Cost of Living in USA for International Students
Finding student accommodation in the USA involves exploring a variety of housing options, from luxurious private rooms and lively shared flats to chic studios, stylish apartments, and esteemed residences. For Indian students, the average rents range from 620 USD to 2,000 USD (51,200 to 1.65 lakhs INR) per month.
Once you’ve secured admission to a US university, finding suitable accommodation becomes a top priority. Choosing the right type of student housing based on your specific needs can offer numerous benefits. This guide will explore the cost of accommodation for international students in the USA across the best student cities.
| City | Average Rent in USD | Average Rent in INR |
| Boston | 850 | 70,200 |
| New York | 1,350 | 1.11 lakhs |
| San Francisco | 1,238 | 1.02 lakhs |
| Los Angeles | 1,063 | 87,800 |
| Chicago | 1,025 | 84,600 |
| Atlanta | 743 | 61,300 |
| Philadelphia | 1,696 | 1.40 lakhs |
| Pittsburgh | 1,101 | 90,900 |
| San Diego | 2,512 | 2.07 lakhs |
| Baltimore | 1,180 | 97,400 |
Types of Student Accommodation in the USA
When it comes to student accommodation in the USA, there are various options to fit different preferences and budgets. Whether you’re an international student or a visitor, knowing the types of accommodation available can help you make an informed decision.
Private Room
A single room within a shared apartment or house. The average monthly room rent in the USA for students ranges from 625 USD to 8,000 USD (51,600 to 6.60 lakhs INR), depending on the location and amenities.
Shared Room
Sharing a room with one or more roommates in an apartment or house. The average monthly room rent in the USA for students ranges from 750 USD to 6,000 USD (61,900 to 4.95 lakhs INR), depending on the location and number of roommates.
Studio
A self-contained living space with a combined living area, bedroom, and kitchenette. The average monthly rent in the USA ranges from 2,000 USD to 5,000 USD (1.65 lakhs to 4.13 lakhs INR), depending on the location and size of the studio.
Entire Place
Renting a complete apartment or house for yourself. The average monthly rent in the USA ranges from 1,000 USD to 3,000 USD (82,600 to 2.47 lakhs INR) or more, depending on the location, size, and amenities.
Residence
On-campus housing provided by universities, usually in dormitory-style rooms. The average monthly rent of hostels in the USA for students varies widely, but it can range from 1,000 USD to 5,000 USD (82,600 to 4.13 lakhs INR) or more, depending on the university and room type.
Homestay
Living with a local host family, typically providing a private room and shared common areas. The average monthly rent in the USA ranges from 900 USD to 5,000 USD (74,300 to 4.13 lakhs INR), depending on the location and services included.
Best Student Cities in the USA
Boston
Boston is home to some of the world’s top universities, attracting talented students from around the globe. Popular universities include MIT and Harvard University. The city is also known for its lively pubs, bars, and love for sports. The average monthly cost of living in Boston is 850 USD (70,200 INR).
| Accommodation Type | Average Price in USD | Average Price in INR |
| Private room | 975 – 3,700 | 80,500 – 3.05 lakhs |
| Shared Room | 850 – 1,295 | 70,100 – 1.06 lakhs |
| Studio | 2,625 | 2.16 lakhs |
| Homestay | 990 – 3,600 | 81,700 – 2.97 lakhs |
New York
New York is a popular city for international students, ranked 16th in the Best Student Cities index. It offers a high quality of life and a rich cultural experience. Columbia University and New York University are among the top universities. The average monthly cost of living in New York is 1,350 USD (1.11 lakhs INR).
| Accommodation Type | Average Price in USD | Average Price in INR |
| Private room | 800 – 10,240 | 66,000 – 8.43 lakhs |
| Shared Room | 750 – 8,260 | 61,900 – 6.82 lakhs |
| Studio | 2,950 – 5,600 | 2.43 lakhs – 4.62 lakhs |
| Homestay | 840 – 3,630 | 69,300 – 3 lakhs |
San Francisco
San Francisco, located on California’s west coast alongside the Pacific Ocean, is renowned for its iconic Golden Gate Bridge. It offers an exceptional lifestyle for international students. Stanford University and University of California Berkeley are some of the top universities. The average monthly cost of living in San Francisco is 1,238 USD (1.02 lakhs INR).
