Studying in USA is a dream for millions of international students especially from India. With its top-ranked universities, global job opportunities and diverse culture, the United States remains one of the best countries to study abroad in 2025–26.
But before you take off, one major question always arises:
“How much does it actually cost to live in the USA as a student?”
Knowing the real cost of living helps you plan your finances smartly from rent and food to transport and health insurance.
This guide explains everything you need to know about the cost of living in USA for international students (2025–26) including city-wise budgets, accommodation options, and saving tips.
Average Cost of Living in USA for International Students
The cost of living depends on location, lifestyle and housing choice, but on average:
| Expense Type | Average Monthly Cost (USD) | Annual Cost (Approx.) |
| Accommodation | $700 – $1,500 | $8,000 – $18,000 |
| Food & Groceries | $300 – $600 | $4,000 – $7,000 |
| Transportation | $80 – $150 | $1,000 – $1,800 |
| Health Insurance | $100 – $250 | $1,200 – $3,000 |
| Utilities (Internet, Electricity) | $100 – $200 | $1,200 – $2,400 |
| Personal Expenses | $150 – $300 | $2,000 – $3,500 |
| Total Living Cost | $1,200 – $2,500/month | $15,000 – $30,000/year |
Living in major cities like New York, Boston or San Francisco can cost nearly double compared to smaller university towns.
Student Accommodation Costs in the USA
Finding the right student accommodation can make or break your budget.
Here’s a breakdown of popular housing options for international students:
1. On-Campus Dormitories
- Managed by the university.
- Includes furniture, Wi-Fi, and utilities.
- Safe, convenient, and great for first-year students.
- Average Cost: $800 – $1,500/month
Best option for students new to the USA who want a secure environment and instant community.
2. Off-Campus Apartments
- Private flats or shared houses near the university.
- Offers independence and flexibility.
- Average Cost: $700 – $1,200/month (shared) or $1,500+ (private studio).
Most international students prefer this after their first year to save money.
3. Homestays
- Live with an American host family.
- Meals and utilities often included.
- Average Cost: $800 – $1,200/month
A cultural experience plus family-style comfort — great for younger students.
At Stubard Accommodation, we help international students find safe, verified and affordable housing options near top US universities including NYU, UCLA, MIT and UT Austin.
City-Wise Cost of Living in the USA (2025–26)
Your living cost largely depends on where you study.
Here’s a breakdown of the most popular student cities in the USA:
| City | Average Monthly Cost | Rent | Top Universities |
| New York City | $2,200 – $3,000 | $1,200 – $1,800 | NYU, Columbia |
| Boston | $1,800 – $2,600 | $1,000 – $1,500 | Harvard, MIT |
| Los Angeles | $1,500 – $2,500 | $900 – $1,400 | UCLA, USC |
| San Francisco | $2,000 – $3,000 | $1,200 – $1,800 | Stanford, UC Berkeley |
| Chicago | $1,400 – $2,000 | $800 – $1,200 | UChicago, Northwestern |
| Houston | $1,200 – $1,800 | $700 – $1,000 | Rice University |
| Atlanta | $1,100 – $1,700 | $600 – $900 | Georgia Tech |
| Austin | $1,000 – $1,600 | $600 – $1,000 | UT Austin |
| Pittsburgh | $900 – $1,400 | $500 – $900 | Carnegie Mellon |
| Buffalo | $800 – $1,200 | $500 – $800 | University at Buffalo |
Living in college towns like Austin or Buffalo can save you nearly $10,000 per year compared to NYC or LA.
Food & Grocery Expenses
Cooking at home is the smartest way to save money.
| Type | Monthly Cost (USD) |
| Cooking at Home | $200 – $350 |
| Eating Out (Occasionally) | $50 – $100 |
| Full Meal Plan (University Cafeteria) | $250 – $500 |
Try local grocery stores or international markets for affordable Indian and Asian food items.
Transportation Costs
- Metro/Subway: $60 – $120/month
- Bus Pass: $40 – $80/month
- Ride-share (Uber/Lyft): $10 – $25/ride
- Bike Rentals: $20 – $50/month
Many universities provide free or discounted transport passes — ask your student office!
Health Insurance
Health insurance is mandatory for all international students in the USA.
| Type | Monthly Cost | Annual Cost |
| University Health Plan | $100 – $250 | $1,200 – $3,000 |
| Private Plan | $60 – $180 | $800 – $2,000 |
Always compare university and private plans — choose one that includes emergency and dental care.
Utilities, Internet & Study Expenses
| Expense | Monthly Cost |
| Electricity & Water | $60 – $100 |
| Internet & Phone | $50 – $100 |
| Books & Supplies | $50 – $120 |
| Entertainment | $50 – $150 |
Sharing an apartment helps split utility bills and save significantly.
