Cost of Living in the United States

August 26, 2024

The United States (US) is home to some of the most renowned colleges and universities in the world, making it an excellent choice for international students. However, living in the US can come with a high cost of living. If your sights are set on studying abroad in the US, you must have a solid plan to cover these costs. Today, we’re breaking down the cost of living to help you set a budget for your journey.

The cost of living in the US can differ greatly depending on where you choose to study. Major cities like New York and San Francisco tend to have higher living expenses than other regions. Regardless of these estimates, the cost of living is constantly changing, so it’s a good idea to do your research to update your budget.

Thinking about studying in the US? Head over to the ApplyBoard platform to find programs and institutions that fit your needs.

Living Expenses

Living expenses vary depending on where you plan to live. Generally speaking, living in a rural area is more affordable than living in a city. However, the cost of utilities, food, laundry, and personal hygiene is relatively the same regardless of where you choose to live. To give you an idea of the average cost of living expenses in the US, we’ve included current estimates below (as of August 2024):¹

Utilities

Utilities like electricity, water, and heating ensure that your household remains livable and comfortable. Some accommodation options include utilities built into the cost, but when they don’t, utilities can add significantly to your budget as an international student. This is why it’s essential to factor the cost of utilities into your plan.

Your monthly bills can fluctuate based on the following factors:

Regulations, like related city and state laws
Location
Lifestyle
Local climate

To help cut down on your monthly utility bills, if you buy a new phone after moving to the US, try to buy it outright or pay off its purchase as quickly as possible. The sooner you pay it off, the more affordable your monthly payments will be, as you’ll only have to pay for your phone bill and not the phone itself. If your current phone from your home country is unlocked, you may just need to buy an American SIM card and sign up for an American phone plan.

Tip: To find out the average monthly cost of utilities in your area, you can ask your landlord, realtor, or apartment manager. Or, use a cost of living calculator like Numbeo.

Here’s a breakdown of some average utility costs in the US (current as of August 2024):²

Check out these four tips to maximize your student budget on our blog.

Leisure

Balance is key. It’s important to budget for leisure and fun while studying abroad. This can mean many things to different people. Some students may enjoy spending their evenings at the gym, while others may choose to go out for dinner with a friend. To give you an idea of some of these costs, we’ve listed a few of the more common expenses below (current as of August 2024): ³

Making time for some fun while studying abroad is important, but it’s crucial to strike a balance when it comes to spending. Instead of indulging in frequent dinners out or constantly updating your wardrobe, try to be mindful of your budget. Consider setting aside one or two special treats each week. For instance, one week, you might enjoy a cozy movie night in, and the next, you could treat yourself to a new pair of jeans or a fun night out with friends. This approach helps you savour the moments that bring you happiness while staying financially healthy.

Tip: Consider getting a gym membership, as you’ll pay a set monthly amount and can go as many times as you’d like. Plus, it’s a great way to stay in shape and meet like-minded people.

Transportation and Academic Supplies

Your monthly transportation costs will vary based on where you live. If you’re living on-campus, you’ll save money on transportation by being close to your classes, libraries, and campus facilities. If you live off-campus, you’ll have to spend more money getting to and from the places mentioned above. Luckily, most schools offer their students a discount on a bus pass. Be sure to check with your academic institution to see what deals they offer. Here’s a breakdown on what to expect for transportation costs and academic supply costs (current as of August 2024):⁴

The cost of academic supplies can vary depending on your program, level of study, and ability to find deals on textbooks. Despite the figure above representing all kinds of academic supplies, including pens, paper, and binders, the cost of textbooks takes up the majority of this expense. Check out your institution’s book store to find second-hand books. Also, you might be able to find and rent your textbooks on Amazon or through your institution’s library.