Cost of Living in USA for Indian Students

Cost of Living in USA for Indian Students

The average cost of living in USA is something every international student should evaluate before submitting an application for admission to any US university or college. Theliving cost inUSA includes lodging, food, travel, books, clothing, and other ancillary expenditures. Being the world's greatest economy, studying in USA might rather be expensive for Indian students who want to pursue their higher education in the country. Each region has a different living cost in USA that changes depending upon the regions or states Cost of Living Index (CLI). In comparison to smaller cities and suburbs, living in large cities like New York, San Francisco, and Los Angeles may be highly expensive. However, if the budget is carefully managed, living cost in USA can be reduced.In the US, the average monthly cost of living for international students is around USD 1,000 to 3,000excluding the tuition fee of the course. However, the cost of living in USA can differ from student to student depending on their lifestyle, location, type of accommodation and so on.

The USA is a preferred study abroad destination among international students due to its adaptable educational system, vibrant campus life, academic prowess, diversity of cultures, adaptable educational system, and accessibility to a wide range of employment prospects. Nevertheless, based on the most recent Open Doors Report (2021), 1.67 lakh Indian students attended US universities in the academic years 2020-21. This shows a decrease of 13% in comparison to Indian students who attended American universities for higher education in 2019-20.

The Covid-19 constraints or the higher living costin USA cost for international students could be to blame for the fall. Due to this, international students are preferring to study in Canada, France, Malaysia, etc. countries to reduce their costs considerably. When economists or statisticians calculate the cost of living in a country or nation or region, they consider how much money a person would require to maintain an average standard of living.

In other words, the cost of living in USAis the amount of gasoline, food, shelter, clothes, healthcare, education, and other products and services that may be purchased with one universal unit of currency.

By that broad standard, it can also be said that the Average Cost of Living in UK for International Students is 0.49% cheaper than the living cost inUSA. The following tables show the cost of living in USA vs the cost of living in other countries:

*- The cost of living for a single person without rent in USD.

It must be noted that despite having high living and educational costs, the USA is ranked as the best study abroad destination for international students by UNESCO. While studying in the country, students can cover their cost of living in USA by seeking financial aid, internships, or Part-Time Job Options in the USA for International Students.

A major factor in determining the average cost of living in USA is the location of the university. If the university is in the middle of well-established citieslike New York or Columbia, then theliving cost in USAfor students would be higher. On the contrary, for students studying at universities located in suburban areas like Ohio or Indiana, the cost of living is considerably low. The tuition fee for the courses is usually uniform in all American universities but they are particularly high in comparison with other countries. Overall, international tuition fees may range anywhere between USD 8,000 to 55,000 a year.

In general, the average cost of living in USA for an international studentwould be higher in the country's Northeast or Eastern partthan in the Midwestern part. One year of living cost in USA can, all in all, be calculated depending upon factors such as hostel rent or off-campus accommodation, meals, healthcare, groceries and eating out expenses, entertainment and travelling cost.

Student Education Cost in the USA

The educational cost of pursuing a degree in the USA depends upon the discipline the student plans to study. If the student belongs to the STEM category, then the overall cost of the programme will be higher than other programmes. The other factor that causes variations in the tuition fee is the type of university. There are two kinds of universities in the US - Public and Private.

Public Universities are well-funded by the state government, thus the tuition fee for the courses offered by these universities is comparatively less. On the other hand, private Universities are not funded by the state government; they depend on the student’s tuition fees and other private organisations for funds.

Here is an estimated annual tuition fee of different kinds of universities for international students for undergraduate study programmes:  

The cost of a Masters degree can vary according to the duration of the programme - it can be either one year or two years long. The average annual cost of a Master's level course in the USA is as follows: 

The fee for professional courses is usually higher as they lead to better employment opportunities in the USA. For example, the average cost of an MBA in the US is USD 70,000 per year. Students need to check and plan their expenses before applying to US universities. There are also various study loans available in the market at low-interest rates for study abroad students.

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Monthly Cost of Living in USA for Different Regions

As discussed, the living cost in USA involves expenses for food, shelter, travel, clothing, and a number of other things. With 50 states and more than 19,000 cities, towns, and villages, the USA is a sizable nation. As a result, it is tough to calculate the cost of living in the US per month precisely with any degree of accuracy. An overview of all the major parameters whose expenses are computed to determine the average cost of living in USA for Indian students is provided below.

