Living Expenses in the USA for Indian Students

The average living expenses for Indian students in the USA may vary considerably, depending on various factors, such as the city, personal lifestyle, location of the university, on or off-campus accommodation, etc. On average, the approximate cost of living for an international student in the USA is between USD 10,000 and USD 15,000 per annum. 

The living expenses generally include the cost of housing, transport, food, health insurance, entertainment, public utilities, and other living expenses involved in living in the USA.

_{Related Source: https://www.schiller.edu/faqs/how-much-does-a-usa-international-student-spend-on-living/#:~:text=The%20cost%20of%20living%20for,of%20living%20in%20their%20area.} 

Factors Affecting Cost of Living in the USA

The average living expenses in the USA for Indian students are likely to vary according to different factors, primarily location in the country, accommodation style, lifestyle, and other costs involved. Some of these cost-of-living factors are detailed below for better understanding:

• Location: Living expenses are bound to vary depending on whether international students choose to live in cities, towns/countryside. The cost of living in different geographical locations is likely to differ. For instance, living in big cities like Los Angeles, New York, and San Francisco is expected to be more expensive than residing in smaller towns and cities.

• Choice of accommodation: The type of housing chosen for living in the USA also plays a significant role. Whether you decide to buy and live in your property or rent it out, the type of accommodation (independent house, apartment, or condo) and its location all determine the cost of living in the USA.

• Lifestyle followed: The individual lifestyle preferences vary for each student, and thus, the living expenses differ accordingly. Depending on how frequently you choose to spend on leisure activities like entertainment, dining out, or the kind of transport you choose for getting around in the city, the cost of living varies. For instance, owning a car is likely to be more expensive than public transport, which is a more economical option.    

Average Monthly Living Expenses in the USA for International Students

The average monthly living costs for international students in the USA may fall in the approximate range of USD 1,000 - USD 2,500, depending on various factors discussed above. Note that these average living expenses per month are likely to vary significantly based on the different factors, as tabulated below:

Accommodation Costs in the USA 

The cost of accommodation in the USA is likely to vary depending on the choice of location, the type of housing preferred, and individual student preferences. Additionally, the expenses for rented and owned housing may vary. To provide a general idea, the accommodation expenses for on-campus and off-campus are shared below:  

Food and Grocery Expenses in the USA for International Students

The average food expenses in the USA cover a total of monthly grocery bills, dining-out expenses, and takeaways. These expenses can range between USD 150 to USD 300 per month (approximately), varying depending on the frequency of grocery shopping, dining out, or cooking at home.

The average monthly grocery expenses in the USA are likely to fall in the range of USD 200 - USD 400 (approximately). Again, these are likely to vary as per the location of living, shopping frequency, and preferences, and dietary choices of the students.

_Source: https://www.idp.com/india/blog/cost-of-living-in-major-cities-in-the-usa/ 

Travel Costs in the USA

 The average transportation cost in the USA per month varies between USD 30 and USD 150 and around USD 360 - USD 1,800 per annum. Note that the expenses involved in owning a car may be significantly higher, as they affect the cost of fuel, insurance, and maintenance.  

Health Insurance Expenses in the USA for International Students

The average cost of medical insurance in the USA for international students is estimated in the range of USD 286.50 - USD 835.50 (approx). All international students entering the USA for higher education are mandated to have health insurance under the Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC). These students are the ones who also hold a valid student visa, such as F-1 or J-1. 

_{Related Source: https://global.utexas.edu/isss/advising-services/insurance/costs}  

Utilities and Internet Costs in the USA

The average Internet charges in the USA are approximately USD 77 per month. Additionally, the expenses involved in other essential utilities like electricity, water, phone, etc., also range between USD 66 and USD 136.84 (approx). Note that the figures are indicative only and may vary for different international students, depending on the usage of these services. 

 _{Related Source: https://www.move.org/utility-bills-101/}

Personal and Miscellaneous Expenses in the USA

In addition to the costs of living in the USA defined above, there are a host of personal expenses that international students may need to make on a regular basis. These may include costs associated with buying clothing, spending on entertainment, books, and supplies, and some emergency funds set aside.

The total miscellaneous expenses amount to USD 2,454 per annum for international students. 

_{Related Source: https://www.topuniversities.com/student-info/student-finance/how-much-does-it-cost-study-us}

Tips to Reduce Living Costs in the USA

Considering that the total cost involved in living in the USA for international students is likely to go higher every year, taking into account inflation and other factors, it helps to learn more about how to reduce the cost of living in the country. Here are some actionable tips that can be useful:

• Create a monthly budget plan.

• Track your spending, preferably on a daily/weekly/monthly basis.

• Minimize waste of public utilities, such as electricity, water, and gas.

• Choose affordable housing options.

• Limit the frequency of eating out; cook and eat more at home.

• Ordering groceries online, compared to buying them at the store, helps to track the cost as you go and avoid overspending.

Student Essentials Services (SES) by IDP for Studying Abroad

Go one step further in cutting down the cost of living in the USA as an international student by availing the variety of Student Essentials Services (SES) by IDP Education. These services make living in the USA for international students extremely comfortable and easily affordable, too.

A few of our most preferred SES include:

• Student health cover

• Affordable accommodation

• Forex card

• SIM cards

• Money transfers

FAQs on Living Expenses in the USA for Indian Students

1. Are part-time jobs enough to cover living costs in the USA?

Working part-time while studying in the USA may be able to help cover the costs of living in the country; however, it largely depends on the lifestyle choices of the student, the location of accommodation in the USA, the job you are working in, and also the average pay.

2. Is living on campus cheaper than renting off campus in the USA?

Yes, it is generally observed that students residing in on-campus accommodation at US universities pay less than those choosing to stay off-campus in homestays, shared or rented apartments, houses, or condos.

3. What are the cheapest cities for students in the USA?

Some of the most affordable accommodations in the USA are found in cities like Baltimore, San Diego, Houston, and Atlanta.

4. Is it cheaper to live in rural areas or big cities in the USA?

It is much cheaper to live in rural or countryside locations in the USA compared to major cities, as the cost of accommodation in the latter tends to be high.

5. How much does laundry cost per month for students in the USA?

The average monthly laundry expenses for international students in the USA may range between USD 1.75 per washer or dry cycle to USD 31.50 per month for nine loads.

_{Related Source: https://housing.virginia.edu/laundry}

6. Can students get discounts on transportation in the USA?

Yes, all public transport in the USA allows for student discounts to make daily transportation affordable for international students in the country.

7. Are bicycles an affordable transportation option for students in the USA?

Yes, bicycles are much cheaper compared to any other form of transportation, such as public transport or owning cars, for getting around in the city in the USA. They are also much more comfortable for navigating shorter distances.

_{Updated on Sep 23, 2025}