Living Expenses in USA for International Students in 2025

The average cost of living in the USA for international students generally ranges from USD 14,200 to USD 30,000 (INR 13.6 lakh to INR 28.8 lakh) per year. Living costs in the US vary significantly across cities, with New York, Boston, and San Francisco being among the most expensive.

In this guide, you will find a complete breakdown of the cost of living in the USA, city-wise expenses, and budgeting tips for international students.

Most international students in the USA spend between USD 1,200 and USD 2,500 (INR 1.2 lakh to INR 2.4 lakh) per month after excluding tuition. This covers rent, food, transport, utilities, health insurance, and personal spending. If you study in an affordable college town and share accommodation with other students, your living expenses can be at the lower end. On the other hand, if you rent a private apartment in expensive cities like New York, you can expect to spend up to USD 4,000 (INR 4.3 lakhs) per month due to higher rent.

The table below provides an average monthly cost breakdown to help you estimate your living expenses in the US.

The cost of living in the USA varies widely from student to student. Understanding these factors before you apply can help you estimate your expenses more accurately and avoid unexpected costs. 

• City and state: Rent in metropolitan cities like New York and San Francisco costs 40 to 60% more than smaller towns.
• On-campus vs off-campus housing: Living on campus often includes utilities and meal plans in a single fee, making it easier to manage your budget. Off-campus accommodation usually requires you to pay rent, electricity, internet, and groceries separately. 
• Lifestyle choices: Your spending habits can make a noticeable difference to your monthly budget. Preparing meals at home, using student discounts, and travelling by public transport instead of relying on taxis or ride-hailing services can help you save several hundred dollars each month. 
• University location: Universities located in city centres generally have higher living costs because of expensive housing, food, and entertainment. Campuses in suburban or rural areas usually offer more affordable accommodation 

Accommodation is the largest living expense for most international students in the USA. On average, you can expect to spend between USD 400 and USD 1,500 (INR 38,400 to INR 1.4 lakh) per month. In most cases, accommodation accounts for 40 to 50% of your total monthly living expenses, making it the biggest factor in your overall budget.

 On-Campus Housing Costs

According to the College Board's 2025-26 pricing data, the average annual cost of room and board is USD 13,900 (INR 13.3 lakh) at public four-year universities and USD 15,920 (15.3 lakh) at private four-year universities. This translates to approximately USD 1,160 to USD 1,330 (INR 1.1 lakh to INR 1.3 lakh) per month, with room and board typically covering accommodation along with a meal plan. Many universities require first-year international students to live on campus, so you should check your university's housing policy before planning for off-campus accommodation.

Off-Campus Housing.

Off-campus accommodation costs vary depending on housing type and the number of roommates you have. If you share an apartment with two or three other students, you can expect to pay USD 450 to USD 900 (INR 38,000 to INR 85,000) per month per person. Renting a private studio or one-bedroom apartment is considerably more expensive, with monthly rents starting at around USD 1500 (INR 1.4 lakh).

On average, international students in the US spend between USD 300 and USD 700 (INR 28,800 to INR 67,200) per month on food. Cooking at home is the most cost-effective option, while eating out frequently can significantly increase your monthly budget.

• Groceries: If you prepare most of your meals at home, you can expect to spend USD 250 to USD 400 (INR 24,000 to INR 38,400) per month on groceries. Shopping at budget supermarkets such as Walmart, Aldi, and Trader Joe's can help you keep your food expenses low.
• Campus meal plans: Students living in university residence halls can opt for meal plans, which typically cost USD 250 to USD 600 (INR 24,000 to INR 57,600) per month, depending on the number of meals included each week. Meal plans are particularly convenient if your accommodation does not have a kitchen.
• Eating out: Regularly dining at restaurants, ordering takeaways, or using food delivery apps can increase your monthly food expenses to USD 400 to USD 700 (INR 38,400 to INR 67,200).

International students typically spend between USD 50 and USD 400 (INR 4,800 to INR 38,400) per month on transportation in the US. Students living in major cities often rely on public transport, while those studying in suburban or rural areas may need a personal vehicle.

