What is the Cost of Living?

Cost of living refers to the living expenses one would require to maintain a minimum standard of living while pursuing their education abroad. These costs include things such as housing (either on campus or off campus), food, textbooks, electricity, water, internet, and so on. As demand for abroad education has risen over the years, this sector saw an eventual boom. With the demand, however, comes an increase in living expenses for students. This is due to external factors such as inflation, changes in currency exchange rates, and so on. 

The cost of living can prove to be very different in various places because major cities are a lot more expensive when compared to towns and rural areas. Therefore, the choice of a place to stay is an important decision that may eventually have a great impact on the finances of the student. In this article, we will take you through all the factors likely to have an impact on the living cost for a student looking forward to pursuing their education in the USA. Keep reading to learn more. 

Cost of Living for International Students in the USA

The living expense of international students in the USA certainly depends on the state, kind of accommodation, lifestyle, and personal spending habits. Though there are some universal expenses, like tuition, accommodation, food, transportation, and so on, even the exact amount fluctuates a lot depending on the city and institution. The estimated total cost of living can be considered to be an average of $45,000 per year depending on your financial choices. 

Tuition Fees:

  1. Public Universities: $11,000 – $25,000 per year (Depending on if the university is In-state or out of the state)
  2. Private Universities: $30,000 – $60,000+ per year with an average of $43,505 
  3. Community Colleges: $7,000 – $13,000 per year 

Housing Costs:

  1. On-Campus Dormitory: $8,000 – $12,000 per year (including utilities in many cases)
  2. Off-Campus (Shared Apartment): $600 – $1,500 per month depending on the city

Food and Dining:

  1. International students can expect to pay around $200 – $400 per month for groceries to cook at home on average.
  2. Meal plans at universities vary in price between $2,000 – $4,000 annually, depending on the university and the number of meals it provides

Transportation:

  1. Public Transport: $50 – $100 per monthly

Note: many cities offer students a discount on buses, trains, or the metro.

Health Insurance

  1. It is recommended by most Universities in the USA for International students to get health insurance. 
  2. The average cost is $700 – $2,000 annually depending on the coverage plan you end up choosing.

Miscellaneous:

  1. Books and Supplies: $500 – $1,500 annually
  2. Personal expenses: $1,000 – $2,500 annually (depending on the student’s lifestyle)

Estimated Total Annual Cost:

  1. If you choose a public university your estimated cost of living would be in the range of $30,000 – $50,000 per year
  2. If you choose a private university your estimated cost of living would be in the range of $45,000 – $70,000 per year
  3. If you choose to go to a community college your cost of living would be in the range of $20,000 – $30,000

Cost of Living for Indian Students in the USA (2024)

Indian students face the same generalized living costs as any other international students. Still, they can usually minimize costs through their cultural habits and preferences regarding food and cooking, as well as their networks for reaching out or connecting with people. 

  • Tuition Fee: Many Indian students are more interested in approaching STEM courses for which the tuition cost lies between $25,000 and $50,000 every year, depending on the educational institution.
  • Cost of Living: We have always observed that Indian students lean more toward shared accommodations, which truly reduces the expenditure on living by quite a margin. Shared apartments or homes off-campus can bring down the monthly rentals to $400 – $900, especially in metropolitan cities with an Indian population such as Chicago, Houston, or Dallas. Students share with 3 or 4 roommates to further lower the rent.
  • Food and Dining: Many Indian students prefer home cooking which can economize a great deal on food. The approximate monthly grocery expense for an Indian student would be between $150-$300 depending on the city and type of meal preferred.
  • Miscellaneous: Most Indian students manage to save money on books and supplies by using used textbooks or their digital versions, thus cutting down the annual costs to $400 – $800. Students also tend to save money on entertainment and personal luxuries: as a rule, personal expenses account for $1,000 – $2,000 per annum.
  • Community and Cultural Factors: A city with a sizeable Indian community, such as New Jersey, San Francisco, and Chicago would also offer supplementary support via Indian grocery stores, temples, and student associations which will go a long way in helping the new student settle down and economize on day-to-day expenses.

