Studying abroad, in addition to high tuition fees, there are meals, accommodation, transportation, utilities, entertainment etc., the cost is actually far more than you think. Estimating the costs before going abroad and making good financial planning will go a long way towards preventing us from being caught off guard by the high cost of living and tuition fees.
In the following sections, we will show you the top 10 cities with highest cost of living for international students in the US.
No.1 New York City
Average monthly cost of living: $1700-$3000
Many people love the convenience and fast-paced vibe of a city. And even though the cost of living in New York is relatively high, many people still choose to go there. As one of the most popular study destinations in the United States, New York has an unparalleled multicultural environment and top-notch educational programs with countless prestigious institutions. For example, the most famous Columbia University, Cornell University, New York University, University of Rochester, Barnard College etc.
New York City has a strong economy with many growing and diverse industries including digital media, biotechnology, software development, game design, computer hardware, media and entertainment, marketing, finance and public administration. Many well-known companies such as IBM, Global Foundries, Samsung, Philip Morris, Pfizer, America Online and Viacom have their headquarters or local offices in the city, which indirectly contributes to its high consumption.
Various cuisines, tremendous shopping malls, colorful night life, and high cost of housing all causes spending money like water.
No.2-4 California
Average monthly cost of living:
San Francisco: $2200-$4000
Los Angeles: $1500-$2500
San Diego: $1400-$2400
California is full of major prestigious academic institutions. It has a high housing cost in general because of the imbalance between housing and population.
San Francisco, San Diego and Los Angeles are the top three most expensive cities in California. There are 38 colleges here, with notable institutions such as University of Southern California, University of California San Francisco etc.
California has many universities with top academic resources, and its beautiful scenery, multicultural environment and free atmosphere are very desirable. In addition, California is also the cradle of science and technology, as well as a famous movie paradise. San Francisco is home to Facebook, Google, Levi Strauss & Co., The Gap, Dropbox, Reddit, Yelp, Uber, Wikimedia Foundation, Craigslist, Bank of America, and a variety of other big players.
Universal Studios Hollywood, Disneyland, and classic movie hit spots in LA are all major draws for students to attend school here. While the overall cost of living is really high, the big studios and the film and industry also mean that there are many resources and opportunities for students who want to develop a career path in this area afterward.
No.5 Washington, D. C.
Average monthly cost of living: $1700-$3000
Washington, D.C., as the capital of the United States, is home to a large number of politicians and political disciplines, and as one of the major cities of the US. It has a high cost of living. Washington, D.C. is home to many large companies and organizations, such as the World Bank, the International Monetary Fund (IMF), the Washington Post, National Geographic Channel, Atlantic Media, NASA, Greenpeace, and Virginia Tech.
Well-known universities in Washington, D.C. include Georgetown University, George Washington University, University of Maryland, College Parker, and etc.
No.6 Boston
Average monthly cost of living: $1500-$3000
With more than 100 top-notch schools in Boston and the surrounding area, Boston is known as the “Knowledge Capital of the World” and the “Athens of America”, which shows how much importance is placed on the quality of education in the city. However, because of the number of schools in Boston, there is a housing shortage, and rents are at a premium compared to other parts of the United States.
Well-known schools in and around Boston include: MIT, Harvard University, Tufts University, Boston University, Northeastern University, Wellesley College, University of Massachusetts, Boston, Emerson College etc.
No.7 Portland
Average monthly cost of living: $1500-$3000
The city of Portland is not particularly well known among international students due to the limited number of schools here. But it’s actually the same place where the Twilight Zone was set.
Portland belongs to the state Oregon, which is a large port in the west. The economy and living expenses here are high. The average cost of renting an apartment in Portland is around $1,300 per month, transportation options include public transportation and bike share service, eating out can cost around $18-$97, and the cost of entertainment varies depending on different tickets and admission fees, which are not low overall.
Well-known universities in Portland include: University of Portland, Portland State University, Reed College, etc.
No.8 Chicago
Average monthly cost of living: $1300-$2500
Chicago is a vibrant and diverse city with a rich cultural and artistic and humanistic heritage. It is also home to some of the world’s top universities, such as the University of Chicago, creating Chicago’s outstanding academic resources and naturally attracting many students to the city.
However, as the third largest city in the United States, Chicago’s living expenses are not low. Expenses such as food, transportation, housing, etc., will be slightly higher than other U.S. cities. A meal at a slightly upscale restaurant in Chicago can cost above $50, and a meal at a regular restaurant or take-out can cost between $12-$30 per meal. If you cook by yourself, it could be between $4-$12 per meal. Chicago has a lot of cultural and entertainment events such as museums, theaters, music festivals, etc., but the entrance fee or spending is a little high. If you want to visit all the attractions, you may need to purchase a CityPass, which costs around $100.
Well-known universities in and around Chicago include Northwestern University, University of Chicago, Wheaton College-Illinois, etc.
No.9 Atlanta
Average monthly cost of living: $1200-$2200
Atlanta is the capital and largest city of the state of Georgia and a major trade and transportation center in the southeastern United States. It is located at the southern end of the Appalachian Mountains near the Chattahoochee River. Atlanta is a diverse and vibrant city with a rich cultural and historical heritage, as well as modern business and technological development.
Atlanta is a culturally and historically fascinating city with many attractions and activities to see and explore, such as the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Center, the World Coca-Cola Museum, the Georgia Aquarium, and the Olympic Park. International students can learn about the history and culture of the American South and enjoy a variety of entertainment options.
Atlanta is also a vibrant and innovative city with headquarters or branches of many well-known companies and organizations, such as The Coca-Cola Company, CNN, United Parcel Service (UPS), Samsung Electronics, etc. International students can find many internship and job opportunities here.
There are several prestigious universities in Atlanta, such as Georgia Institute of Technology, Emory University, and Georgia State University.
No.10 Baltimore
Average monthly cost of living: $1800-$2900
Baltimore is a cultural and historical city with many famous attractions and landmarks such as Fort McHenry, the Edgar Allan Poe Home and Museum, Oriole Park at Camden Yards, and a variety of stores, restaurants, museums, and entertainment venues around the Inner Harbor.
Located in Maryland, one of the ten most expensive states in the nation, Baltimore’s cost of living is definitely not low. For housing, the average monthly rent for a one-bedroom apartment is about $1,300, and actual prices can range from $700 to $1,800.
Monthly passes for local buses and light rail are $74, $100 for subway and $200 for commuter buses. Food costs are slightly higher than the national average, with grocery prices ranging from $4.01 for a dozen eggs to $4.05 for a gallon of milk. Dining out costs $15 for a cheap meal and $60 for a mid-range restaurant. Baltimore also offers many cultural and entertainment activities, including museums, theaters, music festivals, and sports venues, with ticket prices ranging from free to more expensive.
Baltimore is home to a number of excellent schools, the most well-known such as Johns Hopkins University, as well as the University of Maryland Baltimore, Loyola University Maryland, Morgan State University, and the Maryland Institute College of Art.
FAQ
What is the average living cost in USA?
The average cost of living in the United States is estimated to be between $2,500 and $3,500 per month, depending on your location and lifestyle. This includes housing, food, transportation, health care, taxes, and other expenses.
How much money is needed to live comfortably in USA?
On average, one person needs around $96,500 for comfortable living in major cities of US.
Which US state has lowest cost of living?
Mississippi has the lowest cost of living in the US. The cost of living index is 83.3, expenses are nearly 17% less than the national average. Mississippi’s housing costs are the lowest in the country.
