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 you plan to study in the US, you must also have a solid plan to cover these costs. Today, we’re breaking down the cost of living to help you set a budget.
The cost of living in the US can change depending on where you’re studying. Students in cities like New York, Boston, and San Francisco will have higher living expenses. That said, the cost of living is constantly changing, so it’s a good idea to regularly update your budget. The amounts featured below were last updated in November 2025.
Thinking about studying in the US? Use the ApplyBoard platform to find programs that fit your needs.
Living Expenses
Generally, living in a smaller town is more affordable than living in a city. Grocery costs can vary a lot state-by-state, from an average of US$387 per month in New York to US$168 in Wyoming. However, the cost of utilities, laundry, and personal hygiene is fairly similar across the US. We’ve shared some common cost of living expenses in the US below:1
Utilities
Utilities like electricity, water, and heating ensure that your household stays livable and comfortable. Some housing includes utility costs in the rent, but when they don’t, utilities can drive up your budget. Utilities also include things like internet access and your phone bill.
Your monthly bills can vary 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 in full right away or pay it off as quickly as possible. The sooner it’s paid for, 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 are some average utility costs in the US:2
Maximize your student budget with these four helpful strategies.
Leisure
Balance is key. It’s important to also budget for fun extracurriculars while studying abroad. Some students may enjoy evenings at the gym, while others prefer to go out for dinner with friends. Below, we’ve shared some common leisure-related expenses for international students in the US:3
Having fun while studying abroad is important, but it’s also important to balance your spending. Try having one or two special treats each week. For example, one week, you might enjoy a cozy movie night in, and the next, treat yourself to new jeans or a fun night out. This approach helps you savour the moments that bring you happiness while staying financially healthy.
Tip: Enjoy working out? Consider getting a gym membership (campus gyms are usually an affordable option, or admission may be free with your tuition). 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, many institutions offer their students a discounted transit pass.
Always check with your academic institution to see what deals they offer. Here’s what to expect for average transportation costs and academic supply costs:4
The cost of academic supplies can vary depending on your program and level of study. 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. Visit your institution’s bookstore to find second-hand books. You might also be able to rent your textbooks online or through your institution’s library.
Want to manage your costs while studying abroad and still see (more of) the world? Here are our five tips for traveling affordably as an international student.
Use the estimates highlighted in this blog to start budgeting for your journey abroad. It’s crucial to have a plan, and yours begins here!
Planning to study abroad in the United States? Explore the ApplyBoard platform to find your perfect academic institution and program.
FOOTNOTES:
1. Sources: Numbeo, Cost of Living in the United States (off-campus housing: city); Education Data Initiative, “Average Cost of College & Tuition.” (on-campus housing); Yahoo!Finance, “Here’s What an Average Apartment Costs in 46 US Cities.” (off-campus housing; smaller cities); USDA Food and Nutrition Service, Official USDA Food Plans: Cost of Food at Home at Three Levels, US Average, August 2025. (food); FC Drycleaners, “How much does a load of laundry cost: home vs laundromat.” (laundry); SaveMyCent, “12 Essential College Student Spending Statistics…” (hygiene)
2. Sources: Numbeo, Cost of Living in the United States. (utilities, Internet, phone) and Todd Spangler, Variety. “Americans Now Spend $69 Per Month on Video Streaming – and Nearly Half Think It’s Too Much.” (streaming/TV)
3. Sources: Eventbrite, “The Nightlife Industry: How Much Do People Spend on a Night Out?” (night out); Numbeo, Cost of Living in the United States (coffee, clothing, beer, eating out – casual and fast food, gym membership, movie tickets);
4. Sources: Education Data Initiative, “Average Cost of College & Tuition.” (books and supplies) and Numbeo, Cost of Living in the United States (transportation)