Average Living Expenses for International Students in the USA

The table below indicates the normal monthly expenditures of an international student in the US. You can see both the lower and upper ranges of monthly expenditure in this table:

Expense Monthly Cost (Low) Monthly Cost (High)
Housing (on-campus) $500 $1,200
Housing (off-campus) $950 $3,027
Utilities $125 $400
Groceries $200 $600
Transportation $40 $133
Health Insurance $40 $125
Books and Supplies $40 $85
Personal Expenses $200 $400
Phone and Internet $80 $232
Miscellaneous $100 $200

 

Comparison of On-Campus vs. Off-Campus Living Expenses

Each option comes with its own set of financial advantages and disadvantages, depending on location, lifestyle preferences, and the specific college or university. Take a look at this detailed comparison between the two options:

Category On-Campus Living Off-Campus Living Advantages of Off-Campus
Annual Cost Comparison $76,874  $65,174  Savings of over $11,000 per year
Monthly Rent $500 – $1,200 $950 – $3,000 More flexibility in finding cost-effective housing options
Utility Costs Included in rent $125 – $400 per month Control over expenses; can be shared among roommates
Privacy and Space Shared dormitories, smaller rooms Private bedrooms, larger living areas More privacy and the ability to personalize living space
Meal Plans/Food Costs $200 – $500 per month (meal plans) $200 – $600 per month (groceries) More flexibility and potential savings by cooking at home
Flexibility in Lease Terms 9-month academic year contracts 12-month leases (subletting possible) Potential to offset costs by subletting during breaks
Furnishing Costs Included (basic furniture provided) $500 – $2,000 (initial setup) Can choose cost-effective options (second-hand or furnished rentals)
Transportation Costs $0 – $40 (walking/campus shuttles) $40 – $133 (public transport or personal vehicle) Proximity to campus can reduce transportation expenses
Monthly Savings (General) Fixed costs with no flexibility Opportunities to save by sharing rent, utilities, and groceries Shared costs reduce overall expenses significantly
Roommate Selection Assigned by university Chosen by the student More control over living arrangements
Academic Integration Direct access to university resources, study groups, and events Access to resources is still available; commuting required Off-campus living promotes independence while maintaining access
Social Integration Dorms encourage networking and social activities Independence with the freedom to socialize in chosen environments Greater autonomy and opportunity for mature, balanced living
Flexibility and Independence Structured and regulated by university policies Flexible and independent lifestyle More freedom to manage living arrangements
Survey Data (e.g., University of Illinois) On-campus median rent: $1,218/month Off-campus median rent: $671/month Savings of $547 per month, totalling $6,564 annually
Overall Savings Estimate Higher fixed costs; limited savings potential Estimated savings of $10,000 or more per year Significant reduction in annual living expenses

 

Factors Affecting Cost of Living Expenses in 2024

Inflation and Consumer Price Index (CPI)

  1. Impact: There was a 2.5% increase in prices of essential items in August 2024  when compared to the prices in August 2023. Due to this inflation, the costs have increased for goods and services, therefore expensive groceries, rentals, and utilities. 
  2. Anticipated Inflation: The yearly growth of inflation was from 3.2% in 2011 to 8.3% in 2022. Seeing this trend we can estimate that this will lead to a reduction in purchasing power of the US dollar, which means that the students might end up having to spend more to maintain their standard of living. 

Housing and Rent Costs

  1. Rental Prices: Rent is one of the largest expenses that students are required to take care of when choosing any accommodation, on-campus or off-campus.
    A 1-bedroom apartment in the city centre costs around $1,758 per month, while outside the city centre, it averages $1,445.
    If the student would like to share accommodations, a 3-bedroom apartment in the city centre costs approximately $2,941, whereas outside of the city centre, the approximate cost is $2,397.

