Cost of Living in the US | Accommodation & Study (2024)

The cost of living in the USA for Indian students varies a lot depending on the region where you took admission. You can’t have a fixed rate card, but certain states like Michigan have a relatively much lower monthly living cost in the USA than others. You will find higher living expenses in the USA because of the high per capita income coupled with higher demand among students.
The average monthly cost of living in the USA will always be a thing of your concern if you are going to study on a loan or don’t come from an affluent society. You will be surprised to know that the monthly living expenses in the USA are a crucial factor in deciding the university of your choice. You must factor in all the details regarding the average monthly cost of living in the USA by researching, reaching out to friends or family who might be living or have lived there. It will be beneficial.
Once you have a brief idea of the monthly expenses, it will narrow down your choices, and it will result in effective finance throughout your course at the University.

Mississippi is the most affordable when it comes to states with the lowest average expenditure in the USA. The living cost indices are conducive to students who want to get quality education at affordable costs. The rent for a 2BHK flat is approximately $795 per month, and the housing index is 66.7. the average household income is $43,567 per annum.
Oklahoma is the second most affordable state with one of the lowest living costs in the USA per month. The median household income is pegged at $54,449. And if you are looking for a rented space, you can get a 2BHK apartment at $849 per month. It is one of the most sought places owing to the most affordable cost of living in the USA for Indian students.
Arkansan comes at number three when it comes to offering reasonable average expenses in the USA. Arkansas has the lowest rates for housing, transportation, and healthcare facilities. The overall prices are way below the national average monthly cost of living in the USA. The cost of living index is 87.8, while the rent is around $708. The median income in the state is $45726, which gives a clear picture of a reasonable price compared with other states with a relatively higher average cost of living in the USA.
Kansas comes at fourth place in terms of the affordable cost of living in the USA. The cost of living index is at 87.9. The usual rent is approximately $752/month, making the place a most liked state among Indian students. The cost of living in the USA for Indian students is a crucial factor since most of you will go on loans and scholarships. With a median income of $57422 and wages at $48052, you can easily pursue higher education without overly burdening the finances.
Other states in the top 10 include Missouri, Georgia, and Alabama.

Hawaii is one of the most expensive places to live in the USA. The cost of living index is the highest, and it is 192.9, which makes it way higher than the average monthly cost of living in the USA. You will have to pay huge rent for a 2BHK flat which on average is $1895, making it the most expensive in terms of cost of living in the USA for Indian students. You will have to pay more for other items, too, since the prices are higher than the rest of America.
The second number is of Washington DC, wherein you will have to pay more than the average expense in the USA. When you compare the rents in Washington with Hawaii, they are pretty high and, on average, amount to $2776/month. The living index is 158.4 that will increase your living expenses in the USA. However, the average living wage is also the highest in the USA.
Even though California has the third-highest average monthly cost of living in the USA, it has some finest universities like UC Berkley and Caltech. The cost of living index is 151.72, but you will have to pay a lot in rent. The average rent for a 2BHK apartment is more than $2900, and it will affect your finances. The high cost of living in the USA may affect your loan amount and other expenses.
If you are planning to pursue higher education in the USA, the state of New York must be in your mind. But you should keep in mind that the cost of living in the USA for Indian students can be a costly affair. The cost of living index is relatively low at 134.2, and the average rent for a 2BHK apartment can be around $1500 in New York State. But in New York City(NYC), rents are sky-high, and it can be about $3700/month. New York has one of the highest living costs in the USA per month, and it can be even higher depending on your locality.