Accommodation

You can pay anywhere between USD 300 to 600 per month to rent an apartment on the campus of your school. The typical rent in the US varies depending on where your school is located. Additionally, you can live off-campus by renting a single or shared accommodation. In smaller towns, the average rent for a one-bedroom apartment is in the region of USD 600; in metropolitan areas like Boston or New York, it may be as high as USD 3,000 or more. If you choose shared housing, off-campus living cost in USA may be less expensive. However, you should take into consideration the expenses related to the daily commute to and from your college. For detailed information, check out the Guide to Student Accommodation in the USA - Residence & Housing Types.

Food

Your food expenses in the US mostly rely on your dietary requirements and whether some meals are included in the budget of your on-campus housing. As a result, if you decide to live in a residence hall, your on-campus food plan costs could total USD 250 per month. Typically, you may end up spending USD 400 to 600 per month on food and groceries. The US is known for its low-priced supermarkets, like Costco, Walmart, Target, Trader Joe's, and others, where you can shop to lower your monthly livingcost in USA.

Transportation

In the US, public transportation expenses are heavily subsidised. You can apply for a monthly public transportation pass as an international student, which ranges in price from USD 45 to 100. For instance, while a monthly pass costs USD 44 for students in Nashville, a semester pass costs USD 53 for those from Cincinnati. Remember to include the cost of flying to and from India in your transportation cost calculation and add this to your overall US life cost budget. This aspect may have a big effect on your finances.

US Schools

The price of attending a private school in the USA is more than that of a public school, just like in every other nation. Your cost of living in USA for Indiandepends on the programme you want to enrol in and the location of your college. For instance, the cost of your tuition and other fees for a two-year programme at a public college could be around USD 3,660, but the cost of tuition and other fees for four years at a public institution could be around USD 10,230 for in-state students and around USD 26,290 for out-of-state students. Therefore, you could end up spending roughly USD 35,830 for a four-year programme if attending a private college in the country without any Scholarships to Study in USA for International Students.

Books and Study Materials

An average student typically spends between USD 800 to 1000 per year on books and other educational supplies. Using the campus library, downloading e-books or audio files, or buying used books can all significantly reduce costs.

Healthcare

Costs associated with healthcare should not be overlooked while evaluating the cost of living in the US for Indian students. Most US institutions demand proper health insurance coverage from foreign students who enrol in their programmes. You can purchase specific health insurance plans on campus at several universities. Since there is no universal healthcare system in the US, your insurance requirements may change depending on your visa category. On the other hand, being without insurance may prove to be very expensive as well. For instance, the cost of a single medical visit for a regular check might range from USD 110 to 155. Moreover, dental bills in the US are notoriously expensive.

Clothes and Shoes

Purchasing clothing in the US may be rather pricey unless you go to a big store like Walmart, which occasionally gives its customers discounts. A student should save aside between USD 500 to 800 for clothing and footwear.

Following is an estimated living cost in USA per month in different parts of the country with well-established universities and community colleges:

Central

North Central

East Coast

West Coast

South

City-Wise Average Cost of Living in USA

The US city to which you will be relocating is another factor that you may wish to take into account. There are hundreds to select from, but only you can know which is best for you depending on your college/university location, off-campus job location, or preferred living area. Let us now examine some US city-level living expenses below.

Cost of Living in New York

One of the most populated cities in the US is undoubtedly New York City. People from many different occupations can find refuge there as well. For instance, if you work in finance, you might be drawn to Wall Street's prospects right away. Another option is that Madison Avenue will feel like a second home for you if you work in marketing and advertising. If you are not looking for a professional life, New York is also a city with a diverse population of ethnicities and the foods that come along. The following table outlines a list of different items along with their average estimated cost in New York:

Cost of Living in Miami

Miami, Florida, is a tiny coastal jewel in the South. Miami serves as a key hub for Spanish-language communications in addition to the financial and telecommunications sectors. Therefore, if you are multilingual, you will be able to use such skills. The following table outlines a list of different items along with their average estimated cost in Miami:

Cost of Living in Phoenix

When you think of major American cities, Phoenix might not be the first place that springs to mind. This can be a choice for you if you are an adventurous kind that enjoys rock climbing and white water rafting. It also helps if you work in real estate since the local housing market is flourishing in this city. The following table outlines a list of different items along with their average estimated cost in Phoenix:

Cost of Living in Atlanta

Atlanta is well-known for its many tourist attractions, but you may also be familiar with it through its significant role in the history of the Civil Rights movement. It has also recently served as a refuge for more established sectors like finance, healthcare, and manufacturing. The following table highlights the list of different items along with their average estimated cost in Atlanta:

