7 Cheapest Cities to Study in USA for International Students

The cheapest cities to study in USA for International students are San Diego, St Louis, Philadelphia, Houston, Baltimore, Atlanta, and Dallas. These cities not only offer top-notch education but also ensure a high quality of life, all at a more affordable cost compared to major metropolitan areas like San Francisco, New York, Washington DC, and Los Angeles.

Many hold the belief that studying in the USA is expensive for international students, often citing the fluctuating exchange rate between the Indian Rupee and the US Dollar as a factor. Despite this common misconception, achieving the dream of studying in America is entirely feasible. One way students can make this dream a reality is by choosing universities located in the aforementioned affordable cities, which are highly ranked in the QS Best Student Cities. Besides receiving a top-notch education, students can explore diverse cultural environments with an assured return on investment (ROI).

Below Infographic lists the affordable and cheapest cities in the USA for studying.

To break the myth that studying in the USA is expensive, we have compiled a list of the cheapest cities to study in the US for students along with details of their cost of living, study expenses, popular universities, etc..

1. San Diego

Average Cost of Living: 1300$ per month
Average Tuition Fee: 20,300 USD
Popular Universities: University of California, University of San Diego, and San Diego State University

With lower tuition fees and affordable cost of living, San Diego, nestled along the Pacific coast of California, stands out as one of the most affordable cities for international students to pursue their studies in the USA. It is said to be one of the cheapest places to live. With the monthly cost of living averaging $1300, it is 5% less compared to metropolises like New York and Los Angeles. San Diego remains the second most popular city in California, following closely behind Los Angeles.

Ranked 80th in the QS Best Student Cities 2025 list, San Diego has esteemed universities that provide quality education at a relatively low average tuition fee of around $20,300 USD. For accommodations, the average monthly rent for a single-bedroom apartment stands at $2,861.75, according to Numbeo. Transportation costs are notably cheaper, with a 33% reduction compared to New York, facilitated by a diverse array of public transportation options including buses, trolleys, and trains.

Dining experiences in San Diego are diverse and affordable, with opportunities to taste Mexican cuisine and other culinary delights for an average of $22.00 per person. Beyond dining, the city offers limitless entertainment options. Its coastal setting and Mediterranean climate create an inviting atmosphere for beachside relaxation and sunbathing, complemented by the warm hospitality of its residents.

San Diego's identity is closely intertwined with the US Navy and defence industries, while emerging sectors like biotechnology and healthcare drive economic growth. Part-time job opportunities are abundant, with major firms like Samsung, PlayStation, Intuit, and Qualcomm offering employment prospects for students seeking additional income.

2. St. Louis

Average Cost of Living: $1,100 – $2,000 per month
Average Tuition Fee: 28,777 USD
Popular Universities: Washington University in St. Louis, Saint Louis University, University of Missouri – St Louis, Maryville University of St. Louis

Next, it is St. Louis after San Diego, situated in Missouri, emerges as the most economical city in the USA for students, offering an average tuition fee of $28,777 and a cost of living ranging from $1,100 to $2,000. Compared to New York, the cost of living in St. Louis is approximately 30% cheaper, making it an attractive option for students with study in the USA dream.

Renowned universities in St. Louis deliver exceptional education at affordable rates. Rent, according to Numbeo, is 64.1% lower than in major cities, further enhancing its affordability. The city has numerous amenities available at lower rates than its counterparts, including a diverse array of restaurants and cafes offering various delicacies at an average cost of $20 per meal.

Also called the "Gateway to the West," St. Louis boasts a fervent community of sports and music enthusiasts. Its attractions, such as the iconic Gateway Arch, the St. Louis Zoo, the Science Center, the Art Museum, and the Botanical Garden, offer enriching experiences for residents and visitors alike.

Beyond its cultural and recreational offerings, St. Louis is home to esteemed companies like Amazon, Target, Boeing, and CTS, providing ample opportunities for part-time employment and professional growth alongside academic pursuits.

3. Philadelphia

Average Cost of living:  1,258.8$ per month
Average Tuition Fee: $31,000  
Popular Universities: University of Pennsylvania, Temple University, Drexel University, Thomas Jefferson University, La Salle University

Philadelphia, “The University City”, situated between San Diego and St. Louis, is another affordable option for students seeking education in the USA. It is the city with the second-largest number of universities in the nation. With an average tuition fee of $31,000 and a monthly cost of living at $1,258.8, it stands as one of the more budget-friendly cities, not only in Pennsylvania but across the country.

Located in Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, also known as Philly, holds the 64th position in the QS Best Student City ranking for 2025. Compared to cities like Allentown in Pennsylvania, Philly boasts 4.1% lower rent and 8.4% less expensive restaurant prices. Moreover, in contrast to New York City, Philadelphia offers a significantly lower cost of living, approximately 38.8% less. Rent for a single-bedroom apartment in Philly averages around $1,776.19 while dining out at inexpensive restaurants costs approximately $25 per meal.

Philadelphia is also called the first world heritage city, which has a rich historical background, offering numerous opportunities for exploring old landmarks and monuments. The city's efficient transportation system, including buses and rails, facilitates easy navigation, with savings possible through monthly passes.

Situated close to New York City and Washington DC, Philadelphia serves as an ideal location for short internships, enabling students to enhance their skills and experience. Moreover, as a hub for many Fortune 500 companies, the city presents ample job opportunities, further enriching the educational experience for students.

