The USA is one of the top-ranking countries for education and global exposure. As of January 2025, 255,447 Indian students are currently studying in the United States, based on the latest data from the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) of the US Department of Homeland Security (DHS). Studying in the US offers a quality education, a great student environment, and strong job prospects. These cities also have good infrastructure, making student life easier. Learning about the best cities to live in the USA for international students can help you choose the ideal one for your studies. Keep reading to learn more.
Top Cities in the USA to Study
The top 7 USA cities for Indian students to study are ranked based on university rankings, appeal, student diversity, affordability, housing, employer presence, and student perspectives.
1. Boston
Boston is known for its rich culture, arts, and strong education system, making it a top choice for international students studying in the USA. The city boasts a vibrant student community and a rich academic environment. It offers excellent public transportation and historical sites, though it has a high cost of living, but provides great job prospects. It is home to many private universities, including MIT and Harvard. However, a well-known public university in Boston is the University of Massachusetts, Boston.
The estimated monthly expenses for living in Boston can vary depending on accommodation type and lifestyle, with a breakdown that includes costs for rent, food, and travel.
Estimated cost of living:*- Rent for a house or apartment ranges from $1,900 to $4,100 per month.
- Food expenses are generally around $450 per month.
- Travel costs for commuting can range from $100 to $150 per month.
2. New York
Considered one of the best cities to live in the USA for Indian students, New York is home to two major Ivy League schools, Cornell University and Columbia University. New York City, often called ‘The Big Apple’ and ‘The City That Never Sleeps’, is known for its skyscrapers, music, fashion, Broadway lights, and street food. The city offers a diverse culture with career opportunities, hence it is prudent to consider a student loan to build strong internship and networking options. Among student-friendly cities, New York ranks highest in desirability, offering a high quality of life despite being more expensive than some other cities.
The estimated monthly expenses for living in the area depend on the type of accommodation and lifestyle
Estimated cost of living:*- Rent for an apartment or house ranges from $2,000 to $6,500 per month.
- Food expenses are estimated at $480 per month.
- The monthly travel cost is around $281. These costs can vary based on location and personal preferences.
3. San Francisco
San Francisco has recorded over 300,000 startups as of 2024, making it a great place for students who want to find work while studying. When it comes to employer activity, San Francisco institutions rank highly. Companies like Apple, IBM, Google, Facebook, and others are based in this tech powerhouse. As the hub of technology and innovation (Silicon Valley), the city offers moderate weather and excellent job opportunities in tech and finance, though it comes with higher living costs.
The estimated monthly expenses for living in San Francisco vary depending on the type of accommodation and lifestyle. Below is a breakdown of these expenses:
Estimated cost of living:*- Rent for a house or apartment ranges from $2,800 to $6,500 per month.
- Food expenses are estimated at $430 per month.
- The monthly travel cost is expected to be between $90 and $100.
4. Chicago
Chicago, often called ‘The Windy City’, is home to thriving entertainment, media, and tech industries, offering great weather and a diverse cultural scene. Known for its blues and jazz scene, it offers a lively atmosphere with plenty of live performances, music festivals, and cultural experiences. Also, the city has some top-notch universities like the University of Chicago and Northwestern University, among others. These universities provide numerous job opportunities for students, making Chicago a popular choice for students.
The estimated monthly expenses for living in the US vary depending on accommodation and lifestyle. Below is a breakdown of expenses in Chicago.
Estimated cost of living:*- Rent for a house or apartment in Chicago ranges from $1,200 to $3,500 per month.
- Food expenses are estimated to be between $450 and $480 per month.
- The monthly travel cost is estimated to range from $110 to $150.
5. Los Angeles
Los Angeles is famous for Hollywood and is one of the country's most popular cities. More than 10% of students in LA universities are from other countries. This creates a strong sense of community, making it a great place for international students.
The estimated monthly expenses for living in the area vary depending on the type of accommodation and lifestyle. Below is a breakdown of expenses in Los Angeles.
Estimated cost of living:*- Rent for a house or apartment ranges from $1,700 to $4,200 per month.
- Food expenses are estimated at $450 to $500 per month.
- The monthly travel cost is expected to be between $100 and $130.
6. Washington, DC
Washington, DC, is a top US student city and is a centre for political science, international relations, and law, offering numerous internship opportunities in government and NGOs. Several renowned universities, including Georgetown, the University of Maryland - College Park, George Washington University, and Howard University, are located nearby. Students studying law, politics, or journalism have significant opportunities to engage with American politics, making DC an excellent learning environment.
The estimated monthly expenses for living in the area vary depending on accommodation and lifestyle.
Estimated cost of living:*- Rent for a house or apartment ranges from $1,800 to $4,500 per month.
- Food expenses are estimated at $480 per month.
- The monthly travel cost is around $150.
7. Atlanta
Atlanta, the capital and largest city of Georgia, is known for its booming job market in tech, business, and healthcare. Atlanta offers plenty of opportunities for students. Plus, with lower living costs compared to other major U.S. cities and a pleasant climate, it’s an attractive option for international students. Known as the ‘City in a Forest’ because of its lush greenery, Atlanta also has a deep history, playing a key role in the US Civil Rights Movement. One of the top universities here is the Georgia Institute of Technology (Georgia Tech), famous for its strong research programmes and close ties with industries.
The estimated monthly expenses for living in the area vary depending on the type of accommodation and lifestyle.
Estimated cost of living:*- Rent for a house or apartment ranges from $1,000 to $2,700 per month.
- Food expenses are estimated at $320 per month.
- The monthly travel cost is around $95.
Why Choose the US to Study?
Studying in the United States can be a wise decision for the following reasons.
- Globally Recognised Degrees: Degrees from renowned colleges in the US are highly valued globally, making them attractive to employers.
- Great Research Opportunities: Universities like Stanford, MIT, and Harvard offer excellent research programmes, providing opportunities for international collaboration.
- Diverse Culture: The USA is home to diverse cultures, providing opportunities to learn about different cultures and traditions.
- Strong Economy and Job Opportunities: The US economy is one of the strongest globally, offering job opportunities and opportunities for international students to start their businesses.
- Interactive Classrooms: US classrooms are interactive and encourage students to share ideas and apply knowledge to real-life situations.
- Flexible Study Options: With over 4,000 colleges and universities, students can choose from Bachelor's, Master's, or Ph.D.
- Career Growth: Internships or work opportunities with world-renowned companies can help build experience and secure a good job.
Conclusion
The US is one of the top destinations for international students, known for its renowned universities, diverse culture, and excellent career opportunities. With globally recognised degrees, cutting-edge research, and a supportive academic environment, it's a popular choice for students worldwide. Picking the right city can enhance your experience and set you up for a successful career.
Credila makes it easier by offering an education loan for the USA, covering up to 100% of tuition and living expenses with flexible repayment options. With Credila, your dream of studying in the USA is within reach!
DisclaimerAs of March 31, 2024. T&C apply.
Credila Financial Services Limited (Formerly known as HDFC Credila Financial Services Limited)The education loan facility provided by Credila Financial Services Limited ('The Company') will be at the sole discretion of the Company and within the Company's prescribed credit and underwriting norms/guidelines prevailing at the time of processing and disbursing the education loan. The Company maintains the right to change the interest rate at any time and at its sole discretion, without prior notice.
The estimated cost of living provided above is based on current data and serves as a general guideline. Factors such as inflation, currency exchange rates, local economic conditions, and individual lifestyle choices can significantly impact actual expenses. Prices may fluctuate over time, so it is advisable to check updated sources or conduct personal research before making financial decisions.
