This aids the candidate in paying for any unanticipated medical emergencies. The cost of living in USA for health insurance ranges from USD 200 to 500 per month.

Other Miscellaneous Expenses in USA

In addition to housing, food, and tuition, each person's monthly living expenses in the United States may include a variety of other costs. 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 1000 to USD 2000 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.

City Wise Cost of Living in USA 2025

Understanding the city-wise living expenses in USA is very important for international students aspiring to study in USA. The cost of living in USA varies in a wide range depending on the local economies, housing markets, and regional amenities of the cities. The monthly expenses in New York City and San Francisco are comparatively costly for Indian students as compared to Houston and Atlanta. Here we have provided the cost of living in different cities in the USA, including housing, transportation, food, utilities, and miscellaneous expenses.

City Wise Living Expenses in USA 2025

Top 5 Tips for Saving Money 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:

• Financial Aid in USA: To manage or to support the cost of living in USA, the 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 the candidates.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• Budget Calculator: Use a budget calculator to track your expenses in USA. Try to use public services to cut off 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.

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