Part-Time Jobs for International Students
International students with an F-1 visa can work:
- Up to 20 hours/week during semesters
- Full-time during holidays
Average Pay: $10 – $18/hour
Monthly Earnings: $600 – $1,200
Campus jobs like library assistants, research aides, or food service roles are the easiest to find.
Monthly Budget for Students (Mid-Range City like Chicago)
| Expense | Cost (USD) |
| Rent (Shared Apartment) | $900 |
| Groceries & Food | $400 |
| Transport | $100 |
| Health Insurance | $150 |
| Utilities & Internet | $120 |
| Personal Expenses | $200 |
| Total Monthly Cost | ≈ $1,870 |
Annual cost: roughly $22,000 – $25,000, excluding tuition fees.
How to Save Money as an International Student?
- Share your apartment with roommates
- Cook at home and limit eating out
- Use student discounts (ID cards save up to 30%)
- Use campus Wi-Fi instead of mobile data
- Buy used textbooks or digital copies
Small habits can save you thousands of dollars each year.
Find Affordable Student Housing with US
Looking for a safe, affordable and verified home near your US university?
At Stubard Accommodation, we help international students find trusted student housing across major US cities from shared apartments to premium studios.
Why Choose US?
- Verified listings near top universities
- Fully furnished & bills included
- Flexible rent & move-in options
- 24/7 student support and guidance
Popular Student Cities Covered:
New York | Boston | Los Angeles | Chicago | Houston | Atlanta | Austin | San Francisco
Your comfort abroad starts with the right accommodation.
Explore more:
- Cost of Living in Australia for International Students in 2025-26
- Cost of Living in Canada for International Students 2025-26
FAQs
1. What is the average cost of living in the USA for international students in 2025–26?
The average living cost for international students in the USA ranges from $1,200 to $2,500 per month, depending on the city, lifestyle, and housing choice. Major cities like New York, Boston, and Los Angeles are more expensive, while Houston, Pittsburgh, and Austin are affordable.
2. How much does student accommodation cost in the USA?
Student accommodation in the USA typically costs between $700 and $1,500 per month. On-campus housing is slightly higher but includes utilities, while off-campus shared apartments are cheaper and more flexible.
3. Which city in the USA is cheapest for international students?
Affordable cities for students include Buffalo, Pittsburgh, Austin, and Houston, where total living expenses range between $900–$1,500 per month.
4. What are the most expensive cities for students in the USA?
New York, San Francisco, and Boston are the costliest cities for students, with average living expenses ranging from $2,000–$3,000 per month, mainly due to high rent and transportation costs.
5. How much does food cost for students in the USA?
International students spend about $300–$600 per month on food. Cooking at home costs around $200–$350, while eating out frequently can increase monthly expenses to $700 or more.
6. How much do transportation costs for students in the USA?
Students usually spend $80–$150 per month on transportation. Many universities offer free or discounted bus and metro passes, while owning a car can cost around $500–$800 per month, including insurance and fuel.
7. Is health insurance mandatory for international students in the USA?
Yes, health insurance is mandatory for all international students in the USA. Costs range between $100 and $250 per month, depending on the coverage and university policy.
8. How much do utilities and internet cost in the USA?
Utilities like electricity, heating, and internet cost between $100–$200 per month. Sharing an apartment with roommates can help reduce these expenses significantly.
9. Can international students work part-time in the USA?
Yes! Under the F-1 student visa, you can work up to 20 hours per week during classes and full-time during vacations. The average pay ranges from $10–$18 per hour, depending on the job type and location.
10. What is the total monthly budget for students in the USA?
A reasonable monthly budget for international students is around $1,500–$2,000, covering rent, food, transport, and utilities. Living in smaller cities can help reduce this cost to under $1,200 per month.
11. How can international students save money in the USA?
You can save money by:
1. Sharing accommodation with friends
2. Cooking meals at home
3. Using student ID discounts
4. Buying used textbooks
5. Using campus facilities like gyms and libraries12. Is living on-campus cheaper than off-campus?
Not always. On-campus housing includes amenities and convenience but can cost slightly more. Off-campus shared apartments often provide more space and flexibility at a lower price.
13. Do I need to show proof of living expenses for a U.S. student visa?
Yes, U.S. embassies require proof that you can cover tuition + one year of living expenses (around $25,000–$35,000), depending on your university and city.
14. What are average tuition fees for studying in the USA?
Tuition fees vary by university and course:
Undergraduate programs: $25,000 – $45,000 per year
Postgraduate programs: $20,000 – $40,000 per year
These are separate from living expenses.
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