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    Living Expenses for International Students 2025-26: Country Wise List
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    • Living Expenses for International Students 2025-26: Country Wise List

    Living Expenses for International Students 2025-26: Country Wise List

    JasmineUpdated on 22 Aug 2025, 04:09 PM IST

    There is a huge surge in studying abroad, and it is an exciting and transformative experience for international students. However, managing living expenses abroad is an important consideration. One of the major concerns while studying abroad is tuition fees and living expenses for international students. Indian students find it quite challenging to manage their cost of living abroad 2025. From accommodation and food to transportation and entertainment, various factors influence the overall living expenses abroad. The average cost of living abroad for Indian students can vary significantly based on the country and city, lifestyle, and type of accommodation chosen. Top countries like Australia, New Zealand and Canada also provide part-time work opportunities to ease down cost of living for international students. By working part-time abroad, along with studying, can significantly help manage the living expenses. Many government and private bodies also provide study abroad scholarships for Indian students to help those who are planning to study abroad. This helps the students to reduce their total cost of living abroad. A country-wise analysis of estimated living expenses for international students who are planning to study abroad is mentioned in this article with all other details.

    This Story also Contains

    1. Cost of living in USA 2025
    2. Cost of living in UK 2025
    3. Cost of living in Canada 2025
    4. Cost of living in Australia 2025
    5. Cost of living in New Zealand
    6. Cost of living in Germany
    7. Top countries to study abroad
    Living Expenses for International Students 2025-26: Country Wise List
    living cost for international students

    Cost of living in USA 2025

    The United States of America is home to the maximum number of top universities in the world such as Massachusetts Institute of Technology, and Harvard. They are the biggest hub of international students from overseas. Accommodation, food and utility are the major aspects apart from tuition fees and insurance when it comes to figuring out the cost of living in the USA.

    The estimated cost of living in the USA for international students is around USD 10,000 to USD 25,000 per year. However, it may vary for international students in the USA according to city and region and also the lifestyle of a student.

    Living Expenses for International Students in USA 2025

    Expense List

    Estimated Costs per month in USD

    Accommodation (on campus)

    300 to 600

    Food and Groceries

    400 to 600

    Transportation

    40 to 100

    Health Insurance

    100 to 200

    Books and Materials

    varies

    Personal

    50-150

    Entertainment

    varies

    Cost of living in UK 2025

    Home to some of the most prominent and oldest universities such as Cambridge and Imperial College London, UK is one of the most sought-after study destinations for students wishing to explore careers in management, law and social studies.

    Managing living expenses for international students in UK is not an easy task. Even if you get the scholarship in UK to fund your tuition fee, study abroad UK 2025 is quite expensive.

    Here is all Indian students need to know about cost of living in United Kingdom including average rent, university fees, groceries, utility bills, etc:

    Living Expenses for International Students in UK 2025

    Expense Lists

    Estimated Costs in EUR per month

    Accommodation (off-campus)

    600 to 700

    Food and groceries

    100 to 200

    Transportation

    50 to 100

    Household Bills

    80 to 150

    Entertainment (Socialising)

    100 to 150

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    Cost of living in Canada 2025

    Canada is one of the fastest emerging economies in the world and is comparatively affordable for students from overseas. However, there are a few cities such as Toronto, Montreal, and Vancouver which are very expensive because of their multinational lifestyle.

    The average cost of living in Canada ranges from CAD 15,000 to CAD 20,000 per year and for a week, Canada living expenses 2025 for one person is CAD 1050.

    However, an International student can cut down cost of living in Canada by sharing accommodation and buying goods from a less expensive grocery store.

    Living Expenses for International Students in Canada 2025

    Expense Lists

    Estimated Costs in CAD per month

    Accommodation

    900 to 2300

    Food and groceries

    300 to 400

    Transportation

    100-150

    Utility Costs

    100 to 300

    Miscellaneous (Clothing)

    20 to 80

    Cost of living in Australia 2025

    Australia is emerging as one of the most popular study destinations after the USA and UK. However, the country is very expensive. Though many universities offer scholarships in Australia, still managing daily living expenses in Canada is not easy.
    The Department of Immigration and Border Protection needs a student to meet his financial requirements in order to get a student visa. The cost of living for international students in Australia varies according to the city and the region.

    Sydney and Melbourne are listed as the most expensive cities in Australia, but on the other hand, there are cities like Hobart and Wollongong which are comparatively less expensive and student-friendly as well.

    Living Expenses for International Students in Australia 2025

    Expense Lists

    Estimated Costs in AUD per week

    Accommodation (on-campus)

    90 to 280

    Food and groceries

    80 to 280

    Transportation

    15 to 55

    Utility Costs (gas, electricity)

    35 to 140

    Entertainment

    80-150

    List of scholarships to study abroad by country

    Cost of living in New Zealand

    Over the years, New Zealand has become one of the most prominent countries for international students preferring higher studies. With flexible visa terms and conditions, New Zealand universities also offer a very flexible environment for international students by allowing them to work part-time along with studies which help students to manage their cost of living in New Zealand. In New Zealand, international students are allowed to work for up to 20 hours per week as well as can avail scholarships in New Zealand for international students.

    Auckland, Wellington, and Christchurch are few of the most prominent cities in New Zealand which are also home to top universities in the world.

    Living Expenses for International Students in New Zealand 2025

    Expense Lists

    Estimated Costs in NZD per month

    Accommodation

    140 to 500

    Food

    80 to 120 per week

    Transportation

    40 per week

    Internet

    100

    Entertainment55 per week

    Bills such as Power

    200 to 300

    Cost of living in Germany

    Germany attracts a large number of international students every year especially those who are interested in higher and research studies. Studying in Germany is not so expensive as compared to other prominent countries like the USA, UK and Australia.

    For example, a student has to pay a nominal tuition fee which makes Germany a cost-effective country even for students who come from a comparatively weaker economic country; hence, reducing the cost of living in Germany. However, living in big cities in Germany such as Munich is very expensive.

    Living Expenses for International Students in Germany 2025

    Expense Lists

    Estimated Costs in EUR per month

    Accommodation

    300

    Food

    150

    Transportation

    100

    Mobile & Internet

    30

    Healthcare100
    Books and study materials30

    Leisure

    60

    Top countries to study abroad

    Living expenses for international students vary with each country. Students should consider this important aspect when deciding on a study abroad destination.

    Also, Check this:

    Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

    Q: Which are the cheapest cities to live in Germany?
    A:

    The cheapest cities to live in Germany are Bielefeld, Frankfurt, Halle and Passau.  

    Q: Can an international student work while doing his course in New Zealand?
    A:

    Yes, an international students can work while doing his course in New Zealand.  Students can work for 20 hours during a week during their course and can work full-time during vacations.

    Q: Which are the cheapest cities in Canada for international students?
    A:

    Some of the cheapest cities in Canada for international students are Ontario, Alberta and Quebec which offer affordable living options for students.



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