USA is the world's educational epicentre, home to the vast majority of the world's best colleges. The best place to study in USA for students usually scores well in university rankings and employer activity, but not in affordability. However, high fees don't discourage the hundreds of international students who choose some of the best cities for international students in USA every year.
The best place to study in USA scores high in indicators such as affordability, desirability, student mix, employer activity, and infrastructure. They play a big role in determining which city is best for students to attend college in. Learning about the best cities to study in USA in advance offers you an advantage, allowing you to pick the best city in USA for Indian students that meets your needs, as well as giving you an idea of the lifestyle you'll lead. Read along to know them all.
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Why Study in The USA?
The best cities in USA for international students have attracted foreign students for years. US colleges offer some of the world's greatest higher education programs. A degree from reputable universities in US is valued worldwide, so a graduate will stand out from their peers and shine in the international employment market.
Multicultural environments are another reason international students feel welcome on U.S. campuses. Students' careers will benefit from interacting with people from diverse cultures and languages. Furthermore, US colleges are pioneers in education and technology. From technology to research, international students in the US have access to the best. Finally, the American education system offers students flexible courses and university possibilities.
Suggested: Don't forget to apply for these scholarships for Indian students to study in the USA
Top 8 Student Cities in The USA
Locations mentioned below can be considered the best city in USA for Indian students as they have at least two highly regarded institutions, and a number of other factors have been taken into consideration, including university rankings, appeal, student diversity, affordability, the presence of employers, and the perspective of students. Here are the top 8 best cities to study in USA that you should consider.
- Boston
- Chicago
- San Francisco
- Los Angeles
- New York
- Atlanta
- Washington, DC
- San Diego
1. Boston
If you want to be around the world's greatest students and scholars, Boston is your best bet. It is one of the best places in USA for Indian students. There are eight institutions in this city, including two of the world's most prestigious, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and Harvard University. University rankings are another advantage. Boston is the best city in USA for students who enjoy arts and culture, especially contemporary classical music. The city is also famous for its pubs, bars, and sports.
- Rent:
- $1900 - $4100 per month for a house/apartment (ranges as per added rooms)
- For a studio unit, the monthly rent is $1,150.
- For PG, the monthly fee is $350.
- $450/month for food
- Travel:
- Students at Boston's colleges and universities get access to a reduced metro pass, making getting around town a breeze.
- Monthly pass costs $90 (general price)
- $2.70 one-way fare (local transportation)
- The price of a one-gallon can of gas is $0.74.
- The usual fare for a taxi (1 km) is $1.86.
Suggested: Best universities to study in Boston
2. Chicago
If Boston is the academic hub, Chicago is the economic hub and definitely high on the list for best places in USA for Indian students. Universities in Chicago include like University of Chicago (10th in the world), Northwestern University (32nd), and two more universities in the global top 500 as per QS world ranking 2024. These respected institutions also boost Chicago's 'employer activity' ranking. Chicago offers a diversified culture, entertainment options, and gorgeous architecture. Chicago, although one of America's wealthiest cities, has a lower cost of living than other US cities.
- Rent:
- $1200 - $3500 Per month for a house/apartment (ranges as per added rooms)
- For a studio unit, the monthly rent is $800 - $1600.
- For PG, the monthly fee is $500 - $700.
- $450 - $480/month for food
- Travel:
- Monthly pass costs $110 (general price)
- $2.50 one-way fare (local transportation)
- The price of a one-gallon can of gas is $0.85.
- The usual fare for a taxi (1 km) is $1.40.
3. San Francisco
San Francisco, next to Silicon Valley, is one of the most visited US cities and is easily one of the best places to study in America. This city has three prominent universities, including Stanford and University of California, Berkeley, two Ivy League schools. A foreign student will enjoy the city's pleasant lifestyle, friendly people, and wonderful climate. San Francisco universities ranks high in employer activity. This tech hub is home to the likes of Apple, IBM, Google, Facebook, etc. It's a terrific place for students to gain experience and find work. San Francisco has expensive tuition but lower living costs.
- Rent:
- $2800 - $6500 Per month for a house/apartment (ranges as per added rooms)
- For a studio unit, the monthly rent is $670.
- For PG, the monthly fee is $120 - $500.
- $430/month for food
- Travel:
- Monthly pass costs $91 (general price)
- $3 one-way fare (local transportation)
- The price of a one-gallon can of gas is $1.04
- The usual fare for a taxi (1 km) is $2.17.
