Many students from different parts of the world come to the US to study for their dream careers in the USA. However, the USA has some of the world's most reputed universities. The cost of living for the students in the USA is very high. The students' living costs include accommodation, board, room, travel, food, weather-appropriate clothing, textbooks, and entertainment expenses. The cost of living for students in the USA depends on the personal choices made by the students. The cost of living for international students depends on the choice of city in which they decide to stay. The estimated limited cost is 10000$ to 18000$ per year in the US, which averages 1000$ to 1500$ per month.
The average monthly cost for international students studying in the US:
| Expenses | Average Monthly Costs |
| Rent (1- bedroom apartment) | $150-$250 |
| Transportation (public transit, gas, insurance) | $100-$300 |
| Utilities (electricity, heating, cooling, water, & garbage) | $15-$30 |
| Groceries | $130-$150 |
| Dining out | $150-$300 |
| Clothing | $50-$100 |
| Health Insurance | $20-$60 |
| Internet & Phone | $80-$100 |
| Entertainment | $100-$150 |
| Miscellaneous | $100-$200
|
Table 1: Average monthly cost of living in the US.
One of the first things to look for after going to the US is to find a place to stay. Selecting the accommodation plan before visiting the US is necessary for international students as they are required to inform the immigration counter at the airport. However, finding cheap accommodation in the US takes a lot of work. However, Amber students helps international students locate accommodation facilities at cheaper rates in different parts of the USA. However, it is important to consider city-wise accommodation expenses when selecting a university to study at. The average house rent in the USA is around 700-900 USD per month, although the room rent becomes much cheaper on a sharing basis. Other utilities required by the students cost around 400-800 USD on average.
CITY-WISE ACCOMMODATION IN THE USA | COST IN USD |
| Washington | $ 800 - $ 1,200 |
| Idaho | $ 550 - $ 700 |
| Colorado | $ 1000 - $1200 |
| New Mexico | $ 500 - $ 700 |
| Arizona | $ 1,100 - $ 1,300 |
| Utah | $ 650 - $ 850 |
| Texas | $ 650 - $ 850 |
| Oklahoma | $ 500 - $ 700 |
| South Dakota | $ 500 - $ 700 |
| Kansas | $ 550 - $ 650 |
| Minnesota | $ 700 - $ 900 |
| Illinois | $ 850 - $ 950 |
| Michigan | $ 700 - $ 800 |
Table 2: City-wise cost of accommodation for students in the US
Staying on the university campus helps reduce the food costs of students studying in the US. However, the cost of food in private rental homes is much higher. The average monthly food expense in the USA is around 150-200 USD. On the other hand, restaurant expenses are around USD 15-50. Therefore, dining out is more expensive for the students than grocery store cards, which allow the students to shop in peace. Also, taking the suggestions of the local people can be very helpful for the students. Creating meal plans, making a list of groceries, and shopping from the right places can help reduce the food budget for students in the US. Enjoying time with friends and dining out can be fun occasionally; however, preparing food at home is the best way to reduce the monthly expenses for US students.
| Types | Average cost (USD) |
| Groceries | $250 - $550 per month |
| Eating out | $17 per day |
| Alcohol | $5 - $30 |
| Snacks & Beverages | $5 - $10 |
Table 3: Average food cost in the US for students
Public transportation services in the US are the most efficient way of going to various places in the US. Using public transport for various purposes such as job or house hunting, relocating, and traveling to and from colleges and offices can be very helpful in reducing the overall transparent cost of the students living in USA. Also, for students who can drive, getting a driver's license helps reduce the cost of transportation for students in the USA.
| Types of Transportation | Average cost (USD) |
| Gasoline (1 lit/ 0.25 gallon) | $0.98 |
| Public transportation | Single pass - $2.50 Monthly pass - $70.00 |
| Ride-sharing | $25.37 per ride |
| Car (rental) | $49-$78 per day |
| Car (ownership) | 48,008 |
| Cycle | $300 - $1000 |
Table 4: Transportation cost in the US.
Students are required to pay for the health insurance and the university tuition fees. The cost of US health insurance can vary from 500 USD to 2000 USD. Getting health insurance enables the students to register with the NHS and gain required healthcare services during their studies in the US. The insurance covers the bills for illness or accidents for the entire duration of the study in the US.
| Health care Service | The average cost for you |
| Family doctor check-up | $155 |
| Cold medicine for 6 days | $9 |
| Antibiotic Prescription | $23 |
Table 5: Cost of health insurance for students in the US
The students living in the US must also go shopping to fulfill their daily needs. The students are required to buy everything from groceries to books. Students using clothing subscription services pay less or more depending on their choice of clothes. However, the average cost of clothing in the USA is around $100- $150.
Mobile phones and internet services play a significant role in the lives of international students studying in the US. However, the cost of the internet for the students depends on the type of connection and speed of the internet. The cost of the internet in the USA depends on factors such as household usage, location, and type of service provider. As mobile phones are more useful for international students, they increase international costs by increasing the cost of cellular phones. The average cost of the internet in the USA is 60$ per month.
Activities such as sports, reading, socialization, relaxing, attending sports and social events, and other arts are entertainment for students studying in the USA. The nightlife of the USA is considered one of the best in the world. From house parties to dance clubs, students can access them all. The average entertainment cost for students in the USA is around $100 per month. However, the cost of entertainment also depends on other factors.