Geographical Differences

Cities like New York, San Francisco, and Los Angeles stand way above the rest in terms of comparative prices with other small cities or towns. In some cities, the rent could be as high as 100% above the U.S. average.

Currency Exchange Rate

The cost of living may vary for international students when looking at the exchange rate between the currency of their home country and the U.S. dollar. A weaker home currency will make the general cost of living more expensive, whereas a stronger home currency may make expenses considered to be more inexpensive or cheap.

A Guide to the Cost of Living Expenses Across Major U.S. Cities for International Students (2024)

New York City (NYC)

  1. Cost of Living Index: 100.0 (most expensive)
  2. Housing Costs: 1-bedroom ($3,500–$4,138/month), 3-bedroom ($6,000–$8,974/month)
  3. Groceries: Expensive (bread: $3.59, milk: $1.05/liter)
  4. Transportation: Monthly pass $127, single subway ride $2.90
  5. Lifestyle: High dining costs ($20–$30 for an inexpensive meal)

San Francisco, California

  1. Cost of Living Index: 92.9
  2. Housing Costs: 1-bedroom ($3,000–$3,800/month), 3-bedroom ($5,500–$7,500/month)
  3. Groceries: Expensive (eggs: $3.70/dozen, apples: $5.29/kg)
  4. Transportation: Monthly pass $81
  5. Lifestyle: Comparable to NYC, mid-range meal ($30–$50)

Los Angeles, California

  1. Cost of Living Index: 79.1
  2. Housing Costs: 1-bedroom ($2,500–$3,200/month), 3-bedroom ($4,500–$6,000/month)
  3. Groceries: Moderate to high (meat: $16/kg, tomatoes: $4.91/kg)
  4. Transportation: Monthly pass $85, gas $1.00/liter
  5. Lifestyle: Meals in a restaurant costs $15–$25

Boston, Massachusetts

  1. Cost of Living Index: 86.2
  2. Housing Costs: 1-bedroom ($2,200–$3,000/month), 3-bedroom ($4,000–$6,000/month)
  3. Groceries: Average (Potatoes: $2.98/kg)
  4. Transportation: Monthly pass $90
  5. Lifestyle: Inexpensive meals $20, gym memberships $50–$80/month

Washington, D.C.

  1. Cost of Living Index: 82.4
  2. Housing Costs: 1-bedroom ($2,000–$2,800/month), 3-bedroom ($4,000–$6,000/month)
  3. Groceries: Average (lettuce: $2.18/head, bananas: $1.67/kg)
  4. Transportation: Monthly Metro pass $70–$80
  5. Lifestyle: Dining for two $70–$100

Chicago, Illinois

  1. Cost of Living Index: 77.2
  2. Housing Costs: 1-bedroom ($1,800–$2,500/month), 3-bedroom ($3,500–$5,000/month)
  3. Groceries: Moderate (eggs: $3.70/dozen, bread: $3.59)
  4. Transportation: Monthly pass $105, single ride $2.50
  5. Lifestyle: Restaurant meal $15–$20, cinema $12–$15

Seattle, Washington

  1. Cost of Living Index: 80.5
  2. Housing Costs: 1-bedroom ($2,100–$3,000/month), 3-bedroom ($4,000–$5,500/month)
  3. Groceries: Average (chicken: $12/kg, oranges: $4.50/kg)
  4. Transportation: Monthly pass $99
  5. Lifestyle: Meals $20–$30

Miami, Florida

  1. Cost of Living Index: 75.2
  2. Housing Costs: 1-bedroom ($2,200–$3,000/month), 3-bedroom ($4,500–$6,000/month)
  3. Groceries: Moderate (rice: $4.57/kg, apples: $5.29/kg)
  4. Transportation: Monthly pass $75, gasoline $0.95/liter
  5. Lifestyle: Meal $15–$25, entertainment (movies) $12

Houston, Texas

  1. Cost of Living Index: 62.0 (more affordable)
  2. Housing Costs: 1-bedroom and 3-bedroom prices are significantly lower than coastal cities.
  3. Offers the best cost-of-living balance for international students in these cities.

