Cost Of Living In USA As A Student

A lot of students set their minds on living in the United States from a very young age. We can confidently blame the media we've been exposed to, like How I Met Your Mother, F.R.I.E.N.D.S and Gilmore Girls, where the characters are living and tackling common problems. We see Rory attend Yale University and learn life lessons, Rachel Geller's transition from a waitress to an executive at Ralph Lauren & Louis Vitton and Ted being Ted. where the characters are living and tackling common problems. Watching these shows surely shaped some part of your ambition, and now you've set your mind on travelling overseas and studying and living the American dream. But during all the daydreaming, have you given a thought to the cost of living in USA? If you haven't, it's not too late. We'll make sure to fill you in on all that's important to know about the living cost of USA.

About the United States of America

USA is not only one of the strongest nations in the world but is also a melting pot of culture and tradition. Currently holding the four position as the world's largest country, it holds 50 states, each with its own distinctive history, landscape, slang and language. Thanks to USA's iconic landscapes like its majestic mountains, dense forest, long coastlines and vast plains, the country has gained a lot of popularity in the nature department as well. With its culturally diverse population, USA surely has imprinted a small of its influence on most of us. Although the United States have a high level of life and a bounty of options, it also faces a number of difficulties, such as problems with health care, social inequality, and climate change. Even so, individuals from all over the world continue to flock to the States in search of a better life and a chance to contribute to the rich diversity of this country. It is a land of opportunity. The average cost of living in USA is roughly calculated at $2,500 to $3,000 per month, but keep in mind this will differ from locality to locality and person to person. Here is a breakdown of the living cost in USA.

What are the factors affecting the cost of living in USA?

The cost of living in USA varies strongly based on geography, lifestyle and other factors. Housing, food, transport, healthcare, utilities and taxes are some of the most common elements that influence the cost of living in USA. Education and entertainment can also be a significant factor that will affect your cost of living in USA. Usually, the major expense is housing, and the cost f rent can vary substantially based on location, size and kind of property. Transportation expenditure can also be significant, particularly in places with heavy traffic. The cost of food varies based on what you eat, where you shop and how frequently you dine out. Utilities like power, water, and gas can quickly add up. The cost of medical treatment can be a big issue, especially if you need prescription medication or have a chronic ailment. It is vital that you do research before moving to a new place in order to understand the cost of living in USA. You should compare the cost of living in different cities like Chicago and New York and other cities with top universities. 

Cost of living in USA: Student Housing

Your choice of student accommodation in USA is one the main source of your cost of living in USA. This will majorly affect your cost of living in USA. Students usually have the choice to stay on campus or off campus. You'll get options like private rentals and purpose-built student accommodations (PBSA). PBSAs are residential communities designed especially for students, keeping all student needs in mind. PBSAs are completely outfitted and include useful amenities and utilities. The cost of student housing in USA varies based on the place and type of room you choose. If you're seeking economical and practical housing in USA, PBSA'a is your best bet. However, the cost of living in America differs from city to city and state to state. To know more about the student accommodation cost of living in USA, check out these student housing in USA.

How to save on living costs in USA

Saving on living costs in America can be a piece of cake if you're willing to adjust a little. You can choose to stay with a friend or share an apartment with a roommate or two can surely ease up some tension on the cost of living in USA. It can also save the cost of shared domestic expenses and utilities like food and wifi in your cost of living in USA.

Cost of living in USA: Travel

As a student, transportation becomes an essential aspect of your daily life, as well as when planning your living expenses in USA. Without question, USA offers one of the best and most student-friendly transport infrastructures in the world. To help students travel to their destinations, the transportation system includes buses, trolleys, taxis and bicycles. Consider the following means of transportation when determining your cost of living in USA:

• Buses- $20-$50 per month
• Trolleys- $2 per ride
• Taxi- $20-$100 week
• Bicycles-  $2 per ride

How to save on your travel expenses in USA

Consider walking and cycling as modes of transportation to save money while staying fit and environmentally friendly. If you want to travel on a regular basis, you may consider purchasing combo passes or special term passes. Many public transport companies offer substantial travel discounts to university students. If there are any discounts available to reduce the cost of living in USA, you can take advantage of them. 

Cost of living in USA: Food and Groceries 

No matter if you eat to live or live to eat, food and groceries are an important part of your cost of living in USA. The prices of your food and groceries will highly vary according to your taste and preferences, but here are rough estimates of food and groceries in USA:

• Milk (regular)- $1.03
• Loaf of Fresh White Bread - $3.54 
• Rice (white), (1kg) - $4.55
• Eggs (regular) (12) -$4.40
• Local Cheese (1kg) - $12.87 
• Chicken Fillets (1kg) -$12.00
• Apples (1kg) – $5.29
• Banana (1kg) –$1.61
• Oranges (1kg) – $4.20
• Tomato (1kg) – $4.61  
• Potato (1kg) – $3.01
• Onion (1kg) – $3.01
• Water (1.5-litre bottle) – $2.13 
• Domestic Beer (0.5-litre bottle) – $1.77 
• Imported Beer (0.33-litre bottle) – $3.41 

How can you save on your food and grocery expenses? 

Making your own meals will drastically lower your food bills as well as the cost of living in USA. Cooking basic meals for yourself may instil a newfound enthusiasm for them in you. You may also plan your meals ahead of time and create a grocery list, purchase in bulk when it's cheaper, utilise coupons and take advantage of store deals and promotions, buy produce in season, and restrict how often you eat out or order takeaway.

