Cost of Living in USA For Indian Students

Last Updated on August 28, 2024

The USA is a popular place for international students to study due to its adaptable educational framework, exciting campus culture, outstanding academic reputation, diversity of cultures, and abundance of career options. However, despite the country’s many benefits, living expenses and tuition for international students in the US are high. International students should budget between $10,000 and $25,000 a year, or $1,000 to $2,000 per month, to live in the US.

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The costs of housing, board, food, travel, textbooks, weather-appropriate clothes, and entertainment are all included in your living expenses while studying in the United States. In addition, personal and incidental costs are included in the price of living in the United States. In this blog post, we will look at the cost of living in USA for Indian students comprehensively, which can help you plan your study in USA.

Estimated Cost of living in USA

The table below specifies the estimated student cost of living in USA based on different expenses.

Per Person Average Cost of Living in USA

The table below was created based on information from the College Board’s Trends in College Pricing and Student Aid 2021 report. Undergraduates can estimate the typical annual expenditures of tuition and other expenses depending on several industry types:

Living Expenses in the Different States of USA

The cost of living for Indian students studying in the USA varies depending on where they choose to live. For example, residing in major American cities like New York, Boston, or San Francisco will result in a significantly greater cost of living for students than in suburban areas like Seattle, Texas, New Orleans, etc. Let’s examine the average cost of living for overseas students in urban and suburban areas of the United States.  

Students who wish to study in any of the American cities listed above will also be responsible for the resulting living expenses. Their chosen subject will also determine Indian students’ cost of living in the United States. While living expenses for those seeking an undergraduate degree in the USA will vary depending on the university, charges for those pursuing a master’s degree in the USA will be less than for undergraduate courses. 

Housing Accommodation Costs in the USA

The housing accommodation in the cost of living in USA for Indian students are given below in a table:

Additional Living Expenses in the USA

Students should be able to cover the following expenses when studying in the US. Amounts rise roughly 6 to 9% annually due to external variables and inflation. The US’s yearly inflation rate for higher education remained at 8%, according to the “College Tuition Inflation Rate” study published by EducationData.Org. It’s advisable to save USD 2,000 for unforeseen living costs when visiting the USA. The following are examples of increased cost of living in USA for Indian students:

• Travel costs during the summer between India and the US
• Major purchases like a computer, furnishings, car hire, etc.
• Medical costs (such as dental, eye, and cosmetic procedures) that are not reimbursed by health insurance
• Extra summertime costs include lodging and food for time spent in the US during the summer months when schools are not in session.
• Extra costs, such as transportation off-campus
• Weekend getaways, social events, and entertainment

Candidates must make sure they can control their expenses based on their spending limits in the USA and that they pay for any additional hidden costs.

Comparison of Cost of Living in USA

As mentioned, Tier 1 cities have a higher cost of living than others. Refer below to learn about the exact differences in the monthly cost of living in USA. Utility costs tend to be higher in Tier 3 cities because of less manpower and resources.

Private Universities Vs Public Universities: Cost of Living in the USA

The cost of living in USA for Indian students based on the private and the private university are as follows:

Tips to Reduce Cost of Living in USA for International Students

Following these essential steps can decrease the cost of living in the USA for Indian students. Let’s see how muchhe size of your study/pers areonal bills.

• First, the cost of living is compared based on the university and state in the USA.
• Sometimes, hidden charges can be deducted when students convert their money through a bank. Therefore, choose transparent money exchange providers.
• Students in the USA can reduce their cost of living by following basic saving steps like switching off extra electric appliances, using public transport, eating homemade food, etc.
• A part-time job is another option that can reduce the cost of living for Indian students in the USA. Students can work evenings, mornings, or weekend shifts.
• Use discount cards like Hostel Discount Cards, International Student Identity Cards (ISIC), and International Student Exchange Cards (ISE).

Scholarships for Indian Students to save cost

Pursuing higher education in the US can be a financial challenge, but many scholarships are available to help Indian students achieve their dreams. Securing these scholarships requires thorough preparation and meeting specific eligibility criteria.

According to the Economic Times, more than 58 percent of Indian students received financial aid, including scholarships, to support their studies abroad. This high percentage emphasizes the importance of scholarships for a world-class education.

Read the table below to learn about the different scholarships available and how much each will pay that could help to manage your cost of living in USA for Indian students:

Wrapping Up!!

Indian students in the USA face high living expenses and tuition costs, with an average annual cost of $10,000 to $25,000 or $1,000 to $2,000 per month. The cost varies depending on the city and subject chosen. To reduce living costs, students should compare costs, choose transparent money exchange providers, follow basic saving steps, work part-time, and use discount cards. Managing living costs is crucial for Indian students’ success in the US.

FAQs

Is the USA expensive for Indian students?

Yes, the USA is relatively expensive for Indian students. Costs include tuition, housing, food, and other living expenses, which can be significant depending on the city and lifestyle.

How much money is required to live in the USA from India?

Indian students typically need $10,000 to $25,000 per year to cover living expenses in the USA, including accommodation, food, travel, and personal costs.

How much money is needed to live in the USA as a student?

Students should budget between $1,000 and $2,000 monthly for living costs in the USA, depending on the city and lifestyle.

What is the monthly cost of living in the US in Indian rupees?

The monthly cost of living in the US for Indian students ranges from ₹82,000 to ₹1,64,000, depending on location and lifestyle.

Kanishka Garg

Kanishka Garg specializes in crafting informative content on study abroad education. Her passion lies in simplifying the journey for students through SEO-optimized articles and blogs. Kanishka’s commitment to clear communication and her deep understanding of international admissions processes make her blogs essential for students aiming to gain insights into top universities worldwide. With Kanishka’s blogs, students can confidently get solutions to the complexities of applying to their dream universities and achieve their academic aspirations abroad.