The cost of education is an integral part of the overall cost of living in the USA for Indian students, and thus you should understand the education system over there. The universities in the USA have higher fees than other countries owing to better academics, living standards, and employability post the completion of studies. However, you shouldn’t restrict your expenditure to just the fees, and it’s a narrowed approach to see things. The monthly living expenses in the USA can be a pricey affair for you, so one should consider a lot of factors before taking admission to an American university.
As far as the fee is concerned, the USA offers you an excellent education with high fees. In the US, there are two types of universities, one the public and another the private. The state governments do the funding for public universities, and they have relatively less fee than the private universities. The private universities have to depend on the tuition fees paid by the students and donations from corporates and other organizations. However, private universities are more sought than public universities. All the top American universities you might have heard of are private, Harvard, Stanford, Yale, MIT, etc.
The fee, as mentioned above, is for a bachelor’s degree, and it also varies from one stream to another. Usually, the fee for STEM courses is higher than others in both public and private universities.
For a masters’ degree, the fee for public universities is approximate $25000, while in private universities, it is around $41000. Again, the fee can vary from one course to another. You will have to pay more for professional courses owing to more job opportunities and fewer seats. Although the fee is fixed, the average monthly cost of living in the USA will vary for you, and you should always bear this in mind.

Average expenditure in the US will vary on a lot of factors. You can make a subtle difference in your average cost of living in the USA by sharing an apartment, living in an affordable neighborhood, using public means of transport for the daily commute, etc. The gasoline rates also vary from one state to another, rents vary, and grocery-related expenses can also vary. To reduce the overall cost, a modest lifestyle will help you a lot in managing your finances. Students also do part-time work, which will help you make a considerable difference in your overall expenses. The prices of commodities are higher if you calculate INR, but even a small earning in USD will help you save a lot.
Average monthly expenses in the USA vary from one city to another. Here is the approximate cost of living in the USA for Indian students to help you chalk out the appropriate financial plan during your stay.

Accommodation cost can be a big-time differentiator while calculating the living cost in the USA per month. It will depend on the type of accommodation you are seeking. Students try all the accommodations, and there can’t be a uniform rule for it. The type of accommodation depends on your financial condition if you plan to do some part-time job, the proximity from your institution, etc. Monthly living expenses in the USA impacts your studies, too, since there are pros and cons of living in certain accommodations. Many students prefer living on campus for studies while some prefer living outside; here is the approximate expense you will incur while living in different accommodations.

The cost of food accounts for a considerable part of average monthly expenses in the USA. The cost of food varies from one state to another; for instance, in states like Oklahoma, the grocery will not cost more than $200 for an Indian student, while in cities like NYC, it could cost you around $400. The cost of food varies depending on your food preferences, the habit of eating out, the type of food you choose, etc. On average, expenditure in the USA will not take a toll on you unless you have outrageous eating habits or regular dining. The food habit for an Indian student is by and large modest, so you don’t have to worry much about it.
There are workplaces where they provide you with quality food if you are planning to take a part-time job while studying at university.

Transportation cost is easily manageable, and it will not affect your living expenses in the USA. Most students take monthly passes, which help them cut a lot in the living cost in the USA per month and also helps them reach faster since the traffic at cities like NYC can be a lot taxing for you. Also, you can use bicycles for the local commute that will help you maintain fitness and save some extra bucks.
The rate of monthly passes varies from one state to another. In some states, the cost can be as high as $100, while in some, it can go as low as 50 or even lower. So it solely depends on you as to how you will let the transportation cost affect your cost of living in the USA. Some students also take second-hand cars, and the gasoline prices vary across states.

There are other living expenses in the USA apart from the ones mentioned above. It has to be factored in while calculating the average monthly cost of living in the USA. Students have to pay internet bills, electricity bills, phone bills, and other expenses for day-to-day needs. Apart from your daily needs, the cost of living in the USA for Indian students or any other international student also includes insurance charges. For international students, it is mandatory to take insurance in case of any unforeseen event. Many insurance companies are providing a range of health coverage. You can choose an insurance company based on your needs and financial feasibility. While studying at university, you will have to spend on stationery and other items of need. Also, the monthly living expenses in the USA may include costs like buying a new gadget, some repairs, etc.

Students can take up part-time jobs, live in a cheap neighborhood, choosing a university in a relatively affordable city, etc.

Yes, living expenses can be included in many of the abroad education loan products.

The pros are better job and internship opportunities, while the cons may include a higher average cost of living in the USA.

The accommodation is a crucial aspect in managing the average monthly expenses in the USA. There are many options which include on-campus, off-campus (rented apartment), or shared apartment.