What is the Cost of living in USA?

One of the most critical concerns of studying abroad for international students is the cost of living. You should do thorough research and plan well before making your final decision. The USA is not a cheap country to live in, and it is no secret. Knowing the likely expenses that can come your way is advisable, so you do not suffer in the end. You can expect a monthly expense of USD 1000 to USD 3000 per month. However, this cost highly depends on your area and the university you study at. For instance, your monthly expenses will be higher if you study at a university in New York. On the other hand, your expenses will be considerably lesser if you live in a place like Ohio. In general, to put it short, you should consider the means to support yourself before shifting to the USA. The following sections will help you understand the likely costs of living in the USA, the affordable cities etc.

Cost of Living in USA for International Students

It is estimated that an international student will have to spend around USD 10,000 to USD 18,000 per year to live in the USA. This cost depends on your area, but there can only be a minor difference. Tuition fees cover a more significant part of your expense in the country, followed by accommodation. Several scholarships available for international students provide full and partial funding. Nonetheless, you will have to spend on clothes, entertainment, movies etc. A few costs that come yearly are highlighted below.

• Most universities offer in-campus accommodation. To live outside, you must rent an apartment for around USD 300 to USD 600 per month.
• You can expect a travel cost of between USD 300 and USD 700 to travel within the country.
• You may need to spend around USD 900 to USD 2000 per year on your books and other study materials.
• If you are someone who eats out more often, you can expect an expense of USD 2500 per year.
• You may also spend around USD 2500 a year on your clothes, movies and other forms of entertainment.

Average Cost of Living in USA

The USA is one of the most prominent nations in the world in terms of attracting international students. At the same time, it is one of the most attractive countries to live in. however, with all these come a few costs that you should be aware of. A monthly breakdown of the cost of some necessities is given below.

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Cost of Accomodation in USA

The cost of accommodation is highly dependent on where you stay and how you stay. If you live in a costlier city, your accommodation expenses will be higher and vice versa. Also, your expenses will be lower if you live in an off-campus dorm. You have four options to stay; an on-campus, off-campus, one-bedroom apartment in a rural area and an urban area. The monthly cost can considerably vary.

A rough estimate is given below:

• On-campus accommodation: USD 9800 - USD 11,100 per year
• Off-campus dormitory: USD 450 per month
• One-bedroom apartment in the city: USD 3500 per month
• Off-campus apartment in a rural area: USD 500 per month

Cost of Utilities in USA

The cost of utilities can include the expenses of electricity, water, water, gas, telephone, cable etc. It can vary depending on your need and the place you live in. For instance, fuel costs are reduced if you do not own a vehicle. You may spend around USD 35 to USD 115 per month on water, USD 117 on electricity, USD 55 on natural gas etc. On average, Connecticut, Alaska, Hawaii etc., are a few places with more utility expenses, and New Mexico, Utah, Idaho etc., are a few places where it is cheaper.

Cost of Transportation in USA

Cost of Healthcare in USA

Healthcare in the USA is very expensive compared to several other countries. Though the doctor consultation cost is not too high, the medical treatment is costlier. A standard medical treatment can cost you around USD 200 to USD 300. If you need to be admitted to the hospital for some reason, the cost can be even higher.

A few healthcare needs and the likely expense are given below:

• Ambulance: USD 400 - USD 1200
• Medication: USD 500
• Medical tests and screenings: USD 100 - USD 5000
• Hospitalisation: USD 3000 - USD 30,000
• Surgery: USD 4000 - USD 10,000
• Dental treatment: USD 115 - USD 695

Best and Affordable City to Live in USA

You need not be worried about seeing all the high figures on the likely expenses in the USA. A few cities and states in the country are cheaper and affordable for international students. If you shift to these places, it will be easier for you to manage your finances well. A few such places and the average cost of living per month are given in the table below.

Cost of Education in USA

The USA has over a million international students. You will find that there are courses and programs for everyone. A degree earned from that country is recognised worldwide. You will find your certificate from an American university benefitting you both for your higher studies and getting a good job. The average tuition fees of some of the popular courses in the USA are given below.

Conclusion

Studying abroad, especially in the USA, requires careful financial planning due to high living costs. International students can expect monthly expenses between USD 1000 to USD 3000, varying significantly based on location and university. Costs encompass tuition, accommodation, travel, books, and personal expenses. While cities like New York are expensive, places like Ohio offer a more affordable living. It's crucial to research and understand these costs, including available scholarships, to avoid financial difficulties.

If you need further assistance on the cost of living in the USA or anything else about studying in the USA in general, you can contact aecc. We have counsellors and professionals skilled at addressing all your queries and helping you apply to your favourite university. You need not hesitate to contact us anytime.