Cost of Living in Los Angeles

More folks are considering moving to Los Angeles since the city is renowned for its friendly atmosphere, diverse culture, and extensive history. It is understandable why the Greater Los Angeles region is home to approximately 12 million people. The following table outlines a list of different items along with their average estimated cost in Los Angeles:

Cost of Living in Las Vegas

Numerous manufacturing facilities, agricultural businesses, and mining enterprises are located in Nevada. You might feel perfectly at home here if you are pursuing one of the Popular STEM Degree Courses in the USA. The following table outlines a list of different items along with their average estimated cost in Las Vegas:

Cost of Living in Dallas

Dallas has its own airport and is well connected to the rest of the United States, so you will not be stuck there if you decide to explore the USA or its states. It also boasts an artistic centre, so you can fully immerse yourself in the American culture, in addition to a thriving food scene. The following table outlines a list of different items along with their average estimated cost in Dallas:

Cost of Living in Chicago

There is a good reason why Chicago is known as "a city in a garden." Everywhere you turn, there is greenery, from quaint local parks to sandy beaches with views of the skyline. Rich gardens, cultural institutions, renowned public art, and famous events can be enjoyed at the city's Millennium Park and Grant Park. The following table outlines a list of different items along with their average estimated cost in Chicago:

Accommodation Cost in the USA

Housing, accommodations and other living cost in USA are aspects where you will see a lot of variances depending upon the region or area or city. One-bedroom flats in more rural settings can cost as less as USD 500 or as high as USD 1,500 for a three BHK in urban areas.

Depending on whether utilities are included in your rent, this amount may also fluctuate. Though it is not always the case, many tenants in college towns may include a few utilities in the monthly rent. For information on what is covered by your rent, you can refer to your contract and look for hidden charges (if any). Here are a few of the most typical variables you will encounter for different utilities:

• Electric: Depending on the size of your flat and if you utilise energy-saving appliances and lights, your monthly electric bill could range from USD 50 to 100. Electric heating can increase your monthly bills to as much as USD 150.

• Cellular service: Unless you select a data plan, which can increase the cost to as much as USD 100 per month, most services cost an average of USD 50 per month.

• Gas: Depending on how much you cook, it will only cost USD 10 to 15 a month if it is utilised for cooking. It can cost more than USD 50 to 100 per month if used for heating.

• Water, sewer, and trash: These services are usually included in the rent because your landlord will pay for these services for the entire apartment building. However, if you are required to pay, most municipalities will bill you every quarter or three months, and the amount will range from USD 50 to 75 depending on the area in which you live.

You should plan to spend between USD 1,000 and USD 1,500 a month for housing and utilities when you live in the United States. The following table indicates the average monthly cost of accommodation in USA for international students:

State-Wise Rental Monthly Expenses in USA

As discussed, one of the key factors to take into account when determining the cost of living in USA is the cost of accommodation. This cost differs not only from state to state but also from the region where your institution is located in. Compared to off-campus living cost in USA, living on campus may be more affordable. The table below shows the estimated monthly rent for a one-bedroom unit or 1 BHK in each US state (for all 50 US states):

Cost of Food in the USA

Cost of food in the USA for international students can vary due to the lifestyle and eating habits of an individual. A student living on-campus can take the option of meals while filling the accommodation forms. The cost of food for a hostel student would be approximately USD 250, which includes three times meal at the hostel mess. 

Students living off-campus, either in dorms or in the outskirts of campus, have to take care of their food expenses and groceries on their own. The cost of groceries could range from USD 100 to 200 depending upon the state. Some leading affordable grocery shopping stores are  Walmart, Target, Costco and Trader Joe’s. They also provide monthly offers and discounts to students. 

Transportation Cost in the USA

Students can use passes for taking public transport like buses and metros. A monthly public transportation pass can cost USD 40 - 100 depending upon the state. For example, in Nashville, the student travel pass for public transportation is for 44; in Cincinnati, the public transportation pass can cost USD 53. 

International students can also book their tickets beforehand for travelling back home or for coming back to the US. Planning trips and booking tickets in advance can save students a lot of money.

Given how well-connected US states are, travelling within the country is extremely easy and efficient. International students may make use of a variety of public transportation options including buses, bicycles, taxies and trains and subways.

Monthly Expenses in USA

Apart from the above-listed expenses, an international student usually spends money on books and stationery. On average, a study abroad student may spend USD 400 to 1,000 in buying stationery, books and other supplies.    

Medical insurances are compulsory for international students before they start their education at the US university. Nowadays, various insurances are available for students at reasonable rates. Insurances not only help students at the time of health emergency but saves them a lot of money.