| Accommodation Type | Average Price in USD | Average Price in INR |
| Private room | 625 – 8,330 | 51,600 – 6.87 lakhs |
| Shared Room | 5,000 – 6,680 | 4.12 lakhs – 5.51 lakhs |
| Studio | 3,640 – 5,000 | 3 lakhs – 4.12 lakhs |
| Homestay | 990 – 5,250 | 81,700 – 4.33 lakhs |
Los Angeles
Los Angeles, with its vibrant creative industries, is a hub for universities. It ranks 31st among the best student cities in the US. The University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), is one of the top universities and consistently ranks among the top 50 worldwide. The average monthly cost of living in Los Angeles is around 1,063 USD (87,800 INR).
| Accommodation Type | Average Price in USD | Average Price in INR |
| Private room | 725 – 3,800 | 59,800 – 3.13 lakhs |
| Shared Room | 1,750 – 1,900 | 1.44 lakhs – 1.56 lakhs |
| Studio | 2,000 – 9,000 | 1.65 lakhs – 7.43 lakhs |
| Homestay | 1,080 – 3,000 | 89,100 – 2.47 lakhs |
Chicago
Chicago, known as the Windy City, boasts remarkable architecture, rich cultural heritage, a diverse multicultural community, and a thriving entrepreneurial culture. The University of Illinois, University of Chicago, and Loyola University Chicago are among the top universities. The average monthly cost of living in Chicago is around 1,025 USD (84,600 INR).
| Accommodation Type | Average Price in USD | Average Price in INR |
| Private room | 640 – 4,200 | 52,800 – 3.46 lakhs |
| Shared Room | 1,275 – 1,900 | 1.05 lakhs – 1.56 lakhs |
| Studio | 1,900 | 1.56 lakhs |
| Homestay | 750 – 1,950 | 61,900 – 1.61 lakhs |
Atlanta
Atlanta, Georgia’s capital and the largest city in the US, boasts a rich cultural scene, high quality of life, and excellent educational opportunities for international students. Universities in Atlanta offer global students valuable support in finding top-tier educational institutions. The average monthly cost of living in Atlanta is 743 USD (61,300 INR).
| Accommodation Type | Average Price in USD | Average Price in INR |
| Private room | 625 – 1,500 | 51,600 – 1.23 lakhs |
| Shared Room | 625 – 950 | 51,600 – 78,400 |
| Studio | 810 – 1,625 | 66,800 – 1.34 lakhs |
| Homestay | 630 – 2,700 | 52,000 – 2.22 lakhs |
Living on Campus in the USA
On-campus living facilities in the USA range from residence halls to apartments accommodating 4 to 8 students. These accommodations typically feature private bedrooms with shared kitchens, living rooms, and bathrooms. Some on-campus housing options provide meal plans, while others have kitchens where students can prepare their own meals. Applications and bookings for on-campus student accommodation in the USA are available along with confirmations. Since these accommodations are often allocated on a first-come, first-served basis, it’s crucial to book early if you wish to secure a spot close to campus.
On-campus rent in the USA can be paid in instalments or monthly payments. Students are usually required to pay a deposit equivalent to one month’s rent in advance, which is refunded when they leave. Additional expenses such as heating and electricity may also apply. The average cost of on-campus student accommodation in the USA is around $11,100 per academic year. If you choose to live on campus, you should start the accommodation application process as soon as you receive your course acceptance.
Living Off-Campus in the USA
One major consideration for students in the USA is finding the perfect place to live near their university. Rent for off-campus student accommodation in the USA starts at a minimum of $450 per month. The average accommodation costs range from $50 to $100 per week. Most off-campus living facilities in the USA offer a variety of options, with prices varying based on lifestyle and social habits. Contact us at Panda International to learn more about off-campus student accommodation in the USA.
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