Low Cost of Living Cities in the USA

San Antonio, Texas

  1. Cost of Living Index: 89.6
  2. Average Rent: $900 – $1,300
  3. Public Transportation: A decent public transit system is in place, and VIA Metropolitan Transit offers student discounts, making travel convenient.
  4. Education Options: Institutions like the University of Texas at San Antonio and Trinity University offer many educational opportunities in this growing city.

Tucson, Arizona

  1. Cost of Living Index: 88.3 (National average = 100)
  2. Average Rent: $900 – $1,300 for a one-bedroom apartment
  3. Food and Utilities: Groceries and utilities are about 10% below the national average, and there are plenty of affordable local markets and food vendors.
  4. Transportation: Tucson is bike-friendly and has good public transportation that cuts the cost of commuting.

Knoxville, Tennessee

  1. Cost of Living Index: 85.5
  2. Average Rent: $700 – $1,100
  3. Public Transportation: Knoxville has a good public transportation system, with free trolleys around town that assist students in getting around.

Cincinnati, Ohio

  1. Cost of Living Index: 84.6
  2. Average Rent: $800 – $1,300
  3. Transportation: It is a very walkable city with various options for public transportation. Student Life: A vibrant student population due to universities such as the University of Cincinnati and Xavier University.

Buffalo, New York

  1. Cost of Living Index: 79.5
  2. Average Rent: $800 – $1,200
  3. Utilities and Groceries: Many of Buffalo's costs are minimal for how expensive New York can be, especially in large cities such as NYC. Food and utilities are cheaper, thus minimizing the general cost of living.

List of Expenses as Students in the USA

Here is a list of the most basic expenses an international student has in the USA:

  1. Tuition Fees: The tuition fees for the student depend on the kind of college they choose. It primarily depends on if the student has chosen a private or a public university. 
  2. Housing and Rent: Students can choose between on-campus or off-campus accomodation. Even though the on-campus accommodation, seems convenient for most students, they end up being a lot more expensive than an off-campus accommodation. But the cost of off-campus accommodations also depends on the city you are planning to go to and the number of roommates you have. 
  3. Food and Groceries: A student's dietary choices will influence how much they spend on food.  
  4. Transportation: The transportation expenses can apply to you if you are choosing an off-campus accomodation and need to commute to the university. These expenses include public transit options including buses and subways.  
  5. Utilities: This again only applies to students who are looking for an off-campus housing option. This includes expenses such as electricity and water. This can also depend on factors such as the neighborhood you live in and the size of your apartment as well as the roommate count. 
  6. Health Insurance: U.S. colleges and universities may need international students to buy health insurance. A variety of universities give health coverage to their students. A variety of health insurance plans exist for students but the prices and coverage features change considerably with location and the type of plan.  
  7. Personal Expenses: It includes clothing together with personal hygiene and personal goods that are necessary for daily use.  
  8. Entertainment: This consists of social interactions including movie screenings and evening out. While they are not necessary items, they are an important part of student life.

How to Calculate Your Monthly Living Expenses

Calculating the living expenses per month is one of the most important things international students would do when making a budget. Below is a step-by-step guide to help you estimate living expenses, including estimated figures:

Estimate Housing Costs

  1. This cost majorly depends on whether your housing is on-campus or off-campus, and the number of roommates you have

Formula: Total Housing Costs = Rent + Utilities

Food and Groceries

  1. Groceries: $200–$400/month
  2. Eating out: $50–$100/month (optional)

Formula: Total Food Costs = Grocery Budget

Transportation

  1. Public Transport: A monthly public transit pass usually costs $60–$130/month.
  2. Formula: Total Transportation Costs = Public Transit Pass

Health Insurance

  1. This can cost you about $100–$300/month.

Formula: Health Insurance Cost = Monthly Premium

Books and Supplies

  1. Books and Supplies: Approximately $50–$100/month.
  2. Stationery: You would need to budget about $20–$30 a month to keep yourself stocked with stationery

Tip: You can save money by renting textbooks or buying second-hand copies.