Electricity bills, mobile phones bills and internet bills are some other expenses that international students have to deal with. These can be covered easily by taking up part-time jobs at some fast-food chain or a grocery store. Mostly, all international students prefer taking up some part-time jobs along with studies to ease the burden of expenses.

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US States with the Lowest Cost of Living

Here are the top 10 most affordable states in the US, according to the US News & World Report, 2021:

US States with the Highest Cost of Living

Given below are the top 10 states with the highest living cost in USA, according to CNBC:

US States With the Lowest Cost of Living Index (CLI)

The amount required to pay for necessities like food, shelter, transportation, and healthcare is referred to as the cost of living. The living cost in USA can, however, differ greatly between different regions in the USA. Cost of living indices assists in clarifying and quantifying these variations. Employers use the cost of living in USA indices to determine wages, while governmental organisations use them to assess the need for measures such as yearly adjustments to Social Security benefits. These measures are also used by individuals who are thinking about relocating, particularly for employment reasons.

Defining a baseline for comparison is the first step in calculating cost of living indices. The baseline used to compare expenses between states is the national average cost of living in USA, which is set at 100. Then, states are evaluated in comparison to this standard. For instance, a state with a 200 on the cost of living index is twice as expensive as the rest of the country. A state with an index of 50 will cost roughly half as much to live there as the rest of the country.

To comprehend expenses across states better, a detailed examination of the national cost of living is required. The average American household spends USD 61,334 on expenses each year. An average of USD 1,784 per month, or 34.9% of total spending, goes toward housing and housing-related expenses. A single-family home in the USA costs, on average, USD 273,992. Two-bedroom apartments cost an average of USD 1,164 per month to rent nationwide. The following table shows the list of US states with the lowest cost of living index value:

Cost of Living in USA vs India for Indian Students

India's average cost of living (approximately USD 416) is 80% less expensive than that of the United States (USD 2,112) on a per capita basis. In the list of the most expensive nations in the world, India came in at number 190, while the United States was rated sixth.

In India, a typical after-tax salary is sufficient to pay for living expenses for 1.5 months, however in the US, it would only last for two. The USA is ranked 23rd on the list of the world's best countries to live in, while India is ranked 85th. The cost of living in America or the cost of living in USA vs India can be stated as shown below:

• Consumer prices in the US, excluding rent, are 217.98% more expensive than they are in India.

• Consumer prices in the United States, including rent, are 317.78% higher than in India.

• In comparison to India, rent in the United States is 772.25% more expensive.

• Restaurant prices in the US are 334.80% more expensive than those in India.

• Groceries Prices in the US are 200.84% higher than those in India.

• American local purchasing power is 82.31% higher than that of India.

Life in the USA as an International Student

The meaning of living a life in the USA as an international student is distinctive to everyone. Almost all of the world's values and belief systems have contributed to the enrichment of American culture. From the standpoint of a foreign student, that diversity is quite beneficial. If you opt to live somewhere completely different, you can face new challenges every day; yet, if you choose to settle in an area of the US that shares certain traits with your native country, you might take solace in those parallels.

There will initially be a gap in cultural assimilation, but this is something that can be easily bridged by getting to know American society and its surroundings. Life in the US for Indian students is undoubtedly a cross-cultural experience that you may gain, despite the initial stark differences. The climate might vary considerably depending on where in the US you plan to attend a university.

Either you can find comfort in your own surroundings or you can go somewhere strange and learn from the light and shade. As an international student studying in the USA, you will want to make the most of your stay by getting involved in student life there and in the campus events at your university. You should think about exploring the US so that you can gain a deeper understanding of who you are, as this may be the most important consideration in your decision to travel there.

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Tips for International Students to Reduce Cost of Living in USA

Let us set some time aside to shrink your personal and study bills. It is possible for students to reduce their living cost in USA by following these essential steps mentioned below:

• The first thing to do is to compare the cost of living in USA based on the university, city and state you choose.

• You can lower your living cost in USA by practising fundamental cost-cutting measures like taking public transportation, eating homemade cuisine, turning off unused electric equipment, etc.

• When a student exchanges their money using a bank, there may occasionally be additional fees deducted. Choose providers of money exchange that are transparent.

• Use discount cards such as Hostel Discount Cards, International Student Identity Cards (ISIC), International Student Exchange Cards (ISE), and others.

• Another choice that can help international students to manage their monthly expenses in the USA is taking a part-time job or doing a paid internship related to their field of study. A student can thus work in the mornings, evenings, or on the weekends.