Monthly living expenses for international students in the US

Monthly living expenses for international students in the US usually fall between 1500 and 2800 USD per month, depending heavily on the city, housing type, and lifestyle. Most students in big cities pay toward the upper end; smaller towns are toward the lower end.

Typical Monthly Costs Explained

Below is a realistic breakdown based on what international students commonly experience, not ideal scenarios shown in brochures. Actual amounts vary by state, but these ranges are reliable for planning.

• Housing (700–1600 USD): This is the largest cost. Shared apartments near campus are cheaper. Living alone or staying in major cities like NYC, Boston, LA, or SF pushes costs above 1500. Renting usually requires the first month’s rent plus a security deposit.
• Utilities (70–180 USD): Electricity, heating, water, trash, and internet. Some rentals include a few utilities, but internet is almost always separate.
• Food (350–600 USD): Cooking at home keeps costs low. Eating out regularly increases expenses quickly. Campus meal plans are convenient but often more expensive.
• Transportation (50–150 USD): Campus bus systems may be free. City transit passes in big cities cost more. Having a car adds insurance, fuel, and maintenance, easily reaching 250–400 USD, so most students avoid it.
• Phone plan (25–60 USD): Prepaid plans are cheaper and good for new arrivals with no credit history.
• Health insurance (100–350 USD): Many universities require their own plan, which can be costly. If alternatives are allowed, private plans may be slightly cheaper.
• Personal expenses (100–250 USD): Laundry, toiletries, clothing, occasional social activities.
• Academic costs (30–120 USD): Books, software, printing. Some majors like engineering or design have higher material costs.

Important Notes That Students Often Miss

• Deposit and setup costs: First month expenses are higher due to deposits for housing, utilities, and buying essentials for the apartment.
• Credit history: Without US credit, phone companies and landlords may ask for deposits.
• Work limits: F1 students can only work on campus during the first year, max 20 hours weekly, so budgeting matters.
• City choice changes everything: New York, Boston, DC, LA, and SF are 25–50 percent more expensive than mid-sized cities or college towns.

If planning safely, assume 1800–2400 USD per month unless you will study in a low-cost college town with shared housing.