Formula: Books and Supplies Cost = Total Semester Textbook Cost + Supplies Cost

Personal Expenses and Entertainment

  1. This can include clothes, cosmetics, laundry, movies, gym, and travel.
  2. Clothing: Budget around $30–$100/month
  3. Entertainment: $100–$150/month
  4. Add around $50–$100/month for emergencies

Formula: Personal Expenses and Entertainment = Clothing Budget + Entertainment Budget + Miscellaneous Budget

Phone and Internet

  1. Mobile phone plans: range from $30–$70/month
  2. Budget around $30–$80/month for an internet connection (if applicable)

Formula: Phone and Internet Costs = Phone Plan Cost + Internet Cost

Example Calculation for Monthly Living Expenses

Here’s an example calculation for a student living off-campus in Boston, sharing a 2-bedroom apartment with a roommate:

Expense Category Cost
Housing (Rent + Utilities) $1,400
Groceries $300
Dining Out $75
Transportation (Public Transit) $90
Health Insurance $200
Books & Supplies $60
Personal Expenses & Entertainment $120
Phone & Internet $70

Total Monthly Living Expenses = $2,315

Tips to Manage Living Expenses as an International Student 

Living in the USA as an international student can be pretty expensive; it all depends on the city in which one is living and the kind of life one wants to live. Here are some detailed tips on how to manage your expenses effectively:

  1. Create a Budget
  2. Opt for Affordable Housing
  3. Save on Food Expenses
  4. Use Public Transportation
  5. Get all the Student Discounts
  6. Save on Textbooks and Study Materials
  7. Manage Utility Bills wisely
  8. Find a Part-Time Job on Campus
  9. Health Insurance—Shop Around
  10. Keep Track of Personal Expenses
  11. Plan Recreation and Leisure Smartly
  12. Build an Emergency Fund

How Can An Education Loan Help Students Cover These Costs

Pursuing higher education in the U.S. can be financially demanding, especially for Indian students considering the high cost of living in major cities like New York, San Francisco, and Boston. Expenses such as tuition fees, rent, groceries, transportation, and personal expenditures can quickly add up, making financial planning essential for students. 
Many students take an education loan as it is one of the best options to fund an education abroad and manage the cost of living abroad.
However, many students end up having a misconception that an education loan doesn’t cover all the costs of an education loan. But in reality, both secured and unsecured education loans cover expenses such as:

  • Tuition Fees: Covers the entire tuition fee required by the university
  • Living Expenses: An education loan covers all the living expenses such as accomodation, transportation, food, and more 
  • Health Insurance: After COVID-19, many banks have made it mandatory to include the costs of health insurance as well in the education loan.
  • Miscellaneous Costs: They also provide for expenses such as Laptops, Books, Flight tickets, and more. 

Some students end up taking a separate personal loan to cover their living expenses due to the misconception that getting an education loan is a very difficult process. Because of this, they miss out on all the perks offered by going for an education loan such as:

  • A moratorium period
  • Interest rate subsidy schemes offered by the government 
  • Tax benefits under section 80E and more 

To not miss out on all of these benefits and to pursue your education stress-free from worrying about financial obligations, you can start your education loan process today by going through your education loan with WeMakeScholars.

WeMakeScholars is a government-funded non-profit organization, supported by the Ministry of Electronics & Information Technology under the Digital India Campaign. We do not ask for any service charges or fees from students to process their loans. All our services are free of cost.

You can contact us by requesting a call back or commenting down below as we will reach out to you ASAP. 

