Cost of living in the USA for Filipino students

The United States stands as a premier destination for Filipino students seeking world-class education and diverse cultural experiences. Each year, over 200,000 international students choose the USA for their academic pursuits, drawn by its renowned universities and vibrant environment.

To ensure a well-rounded and stress-free experience while studying in the US, it's essential to plan your finances thoughtfully. Understanding the general cost of living for students in the country is a crucial first step in this process.

Based on typical expenses, it's advisable for international students to budget between USD $18,048 and USD $22,200 for a study abroad experience in the USA.

^{Note: US$1.00 ≈ ₱57.00 (September 2025)}

The living cost for international students in the USA involves looking at the average expenses you might incur monthly. These costs generally include your accommodation, food, transportation, and personal expenses and will generally range between USD $1,504 and USD $1,850 per month.

It's important to note that these figures are averages, and your actual student living cost can vary considerably depending on several factors.

The location of your university plays a significant role. Major metropolitan cities such as New York and San Francisco typically have a higher cost of living for students compared to smaller cities or more regional areas, where rent, transportation, and even grocery prices can differ substantially.

Your choice of accommodation will also significantly impact your overall expenses. Whether you opt for on-campus housing, a shared apartment, a private apartment, or a homestay, each option comes with its own cost implications.

Lastly, your personal lifestyle and spending habits are crucial determinants of your monthly expenditure. Factors such as the frequency of dining out, your entertainment choices, and your travel habits will all influence your overall student living expenses.

For Filipino students considering the USA, it's helpful to have a perspective on how the cost of living compares to expenses back home. In general, you might find that living costs, such as rental prices as well as general cost of goods are notably higher than in Philippines, particularly if you choose to study in major metropolitan areas.

However, just as these costs vary within Philippines depending on the neighbourhood and lifestyle, the USA also offers a wide range of affordability. Studying in smaller cities or more suburban university towns can significantly reduce your overall expenses. While these areas might still present a different cost structure compared to Philippines, they can offer a more budget-friendly experience for international students.

Thus, when planning your finances, it's crucial to research the specific student expenses associated with the location of your chosen university to get a more accurate comparison with what you are accustomed to in Philippines.

A significant portion of your expenses will be dedicated to accommodation. There are several options available for international students in the USA, each with varying costs and benefits.

On-campus accommodation

Many universities offer on-campus housing options, such as dormitories or residence halls. Choosing to live in student accommodations in the USA provides several advantages, particularly for international students. You'll benefit from close proximity to campus facilities like libraries, classrooms, and student support services, often resulting in reduced transportation costs and travel time.

On-campus living also fosters a supportive and engaging environment, making it easier to connect with fellow students and immerse yourself in university life. The average annual cost for on-campus accommodation typically ranges from USD $3,600 to $8,000, depending on the university, the type of room (single, double, suite), and any included amenities.

Off-campus accommodation

For students seeking more independence or different living arrangements, off-campus accommodation is a popular choice. This category generally includes shared apartments and private apartments.

Costs for off-campus housing can vary significantly depending on the location, with urban areas generally commanding higher rents compared to suburban or rural locations.

• Shared apartments: Opting to share an apartment with roommates is a budget-friendly option to reduce living expenses in the USA. Sharing an apartment allows you to split rent and utilities, with the annual cost for a room in a shared apartment working out to be between USD $6,000 to $12,000 per person.

• Private apartments: Renting a private apartment offers more personal space and privacy but comes at a higher cost. Private apartments can range from USD $12,000 to $24,000 or more annually, depending on the size and location of the apartment.

Homestay

This option provides a unique opportunity for cultural immersion and can offer a supportive family environment, particularly for students who are new to the USA. The average annual cost for international students living in homestay arrangements typically ranges from USD $6,000 to $10,000. This option often includes meals, which can help you manage your food expenses.

Food and groceries represent another significant portion of your living expenses in the USA. The average monthly cost of food and groceries is approximately USD $527. However, this figure can vary based on your individual choices and groceries in your specific location.

Dining out will naturally incur a higher cost compared to cooking at home, so if you are looking to save, prioritising cooking at home to handle your food expenses while studying in the US.

There are many ways to get around within the USA, with public transportation being a budget-friendly way for international students to travel within their city or town.

Students can expect to factor in USD $40 to $100 per month for public transportation, depending on the location and the extent of the public transport network. It's also worth noting that many cities offer reduced fares or student discounts on public transportation passes, which can help lower your living expenses.

For shorter distances and in more bike-friendly cities, cycling can also be a convenient and affordable alternative. Bicycle rental services are available in many areas, with monthly rental costs typically ranging from USD $20 to $50.

Owning a bicycle can be even more economical in the long run, although it may involve an initial purchase cost and maintenance expenses.

