Globally, the majority of students dream of studying in the United States. The United States is known for its excellent academic institutes, which enrol students worldwide.

If you plan to study in the USA, you should plan your expenses and set budget limits. The average cost of living in the USA ranges between $1,504 and $1,850 monthly for students.

This includes the cost of lodging, board, meals, transit, textbooks, appropriate apparel for the weather, and entertainment.

International students are worried about where they live and whether their budget will cover their food, insurance, and tuition. How much money should they have, and what should they do if unforeseen expenses arise?

But now that you are here, wouldn’t it be fantastic if you could get an early ballpark estimate of the cost of living and expenses for International students in the USA?

Let’s discuss average expenses from your stay in the USA, such as food expenses, travel, tuition fees, etc.

USA as A Study Destination

According to Statista, the USA hosted more than 1 million international students, making it the top destination for international students studying in the USA.

The USA is a popular study destination among international students due to its :

• Academic excellence 
• Flexible education system
• Cultural diversity
• Lively/vibrant campus life
• Unique curriculum
• Abundant job/internship opportunities

1,075,496 international students went to study in the US in 2019-2020. Since 2020, the USA has faced a 13% decline in students. After the pandemic's curse, living expenses for US students have increased.

So, is studying in the USA on a low budget impossible? No.

Understanding the cost of living in the USA for international students can help you plan your budget and survive during your studies.

Living Cost in the USA As a Student

The average student living cost in the USA is between $10,000 and $25,000 (USD) per academic year, which is the average monthly expense. This depends on where you choose to live and the lifestyle you decide to adopt.

So, what would your bare essentials’ split look like with this amount? Here are the average living expenses in the USA for international students per year, covering various costs like tuition fees, travel, restaurant expenses, groceries, etc.

Apart from these expenses, we advise international students in the USA to keep an extra $2,000 as an additional living expense. It is always good to have a buffer.

The additional living expenses in the USA for international students can include:

• Computers
• Furniture
• Car rental
• Social outings
• Weekend trips
• Dental care
• Eye care

The rest depends on your lifestyle and insurance. As you read above, these costs will change from state to state and city to city.

The Average Tuition Fees

Public Universities 

The cost of living for a student in the USA depends on whether they want to study at a public or private university. State governments fund public universities and offer lower tuition costs for in-state residents, lower health costs, off-campus housing, and cost-effective meals.

Here is the breakdown of the annual cost of the public universities program.

Private Universities

The cost of study in private universities is higher than in public universities, and housing near private universities is expensive. They also offer a variety of housing and dining options, and health insurance costs are higher. 

Tips To Reduce The Cost Of Living In The USA

By taking these actions, international students’ expenses for living in the US can be reduced. Let’s minimise the amount of your personal and study bills.

First, the cost of living in the USA is compared based on the state and university. Additional fees may occasionally be deducted when students convert their money using a bank. Choose transparent providers of money exchange.  Students can cut their living costs in the USA by making simple cuts, such as turning off unnecessary energy appliances, using the bus or train for travelling, cooking meals by themselves, avoiding eating out, etc. 

Part-time employment is another option for international students that helps to cover the cost of living in the USA. Students can thus work in the mornings, evenings, or weekends.

Is the USA Worth Going for Studies?

Yes, America has always attracted international students looking for better opportunities. Over the years, many students have decided to move to the USA for a better life. The rapid growth in the USA job market, especially in technology and finance, will help you find the best-paid jobs in the world.

With various job opportunities and a diverse workforce, salary numbers might vary based on where you settle in the USA. Overall, the USA can be an expensive destination, so it is advisable to conduct thorough research on the cost of living in the USA to know where you could save money.

Moreover, budgeting for living expenses in the USA is essential to finding cost-saving measures. Plan and budget carefully to allocate your resources wisely, which helps you to make your living experience in the USA smoother.

Takeaway

Early calculations of where you are headed can always offer you some relaxation. As an aspirant, knowing the cost of living in the US can help you quickly focus more on your academics.

These simple tricks will help you balance your finances in the USA. However, you might still need clarification about applying for scholarships, selecting a university, or choosing suitable housing accommodation.

In that case, our counsellors will offer you dedicated and unbiased counselling with CounselingX and help you fulfil your dreams without hassle!

FAQs

1. How much tax is deducted from the salary of international students in the USA?

The withholding rate for student payments on F-1 or J-1 visas is 14%. Non-qualified scholarships are those payments for expenses other than tuition and course-related expenses.

1. How much an international student can earn in the USA per month?

While studying, an international student can earn up to $800-$1200 per month, depending on the state and type of job.

3. Which state is the cheapest for international students in the USA?

Wyoming and Indiana are the cheapest states for international students. The cost of living, transportation, and education are lower in these states than in others.