FAQ

1.What is the cost of living?
Cost of living refers to the amount one needs to have to meet basic needs like shelter, food, medication, transportation, and other related expenses. The actual cost of living is substantially different from place to place, city, or country because of the local economic conditions; these, in turn, create variations in pay structures, taxes, and ways of living. Generally speaking, the higher the cost of living, the more people have to spend to maintain a certain standard of living, whereas a lower cost of living may mean overall expenses are markedly lower. The level of cost of living will indicate to individuals and families how to budget, make decisions about accepting or not accepting a job offer, or determine how relatively affordable one location is compared with another.

2. What is the cost of living in the USA?
The cost of living in the USA is defined as the amount that needs to be spent to achieve a basic standard of living in various regions. The regional costs include shelter, food, health care, education, transportation, and the like. Living costs across different states and cities in the United States of America greatly vary, with very high costs in cities like New York City, San Francisco, and Boston, while it is generally much cheaper in many of the Midwestern and Southern states. The real estate prices, inflation, tax rates, and regional wages determine the cost of living in the USA. This is why budgeting is of the essence for both stayers and overseas students.

3. Is the USA an expensive country to live in compared with other countries?
Yes, the USA is relatively expensive if compared to most countries of the world, taking into consideration such highly developed cities as New York, San Francisco, and Los Angeles. Housing, transportation, and healthcare costs are high in these cities and therefore tend to drive up overall expenses. Living costs inside the USA itself vary a lot: with smaller cities or rural areas, people can enjoy standards of living that are much more budget-friendly. International comparisons do, however, show that the USA, though pricier than most Asian and Latin American and some European countries, is at least comparable and sometimes slightly cheaper in comparison with major cities of Switzerland, Norway, or Singapore.

4. How much does it cost to live in the USA for international students?
International students ought to expect a variety of living expenditures based on a city of assignment, a lifestyle, and on/off-campus accommodation. According to existing averages, the annual spending an international student fulfills varies from $ 20,000 to $ 50,000. These costs may include such expenses as tuition fees, accommodation, feeding and other transportation expenses, and other personal expenses. Large cities like New York and San Francisco are much more expensive than other cities or towns like Austin or Raleigh. Other examples of fixed costs include our health insurance premiums, the cost of textbooks, and entertainment amongst others.

5. What is the average home rent in the USA?
As of 2024, the average prices for rent in the nation hover between $1500 to $2000 for a one-bedroom apartment. In New York San Francisco or Los Angeles – or any one of a dozen cities worldwide most sought after, even a tiny flat may cost you more than $3000 a month. On the other hand, rates in the smaller cities and rural areas are still relatively low, and sometimes, may go as low as $800 to $ 1,200 for such similar types of accommodations. Over the years, international students greatly appreciate sharing apartments to minimize rent expenses.

6. Transportation costs how much in the USA?
Transportation varies in cost radically between and among cities, transport medium, and distances. In larger cities such as New York, Boston, and Washington D.C., a normal monthly public transit pass can range from $60-$120. Some cities grant students discounted passes. On average, gas prices are usually between $3.00 to $5.00 per gallon, owning a car can be extremely expensive due to fuel costs, insurance, and car maintenance. Well-developed public transportation systems within the cities will have students spend less to move around, while those students living in areas fully dependent on cars will have to consider budgeting more money for transportation.

7. Is health insurance expensive in the USA?
Yes, health insurance in the USA is fairly costly for international students or people who cannot obtain employer contributions. According to the plan offered and the state, student health insurance can range from 700 dollars to 2,000 dollars in a year. While in some universities the cost of health insurance is covered by the university fees, in other cases, the university will expect the student to take up health insurance on his/her own. These might differ in terms of the extent, existence, and types of healthcare services involved. In fact, in the USA, people may fail to afford medical care especially not those with health insurance since charges for hospitals, doctors, and most prescription drugs are very expensive.

