Cost of Living in USA | Student Expenses in USA for Indian Students 2024

The United States of America is the preferred study destination for most international students worldwide. This is because of its exceptional academic standards, adaptable education system, diverse cultural setting, lively campus atmosphere, one-of-a-kind curriculum, and numerous job and internship prospects.

Students all around the globe prefer the USA to pursue their dream careers every year. Universities in the USA are considered the world's best, but the expenses associated with studying and living in the country can be high for international students. Prospective students who plan to study in the USA need to calculate their overall budget by combining living and studying expenses. The cost of living in the USA comprises several expenses such as lodging, food, laundry, mobile and internet charges, clothing, and other miscellaneous expenses. The living cost for international students in the United States depends on their personal preferences and the city they live in.

Estimated Cost of Living in the USA for International Students 

The average residing fee for college kids in the USA stages from $10,500 to $18,500, implying that Indian students may additionally anticipate spending $1000 to $1500 every month. To gain an experience of the common every-year living fees for remote places students, don't forget the following charges: training, travel, restaurant bills, and groceries.

Average Cost of Living in USA for One Person 

Living expenses can differ significantly depending on where you reside, but we can utilize some typical figures to get an estimate. On  an average, a single person in the USA spends $3,189 per month on their living expenses, which comes out to be $38,266 per year.

Living Expenses in the USA for the Different States 

Living expenses for Indian students in the USA vary depending on the location they choose to reside in. Cities like New York, Boston, and San Francisco fee better for residing in comparison to Seattle, Texas, New Orleans, and so forth. Let's explore the average living costs for international students in urban and suburban states in the USA.

Housing Accommodation Costs in USA

When arriving in the USA as an international student, it's essential to prioritize finding a place to stay. This is because immigration officials will ask about your accommodations upon arrival. 

However, it's essential to consider the city-wise accommodation costs when choosing a university. Typically, house rent in the USA ranges from 700 to 900 USD per month, but it can be significantly cheaper if shared with roommates. Additionally, students can expect to spend around 400-800 USD on utility expenses.

The on-campus cost of living in USA ranges between $9,500- $1,5000 per year. The off-campus cost is around $500 monthly for sharing, and when it comes to one-bedroom apartment, it is around $500- $3,500 per month.

Check out the list of Accommodation Costs in USA:

Cost of Living in USA: Private Vs Public Universities

When considering universities abroad, it is essential to understand the differences between public and private institutions. Public universities are typically funded by the government and offer lower tuition fees, while private universities rely on tuition payments and may be more expensive. Students should consider their financial situation and academic goals when deciding which type of institution is best for them.

When deciding between Public and Private Universities in the US for higher education, funding sources, campus size, and fields of study should be considered. 

• Public Universities receive state funding, while Private Universities rely mainly on tuition, private donations, and endowments. 
• Tuition costs at Private Universities are generally higher, but they offer generous scholarships and financial aid. Public Universities usually have lower tuition costs because they are heavily subsidized by the government. 
• Private Universities often offer a limited range of academic majors, while the majority of Public Universities offer a wider range of classes and degree programs. 
• Private Universities is better in academic excellence than Public Institutions, but this is not always the case. 
• Public universities have a vast sudent population, campus size, student-to-teacher ratio, class sizes, and student-to-teacher ratio than private universities.
   

Tips to Reduce Cost of Living in USA for International Students

To avoid overspending, it is essential to develop effective money management skills. Check out tips and tricks to minimize your unnecessary expenses when studying in the USA:

• Part-Time Jobs: While attending colleges or universities in the USA, international students can find a variety of part-time jobs. In the USA, part-time jobs for students often pay between $9 and $17 per hour.
• Take Advantage of Student Discounts cards: Once you have your new student ID card, you may take advantage of student discounts almost everywhere. Benefit from this! Movie theatres, restaurants, insurance companies, and even major IT firms are some of the most well-known businesses that provide student discounts.
• Internships: Students may apply for internships offered by their college throughout the summer or winter, during which they would be required to work for the college and get paid.
• Buy things during Sales: Buying items on sale is one way to reduce your spending if needed. You can also get discounts on articles using credit cards, debit cards, online payment tools, etc.
• Consider Living Off-Campus:  Off-campus housing is typically far more affordable. Therefore, you'll save a lot more money if you can find an inexpensive apartment close to college and split the cost with a few roommates.
• Buy Used Textbooks: The US textbooks' cost is excessive. Fortunately, a lot of other college students resell their books at the end of each year, allowing you to buy them used for less money.
• Know When to Book Your Flights: The most expensive expenses you'll have to include in your budget each year as an international student are likely your airfare to and from home. You might not have to spend a lot of money, though, if you plan your travel well.

Additional Living Expenses in the USA

Students should be prepared to cover certain costs when studying in the US, as the living cost can increase by 6 to 9% annually because of inflation and other external factors. According to a report by EducationData.org, "College Tuition Inflation Rate," the US inflation rate for higher education is currently at 8%. It is always recommended to have a budget of around $2,000 to international students to ensure money for additional expenses as well. These additional expenses can include travel expenses between India and the US during vacation time, large purchases like a PC or furniture, medical expenses not covered by insurance (such as dental or cosmetic treatments), additional summer expenses like room and board, grocery costs for the summer months when classes are not in session, off-campus transportation, and entertainment expenses like social outings and weekend trips.