What are your plans after you get a student visa for the USA? On campus or in the city, where will you be staying? How will you be getting around? Do you have enough money to cover your living expenses in the USA for food, insurance, and education? If you are coming to the USA for the first time to further your studies, all these questions may seem overwhelming. However, wouldn’t it be incredible to have a preliminary analysis of the cost of living in the USA? Yes, let’s organize everything, from your average cost of living in the USA to your travel and educational costs.
The average cost of living in the USA for students ranges between $1,504 to $1,850 per month which is more expensive than in countries like China, Turkey, France, Canada, and Malaysia. Therefore, pursuing a degree in the United States while having limited funds is not a great idea. However, with good planning and wise spending; you can always stay aligned with your financial goals and save up wherever possible.
Overview Of Studying In The USA
Globally, most international students study in the United States. Due to its academic excellence, adaptable educational system, cultural diversity, dynamic campus life, special curriculum, and numerous job/internship chances, it is a well-liked study destination among international students. Sources claim that 1.67 lakh Indian students travelled to the United States for the 2020–2021 academic year to pursue higher education. Understanding the cost of living in the United States for international students can be quite helpful when planning your budget. Thus, let’s go through the cost of living in the USA for international students.
Cost Of Living In The USA
Let’s look at the average annual cost of living in the USA for international students, taking into account things like tuition, travel, dining out, groceries, etc. The following informational table shows the anticipated cost of living for students in the United States based on various variables.
| Particulars | Expenses (Per Month) |
| Off-Campus Accommodation | $525 |
| On-Campus Accommodation | $871 |
| Transportation | $70 |
| Food | $527 |
| Utilities | $180 |
| Entertainment | $48 |
| Groceries | $52 |
| Clothes | $102 |
| Total Cost of Living with Off-Campus Accommodation | $1,504 |
| Total Cost of Living with On-Campus Accommodation | $1,850 |
| Annual Cost Of Living | $18,048 |
For additional USA cost of living, it is advisable that International students keep $2,000 aside in addition to these costs. International students may incur an increase in the USA living cost per month in the following ways:
- Purchases like computers, furnishings, vehicle rentals, etc.
- Entertainment expenses, social outings, weekend getaways, etc.
- Dental care, eye care, and other medical costs are not covered by health insurance.
Cost Of Living In Different States Of The USA
The areas one selects to live in greatly influence the cost of living in the USA. For instance, the cost of living for students in the United States would be significantly greater if they were to reside in major cities or urban areas like Boston, New York, or San Francisco as compared to suburban areas like Texas, Seattle, New Orleans, and other places. On-campus accommodation is more expensive than off-campus. However, difficulties with transportation, electricity costs, etc. may also arise for overseas students. In the US, many institutions also provide student accommodation.
Tips To Reduce The Cost Of Living
By taking these basic actions, international students’ living expenses in the US can be reduced. Let’s reduce the size of your personal and study bills.
- First, compare the cost of living in the USA based on the state and university.
- When a student converts their money using a bank, there may occasionally be additional fees deducted. Choose providers of money exchange that are transparent.
- Students can lower their cost of living in the USA by making simple cuts like turning off unnecessary energy appliances, using the bus or train, cooking their meals, etc.
- Another choice that helps lower the cost of living in the USA for International students is part-time employment. A student can thus work in the mornings, evenings, or on the weekends.
- Utilize discount cards such as Hostel Discount Cards, International Student Exchange Cards (ISE), and International Student Identity Cards (ISIC).
These easy tips will assist you in lowering your spending in the USA and improving your financial situation. Read our other blogs that might interest you as well:
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I have done Bachelor’s in Culinary Arts from India and completed my graduation in the year 2022 .I am 22 years old. After graduation, I have done 1 year paid internship from USA .Now, I would like to take occupational experience and learn culinary skills and also do masters in Culinary arts.How can I find the college n best course / country where I can persue studying further