8. What is the expenditure that would be covered under Health Insurance in the USA?
Health insurance typically covers a wide range of medical services, ranging from doctors' consultations and hospital stays to emergency care and prescription medication. The majority of health plans also provide preventive services; these include vaccination, annual physicals, and screenings. Coverage levels vary between all these different plans, and some services require copayments or deductibles-which are self-payments made by the patient for the service. Dental and eye care are usually excluded in regular health insurance plans; therefore, usually, separate policies are usually, required for those areas. It is very relevant that students review the benefits included under their plan and understand what the plan covers and what they may incur out of pocket.

9. What other expenses are there in the USA that get added on for students?
Students in the USA need to understand that in addition to Tuition, Housing and Food they are supposed to incur several other costs. These include textbooks and stationery which are between 500 USD to 1500 USD per year, heath and insurance payments and costs related to technological equipment including laptops or software. The other expenses that the students should include; are transportation both public and miscellaneous expenses such as clothes, and entertainment among others. Some students are also charged for the extra activities, facilities for their courses, and even membership in organizations. 

10. Does staying on campus save money for students?
Living on campus will save money for students in certain situations, especially if utilities, meals, and internet are contained within the housing costs. Living on campus eliminates the drive to campus saves money on transportation, and other resources are just a door away. Students living in dorms or university apartments generally are part of a meal plan that may be less expensive versus buying groceries and dining out. Depending on how many amenities are available, as well as what school it is, on-campus may be pricier compared to certain off-campus options.

11. Does living on-campus attract an extra costly expense for a student?
Living in a dorm or elsewhere on campus may be costly, although the cost varies from an average price of $8,000 per year in the United States for university and college housing to more than $12,000 depending on the place and institution. This commonly includes all utilities, internet service, and access to university property and services but may include other fees for the meal plan or some amenities for residence halls. Off-campus housing at times can be cheaper because students can rent out apartments, and divide the rent and utility bills. However, the ease, security, and accessibility of on-campus accommodation may make the price, for many students- especially those in the city that charge high rent for accommodation-worth paying for the privilege.

Living off-campus while a student in the USA may provide an opportunity to cut costs.
Yes, students may be able to save some money if they live off-campus, especially if they take advantage of sharing accommodations with roommates. Off-campus housing can usually provide greater latitude regarding rent and utilities, meal plans, and expenses that make this outrageously cheaper compared to university dorms at most locations. Also, cooking meals at home allows students to save some costs rather than relying on inflated meal plans. Off-campus living, however, means students have to manage utilities, groceries, and transportation thus making budgeting that much more complicated for students.

12. Which US city has the highest cost of living for an international student?
New York City is considered as the most expensive city in the USA for international students.’ A very costly area of living includes very expensive shelter, high fees charged in some universities, very costly forms of transport and very costly meals in this city. The cost of rent in New area business centers is above $3000 for one bedroom and other utilities like food, health and entertainment are relatively expensive compared to other cities. However, this should not be an issue since many students are willing to fork out the cash to attend university in New York because of the quality of institutions and job offers available

13. Which city has the lowest cost of living in the USA for international students?
Boise in Idaho and San Antonio in Texas are among the USA cities where an international student will find some of the lowest costs of living. Such cities provide cheaper houses, cheaper transport, and cheaper products and services than big cities such as New York or San Francisco. For instance, off-campus rent in these cities could be as little as $600 to $1,000 per month. For instance, another cost magnitude within the country is still comparatively lower and this gives an international student earnings which though may not enable him or her to lead a luxurious life can comfortably fend for necessities such as food, medical supplies, and electricity.

14. Any ways of saving money related to living in the States?
Apartments, for example, can be split with other students, so rent and utility bills are shared; the student can cook for themselves instead of eating out every day; using the bus or bike instead of a car, which is likely to cost more. They can save by buying cheaper used or digital textbooks, many students get discounts for theatre, musical, and other types of performances, as well as for services.