When budgeting for your living costs, it's important to account for utilities (such as electricity, water, and heating), especially if you choose off-campus accommodation such as shared or private rentals. On average, you can expect to spend around USD $180 per month for these essential costs.

In addition to st basic utilities, you'll also need to factor in the costs for phone and internet services. Staying connected is crucial for international students, and the monthly expense for phone plans can range from USD $15 to $50, depending on the provider and the plan you choose.

For broadband internet services, you can expect to pay between USD $50 and $100 per month, depending on the speed and provider.

Healthcare is another vital living expense international students should consider and is typically a mandatory requirement to study in the USA.

The annual cost for health insurance for international students can range from approximately USD $1,500 to $2,500 depending on the insurance provider and the plan offered by your university.

The cost of living in the USA extends beyond just the essentials; it's also important to budget for entertainment and personal expenses to ensure a balanced and enjoyable experience.

As an international student, you'll likely want to engage in activities like going to the movies, attending events, and socialising with friends. On average, you might anticipate a cost of around USD $48 monthly for entertainment. This figure can, of course, fluctuate significantly based on your individual preferences and how often you participate in these activities.

Personal expenses, such as toiletries, clothing, and other miscellaneous items, should also be factored into your overall student living expenses.

Understanding the cost of education in the USA is paramount for international students. It's important to note that the following figures represent indicative averages, and actual tuition fees can vary considerably depending on the specific university you choose, its location, and the program of study.

Public universities generally tend to have lower tuition fees compared to private institutions.

Tuition costs will also vary depending on the level of study:

For Undergraduate Programs, the general annual range for tuition fees in the USA is USD $20,000 to $50,000, with costs varying by field.

• Arts and Humanities: Typically ranging from USD $20,000 to $30,000 per year.

• Business and Management: Generally cost between USD $25,000 and $40,000 per year.

• Engineering and Technology: Usually cost around USD $30,000 to $50,000 per year.

• Health Sciences and Medicine: Often range from USD $35,000 to $60,000 per year.

Tuition fees for postgraduate programs also vary widely.

• Master’s Degrees: Generally ranging from USD $20,000 to $40,000 per year.

• Doctoral Programs (PhD): Often lower, ranging from USD $5,000 to $10,000 per year, particularly due to the research focus and potential for funding opportunities.

• MBA Programs: Typically more expensive, ranging from USD $40,000 to $70,000 per year.

Beyond the direct tuition fees, you should also budget for other university-related expenses like student service fees that contribute to the overall cost of living. These fees can vary by institution, ranging from USD $200 to $1,000 per year, and cover access to recreational facilities and student organisations.

Of course, each school in the US has a unique tuition scheme. Some charge lower, while others are understandably more expensive. To get a better estimate of how much it costs to study in your chosen school, it's better to reach out to us at IDP.

Our counselors are in close contact with US universities, so they know how much our partner schools charge for tuition fees. Book a consultation to get started.

For international students seeking ways to manage their cost of living, exploring part-time work opportunities can be a practical approach. In the USA, those holding an F-1 or M-1 visa are generally permitted to work up to 20 hours per week during the academic term, and full-time during official university breaks.

This can provide a valuable income stream, with entry-level jobs often offering an average hourly wage ranging from USD $15 to USD $22, significantly contributing towards your overall living expenses.

Here are a few avenues you can explore to help you find suitable employment:

On-campus opportunities:

Many universities offer a variety of employment options within their campuses. These can include roles in university libraries, research laboratories, dining services, and administrative offices. On-campus positions often provide the benefit of convenient work locations and schedules that can be more easily integrated with your academic commitments.

Off-campus roles:

Beyond the university grounds, common part-time roles for international students include positions in sectors such as retail, hospitality, and customer service. These jobs can offer valuable work experience and provide additional income to support your living costs.

Furthermore, many students also find opportunities to work as research assistants or tutors within their specific academic disciplines, allowing them to utilise their knowledge and skills while earning.

Co-op programs and internships:

Depending on your chosen field of study, co-operative education programs (co-ops) and internships may also be a viable option. These structured programs often combine practical work experience directly related to your academic curriculum, providing an opportunity to earn money while gaining valuable professional skills.

However, it is important to keep in mind that international students must maintain full compliance with the legal work hour limitations to ensure their continued eligibility to study in the USA. Exceeding the permitted working hours can lead to serious complications with your student visa status.

Understanding the various aspects of the living costs for international students is a vital step in preparing for your studies in the United States. From accommodation and tuition fees to everyday expenses and potential work opportunities, careful planning will help you navigate your finances effectively and focus on your academic success and overall experience in the USA.

At IDP, we understand that planning to study abroad involves many important decisions, and we're here to guide you through every step. Our experienced counsellors can provide personalised advice on budgeting, the best universities in the USA for you based on your financial considerations, and help you navigate the application process.

Contact IDP today to explore your study options in the USA and take the first step towards your American educational adventure.