4. Los Angeles
Los Angeles is easily one of the best places to study in America for the arts as its prosperity is built on music, TV, and cinema. It is home to top universities like Caltech and UCLA. Los Angeles is the 2nd largest city, thus there are many job prospects in business, technology, science, fashion, medicine, sports, etc. Los Angeles' sunny atmosphere attracts students and workers from 140 nations.
- Rent:
- $1700 - $4200 Per month for a house/apartment (ranges as per added rooms)
- For a studio unit, the monthly rent is $1278.
- For PG, the monthly fee is $200 - $450.
- $450 - $500/month for food
- Travel:
- Monthly pass costs $100 (general price)
- $1.75 one-way fare (local transportation)
- The price of a one-gallon can of gas is $1.03
- The usual fare for a taxi (1 km) is $1.80.
Suggested: Best universities to study in Los Angeles
5. New York
New York is the best student city in USA when it comes to dominating in education, innovation, arts and entertainment, banking, and architecture. New York's commercial, financial, and economic hubs offer several internship and career opportunities. 10 universities in New York, including Columbia University and New York University. New York does well in diversity indicators. The city also scores well in rankings and student view. Some sights to see include the Brooklyn Bridge, Empire State Building, Central Park, and the Statue of Liberty.
- Rent:
- $2000 - $6500 Per month for a house/apartment (ranges as per added rooms)
- For a studio unit, the monthly rent is $1278.
- For PG, the monthly fee is $200 - $450.
- $480/month for food
- Travel:
- Monthly pass costs $127 (general price)
- $75 one-way fare (local transportation)
- The price of a one-gallon can of gas is $79
- The usual fare for a taxi (1 km) is $1.86.
6. Atlanta
There are multiple QS ranked top universities in Atlanta, such as Georgia Tech, Emory, and Clark Atlanta. Atlanta's Civil War history surrounds inhabitants in the form of museums and art institutes. Atlanta's temperature and animal life lend it the nickname "City in a Forest." It houses Coca-Cola, Holiday Inn, and UPS, resulting in the city's high employment indicator. The city has great restaurants and music.
- Rent:
- $1000 - $2700 Per month for a house/apartment (ranges as per added rooms)
- For a studio unit, the monthly rent is $1000.
- $320/month for food
- Travel:
- Monthly pass costs $95 (general price)
- $2.50 one-way fare (local transportation)
- The price of a one-gallon can of gas is $0.70
- The usual fare for a taxi (1 km) is $2.17.
7. Washington, DC
Reputable colleges endorse Washington, DC as a top city for students such as Georgetown, UMD-College Park, George Washington, and Howard. The White House, the Supreme Court, and the Lincoln Memorial make Washington, DC the heart of the US. Law, politics, and journalism students participate in American politics. This boosts its appeal indicator.
- Rent:
- $1800 - $4500 Per month for a house/apartment (ranges as per added rooms)
- For a studio unit, the monthly rent is $
- For PG, the monthly fee is $100 - $450 .
- $480/month for food
- Travel:
- Monthly pass costs $130 (general price)
- $75 one-way fare (local transportation)
- The price of a one-gallon can of gas is $76
- The usual fare for a taxi (1 km) is $1.86.
8. San Diego
San Diego's charm and hip ambiance instantly make it one of the best cities to live in USA for international students. It's been recognised as the safest US city. The city ranks high in the desirability indicator. UC San Diego and other research institutes have fueled biotech expansion in the city. San Diego gets less rain, so sun lovers will enjoy the weather.
- Rent:
- $1700 - $3700 Per month for a house/apartment (ranges as per added rooms)
- For a studio unit, the monthly rent is $
- For PG, the monthly fee is $150 - $500 .
- $320/month for food
- Travel:
- Monthly pass costs $73 (general price)
- $2.50 one-way fare (local transportation)
- The price of a one-gallon can of gas is $1
- The usual fare for a taxi (1 km) is $1.86.
Suggested: Check out this clear breakdown of the cost of living in the USA
Studying abroad is a great way to travel, see other cultures, and make new friends while enhancing your academic skill set and getting a degree from a world class university. This list of the finest US cities for international students can help you select your next study destination. To clarify any doubts about the best US cities for students or with regards to studying abroad, contact our Yocket counsellors today!