Cost of living in USA: Utilities 

When counting the cost of living in USA, you have to make sure to include the cost of basic utilities. Utilities vary in price based on where you live to how frequently you use them, but they are required for your home to work correctly. Some of these living expenditures in USA for international students may already be covered by your rent, depending on where you live.

• Basic (Gas, water, electricity, cooling garbage)- £46- £60/month
• Mobile Phone plan - $43.89/monthly
• Internet - $70.42/monthly
• Garbage collection - $17/monthly

How can you save on utilities when living in USA

Living in a shared flat could significantly lower living expenses in USA. Turning off the lights when you're not in the room or turning down the heat when the room is heated up and air conditioning when you leave your flat will help you save money on your monthly living expenditures in USA.

Cost of living in USA: Miscellaneous Expenses 

One of the main advantages of moving out is the chance of exploring a new city or nation. It's something like a shot at a new life. You'll need to budget for many expenses that will arise as a result of your cost of living in USA. The United States of America has one of the most vibrant entertainment and busiest scenes in the country. The USA International Festival and the Hogmanay street party are two of the city's most well-known annual events. USA's tourist attractions are a must-see! Students in USA can also spend their free time at the many bars, restaurants, or pubs close to their USA student accommodation. The following are the basic costs of living in USA for entertainment and recreation:

• A basic dinner for two - $20-50
• A fancy dinner for two in an Italian restaurant-  $75 - 150
• Two tickets to the movies - $11.75-$28
• Clothing and shoes - $120 a month
• Public Gym- $52-$65 per month
• One cocktail drink (downtown club) – $5-$15

How to reduce the cost of miscellaneous expenses while living in USA

Finding low-cost alternatives to things you like to do is one of the most effective strategies to save money on miscellaneous living expenses in USA. Another thing you might do is ask yourself if you really need or desire something. If you really need something, you can't ignore that, if it's something you require, you have a choice to buy it later sometime. Thrifting clothes can also help you manage your expenses in USA.

Cost of living in USA: Tuition Fee

When budgeting the cost of living in USA as a student, paying your tuition fees will carry most of your key expenses. As a result, this is an important consideration while developing your budget. The finest universities in USA, as well as their tuition costs, are detailed here.

Cost of Studying in the Top Universities in USA

1. MIT

Tuition - $55,878

The Massachusetts Institute of Technology is ranked 3rd in the United States and fifth in the world. Although it is just as successful in research as the universities mentioned below, with a score of 93.4, MIT's strength rests in its industry connections. Architecture, Arts and Social Sciences, Engineering, Management, Humanities, and Sciences are the five major schools at MIT. Throughout its history, the institute has produced the radar, found quarks and invented magnetic core memory, which has contributed to the creation of digital computers.

2. University of Stanford 

Tuition -$56,169

Stanford is now tied for third place in the world with Cambridge University. Stanford University, located in the heart of Silicon Valley, is famed for its entrepreneurial spirit, as seen by its outstanding alumni, which include the founders of Nike, Netflix, Instagram and Paypal, to mention a few. The University has also produced 21 Noble laureates and 18 Turing Award winners.

3. University of Harvard 

Tuition -$55,587

From J.F Kennedy and Barack Obama to Natalie Portman, all have walked the halls of the University of Harvard. Harvard University now ranked second in the world, is the best performer in the United States. Harvard would be a great site for postgraduates wishing to learn about the newest breakthroughs in research, with a score of 99 (out of 100) in research and 99.3 in citations. Harvard, the country's oldest University, has produced 45 Nobel laureates and 48 Pulitzer Prize winners. Graduates earn an average of $92,033 ten years after graduation, according to their own data. If you want to study at a prestigious and successful university, Harvard University and its linked graduate schools are a good opportunity.

4. California Institute of Technology 

Tuition -$58,680 

The California Institute of Technology (CALTECH) is ranked sixth in the world. CALTECH has produced 39 Nobel Prize winners in the sciences, engineering, and education. The institute achieved a high research score of 97 and a citation score of 97.3. It also received 83.6 points for worldwide perspective and 89.8 points for industrial income. CALTECH is a wonderful all-arounder if you're searching for industry training and chances or the ability to learn about and contribute to cutting-edge research.

5. University of Princeton

Tuition -$56,010

Princeton University is the last but surely not least. Princeton University is one of the oldest in the United States and is now ranked eighth in the world by THE. It educated two US presidents and Michelle Obama. Princeton University has around 14 million holdings to explore through its ten libraries. Unsurprisingly, Princeton received strong marks in many categories, including research (95.9), citations (99.1), and worldwide orientation (80.3). These figures show Princeton as a well-known and renowned university that could be ideal for your postgraduate degree. Make sure you checkout Princeton university- history, ranking and fee structure.

How can you save on tuition fees in USA?

Tuition is practically a must for students; hence you will be unable to bargain for a lower price. The most effective way to lower your living expenses in USA is to apply for financial aid or scholarships. You can also check to see whether you qualify for financial help at the University of your choice. 

The cost of living in the United States varies strongly depending on geography, lifestyle, and other factors. However, there are several broad elements that might influence the cost of living in any location. You can make informed judgements regarding where to live and how to budget your money if you understand these aspects.