Cost & funding planner
Cost of studying in United States
Tuition, month-by-month living costs, visa fees and proof-of-funds — converted to rupees, with an honest view of the funding gap you will need to bridge.
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Monthly living costs in United States
Based on a mid-size city (Austin, Pittsburgh, Columbus). Change the location above to update these figures.
| Expense | Per month (USD) | Per month (₹) |
|---|---|---|
| Rent & housing | $900 | ₹78,300 |
| Groceries & eating out | $350 | ₹30,450 |
| Local transport | $90 | ₹7,830 |
| Utilities | $120 | ₹10,440 |
| Mobile & internet | $55 | ₹4,785 |
| Personal & social | $200 | ₹17,400 |
| Total per month | $1,715 | ₹1.49 L |
One-time and visa costs
Often billed by the university
Studying in United States — cost FAQs
What is the monthly cost of living for a student in United States?＋
Budget roughly $1,715 per month in a mid-range city — about $1,286 in smaller towns and $2,487 in the most expensive metros. Rent is the largest single line item.
How much is tuition in United States?＋
Tuition typically ranges USD 25,000 – 75,000 / year, depending on the university and whether the programme is taught at a public or private institution.
How much money must I show for the United States student visa?＋
Tuition + living costs for year 1 shown on the I-20, evidenced at the visa interview.
Can part-time work cover my living costs in United States?＋
20 hrs/week on-campus during term; CPT/OPT after the first year. Conservatively that is around $700 per month, which covers part but rarely all of your living costs. Never plan your budget assuming full-time earnings.
What one-time costs should I budget for United States?＋
SEVIS I-901 fee: $350; F-1 visa application (MRV): $185; Flights (one way): $900; Health insurance (per year): $2,200; Initial setup — deposit, bedding, kitchen: $1,500.
All figures are indicative planning estimates and move with exchange rates, city, university and government policy. Verify tuition with the university and fees with the official immigration authority before you commit money.