In the current scenario, managing living expenses while studying in the United States is a very daunting task. However, it all depends on your budget plan. You can easily manage your living expenses if you spend your money wisely. Otherwise, you need to tell your parents to send you money which might make your parents stressed if their earnings are low.
Well, how much cost is required to live in the USA as an international student? In this article, we have mentioned the overall different types of expenses with an average amount that you need to manage while studying in the USA. Well, if you have questions regarding the fee structure in US universities, you can connect with the best immigration consultants.
Living Expenses For International Students In The USA
Here is the list of expenses that international students have to bear in the USA:
Accommodation Cost in the USA
You need proper accommodation to live in the USA. After arriving, you need to look for a place where you can keep your luggage and live after your college and work hours. Although you can live on campus, living off campus is a reasonable option. It is better to look for cheap accommodation options if you want to save money. Well, the accommodation cost can vary depending on the city and locality. However, the average house rent of a shared apartment will be around 700-900 USD per month. Moreover, you also need to pay for utilities such as electricity, water, gas supply, heating systems and so on which will be around 400-600 USD per month. If you want to live on-campus, then the overall accommodation cost including utilities will be around 1600-1700 USD per month.
Food Cost
If you are planning to live on campus, you can save your food expenses. Well, if you want to eat something extra that is not provided in the hostel meal, you need to pay extra for it. However, if you are living in private accommodation, you need to manage food expenses on your own. If you prepare your meal at home, it will be a much more affordable option for you. However, if you rely on tiffin services or restaurant food, it will be too expensive. On average, the food expenses will be around 150-200 USD. For students living off-campus, the additional charges for food will be around 50-80 USD.
Transportation Cost
Note that public transportation is a cheaper and pocket-friendly option for international students living in the USA. So, try to travel by public buses and trains being an international student in the USA. Many students prefer buying their cars believing that it would be easy for them to travel anytime. However, they don’t know that buying their car includes various additional costs such as maintenance costs, gasoline costs, and so on. So, if we consider public transportation, then the overall cost will be around 100-120 USD. However, you need to spend 400-450 USD per month for private transportation.
Shopping Costs
Shopping costs can vary significantly from person to person, as individual spending habits and preferences play a substantial role. While some students may be self-proclaimed shopaholics, others may be more frugal and mindful of their expenses. However, there are certain essential items that every student needs to purchase regularly from a supermarket. These necessities include groceries, such as fresh produce, meat, dairy products, and other pantry staples, as well as clothes, shoes, stationery, household items, and toiletries. Nonetheless, $200 to $300 per month serves as a reasonable estimate for the average student’s shopping expenses.
Internet Cost
Can you imagine your life without the Internet? No, because all the assignments, classes, college updates, results, and everything is done online these days. Moreover, you need to talk with your family back home and the Internet is required for this. So, you need to buy an internet connection. Although the internet cost can vary depending on various companies, the average cost will be around 60-70 USD per month.
If you want to know about additional costs you need to manage while living in the USA, you need to consult the best USA study visa consultants.
Conclusion
Apart from the tuition fee, these are other living costs that you need to manage while living in the USA. So, make a budget list and make sure to have enough funds in your account if you want to manage all the expenses without getting worried.