• Public transport: A monthly bus, subway, or metro pass typically costs USD 50 to USD 150 (INR 4,800 to INR 14,400). Many cities and universities also offer student discounts ranging from 10% to 50%, making public transport the most affordable option for most international students.
• Cycling: If you live close to campus, cycling can be the most economical way to travel. You can expect to spend USD 20 to USD 50 (INR 1,920 to INR 4,800) per month on bicycle maintenance, repairs, and accessories.
• Owning a car: Maintaining a car usually costs USD 200 to USD 400 (INR 19,200 to INR 38,400) per month, including fuel, insurance, and routine maintenance. While owning a car can be convenient in areas with limited public transport, it is generally more expensive than using buses or trains.

Utilities and the internet are among the most overlooked or hidden costs of living in the USA. Many international students focus on rent but forget to budget for electricity, water, gas, internet, and mobile services, which can add USD 170 to USD 260 (INR 16,300 to INR 25,000) per month to your living expenses. If you live off campus, these charges are usually not included in your rent unless your lease specifically states otherwise, so always confirm this before signing a rental agreement. 

Health insurance is a mandatory expense for international students studying in the US under Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) and typically costs USD 2,000 to USD 4,500 (INR 1.9 lakh to INR 4.3 lakh). Most universities require you to enrol in your own Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP). Some institutions also allow students to opt for an approved private insurance plan if it meets the university's waiver requirements.

International students in the US typically spend USD 120 to USD 300 (INR 11,500 to INR 28,800) per month on clothing, personal care, streaming subscriptions, and social activities. Shopping and entertainment are discretionary expenses that give you the most flexibility when managing your budget.

The city where you study has a significant impact on your overall cost of living. Rent, transportation, and everyday expenses can vary by more than USD 1,500 per month between affordable college towns and major metropolitan areas. The table below categorises popular student cities based on their average monthly living expenses. 

Yes, part-time work can help reduce your US living expenses, but it is unlikely to cover all your monthly costs. As an international student on an F-1 visa, you can work up to 20 hours per week on campus during the academic term and full-time during scheduled university breaks, subject to US immigration regulations. Most on-campus jobs pay between USD 10 and USD 15 (INR 960 to INR 1,440) per hour, allowing you to earn approximately USD 800 to USD 1,200 (INR 76,800 to INR 1.2 lakh) per month.

Suggested: For a detailed breakdown of employment opportunities, see the guide tojobs after an MS in the USA. 

Managing your expenses wisely can help you stay within budget without compromising your student experience. Simple lifestyle changes and smart spending habits can significantly reduce your monthly living costs in the US. 

• Share accommodation with roommates: Renting a two- or three-bedroom apartment with other students can reduce your individual housing and utility costs by 30 to 40% compared to living alone.
• Cook your meals at home: Planning your meals, batch-cooking, and buying groceries in bulk can reduce your monthly food expenses.
• Use public transport: Purchase a monthly student transit pass instead of paying for individual rides. Many cities offer discounted student fares, making daily commuting much more affordable.
• Shop during seasonal sales: Buy clothing, household essentials, and study supplies during back-to-school or end-of-season sales at retailers such as Walmart and Target to save 30% or more.
• Buy second-hand textbooks and furniture: Campus marketplaces, student groups, and local resale platforms often sell textbooks, furniture, and household items at half the retail price or less, helping you reduce your initial setup costs.

Cost of living in the USA for international students is 10-30% higher compared to the UK, Canada, and Germany. One key distinction is how each country determines the minimum living expenses required for a student visa. While the UK, Canada, and Australia specify a government-defined minimum amount, each US university calculates its own estimated cost of attendance and includes it on the Form I-20.

The table below compares the average monthly cost of living across popular study destinations.

(Exchange Rate 1 USD = 96 INR)

Many students underestimate how much their choice of university affects their overall cost of living in the US. Looking beyond rankings and choosing a location that aligns with your financial goals can make your study experience far more sustainable. 

With Yocket Premium, you can receive scholarship guidance and end-to-end application support, helping you make informed decisions before you commit to a university. This way, you can focus on learning, career growth, and making the most of your international experience.