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.

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.

Expenses in USA	Average Yearly / Monthly cost
Books and study material	USD 900 – USD 2,000 per year
Travel	USD 300 – USD 700 per year
Accommodation	USD 9,800 – USD 11,100 per year
Electricity	USD 100 – USD 150 per month
Food	On campus: USD 250 per monthOff-campus: USD 400 – USD 600 per month
Phone subscription	USD 50 per month
Home Internet	USD 45 – USD 50 per month
Health Insurance	USD 700 – USD 1,100 per year
Clothes	USD 500 per year
Water, Trash and Sewer	USD 50 – USD 75 per month

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:

Sector	Tuition and Fees	Room and Board
Public Two-Year In-District	USD 3,800	USD 9,330
Public Four-Year In-State	USD 10,740	USD 11,950
Public Four-Year Out-of-State	USD 27,560	USD 11,950
Private Non-profit Four-Year	USD 38,070	USD 13,620

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.  

Big Cities in the USA	Average monthly expenses in the USA
New York	USD 3,300
California	USD 4,000
Boston	USD 3,316
San Francisco	USD 4,000
Suburban Cities of the USA	Average monthly expenses in the USA
Atlanta	USD 2,200
New Orleans	USD 2,000
Philadelphia	USD 1,300
Seattle	USD 2,500
Texas	USD 2,000
Illinois	USD 1,470

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:

Housing Accommodation Options in the USA	Average monthly/yearly cost
On-campus stay	Private colleges: USD 1,100 yearlyPublic colleges: USD 9,800 yearly
Off-campus stay	Sharing: USD 450 per monthOne-bedroom apartment in rural states: USD 500 per monthOne-bedroom apartment in urban states: USD 3,500 per month

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.

Parameters	Tier 1	Tier 2	Tier 3
Meal and groceries	277 USD	270 USD	206 USD
Transportation	177 USD	126 USD	121 USD
Utilities	328 USD	324 USD	359 USD
Rent	2,964 to 4,204 USD	2,256 to 3,132	1,026 to 1,414 USD

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:

University Name	Public/Private	Average Yearly Cost
Harvard University	Private	$30,000
Stanford University	Private	$38,793
Yale University	Private	$32,220
Columbia University	Private	$20,565
Massachusetts Institute of Technology	Private	$21,510
University of California, Berkeley	Public	$24,405
Brown University	Private	$24,000
University of Michigan	Public	$16,000
Cornell University	Private	$19,000
Princeton University	Private	$32,924

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:

Scholarship Name	Amount Awarded
Fulbright-Nehru Master’s Fellowships	Fully funded
Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation Scholarships	Up to INR 82L (USD 100,000)
JN Tata Endowment for Higher Education	INR 6.5L to 8.2L (USD 8,000 to 10,000)
Stanford Reliance Dhirubhai Fellowship	Covers tuition and fees
AAUW International Fellowships	INR 14.7L to 24.5L (USD 18,000 to 30,000)
Rotary Foundation Global Grant Scholarships	INR 24.5L (USD 30,000)
Narotam Sekhsaria Foundation Scholarships	Up to INR 20L
Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship Programme	Fully funded
Tata Scholarship for Cornell University	Varies, covers full need

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.