4. Houston

Average Cost of living:  900$ - 1100$ per month
Average Tuition Fee: $26,000 - 30,000 USD
Popular Universities: University of Houston, Texas Southern University, Houston Christian University, North American University.

Next on the list is Houston, the 4th largest city in the US. With a cost of living ranging from approximately $900 to $1100, Houston is an attractive option for international students seeking affordability in both study and living expenses. The city's cost of living is notably 11% below the national average, as reported by the Council for Community and Economic Research.

As the most populous city in Texas, Houston holds its place as a prominent destination for students. Despite its affordability, Houston ranks 102nd in the QS Best Student Cities 2025 index. The city hosts several budget-friendly universities, offering an average tuition fee ranging from $26,000 to $30,000 USD.

Comparatively, Houston stands out with significantly lower costs when compared with New York City. Rent in Houston is 57.1% less, while restaurant prices are 34.8% lower. A single-bedroom apartment in the city center costs an average rent of around $1,611.90, with dining at inexpensive restaurants costing approximately $18.00 per meal.

Fondly referred to as the "Space City" due to its NASA Space Center, Houston is a hub for courses in Engineering, Astrophysics, and Mathematics, offering promising career prospects in these fields. Moreover, the city hosts various employment opportunities, with companies like Deloitte and Wells Fargo contributing to its diverse job market.

5. Baltimore 

Average Cost of Living:  $1,500 - $2,000 per month
Average Tuition Fee: $25,000 - $30,000
Popular Universities:  Johns Hopkins University, University of MaryLand, Goucher College, Loyola University Maryland

Baltimore fondly referred to as the "Charm City," stands out as a budget-friendly option in the USA, with a cost of living ranging from $1,500 to $2,000, which is 7.4% lower than the national average. As the most populous city in Maryland, Baltimore is a better choice for students seeking affordability. Ranked 90th in the QS Best Student Cities 2025 index, Baltimore is home to several top universities offering quality education at an affordable price range of $25,000 to $30,000.

Compared to New York City, Baltimore offers considerable savings, with a cost of living 25.4% lower and restaurant prices 36.6% more affordable. Rent for a single-bedroom apartment in the city averages around $1,600.00, while dining out at inexpensive restaurants costs approximately $17.50 per meal.

Baltimore is the home for several industries like Amazon, DAP products, Morgan Stanley provides numerous opportunities for students to get a part-time job. 

Baltimore boasts an array of impressive monuments and scenic beaches. The city is also home to the country's second-largest seaport, further enhancing its significance. With well-connected transportation options including trains, buses, and cruises, exploring Baltimore is both convenient and affordable.

6. Atlanta 

Average Cost of Living: 1,379.7$ - 2,200$ per month
Average Tuition Fee: 27,100$ - 33,000$ 
Popular Universities: Georgia Institute of Technology, Georgia State University, Clark Atlanta University, Emory University, Morehouse School of Medicine

Another affordable student favorite city is Atlanta, the capital city of Georgia and it ranked 72nd in the QS Best Cities 2025 index. With a monthly cost of living ranging from $1,379.7 to $2,200, it emerges as one of the more affordable cities in Georgia. Rent for a single-bedroom apartment in the main city averages around $1,915.45 while dining out at restaurants costs approximately $23.00 per meal.

Atlanta is home to some of the top universities in the USA, including the Georgia Institute of Technology and Georgia State University, which provide quality education at an affordable fee. It boasts numerous affordable housing options such as apartments, dormitories, homestays, and shared rooms. 

Moreover, Atlanta's status as a hub for renowned companies such as CNN, Mercedes-Benz, and Coca-Cola presents ample job opportunities for international students. In addition to its economic advantages, Atlanta offers low-cost entertainment options, including parks, gardens, museums, and art galleries, showcasing the city's rich culture and heritage.

7. Dallas

Average Cost of Living: $1,000-$2,000 /month
Average Tuition fee: $31,700  
Popular Universities: Southern Methodist University, The University of Texas at Dallas, University of Dallas, Dallas Baptist University.

Dallas, similar to Houston, is another cost-effective option for international students in Texas. Dallas is the 9th largest city in the USA. With an average monthly cost of living around $1,782, including rent, tuition, and other expenses, Dallas offers affordability alongside quality education. Additionally, students can further reduce their expenses by availing various scholarships.

You can also find lots of different kinds of food in the city. There are more restaurants per person in Dallas than in New York City! This means you'll have plenty of delicious food options all over the city, particularly,  BBQ, Mexican, and Tex-Mex cuisine. The presence of the Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) system ensures convenient access to these dining establishments, enhancing the overall student experience.

Furthermore, the abundance of restaurants and the presence of top brands like 7-Eleven, JCPenney, Frito-Lay, and Texas Instruments create ample opportunities for international students to secure part-time employment, further easing their financial burden.

Dallas is home to several affordable universities that provide top-class education at competitive tuition fees compared to other major cities in the USA. A single-bedroom apartment in Dallas can be rented for around $1,815.30, with meals costing approximately $19.00 each. Moreover, the city's unique history, rich agricultural heritage, and vibrant urban culture add to its appeal.

Final words

Your study-abroad aspirations need not be hindered by financial constraints. Hope the provided insights into some of the most cheapest cities to study in the USA helped you to choose the right city for your educational experience abroad. Considering the overall cost of living, these cities emerge as cost-effective alternatives to the USA's Tier 1 cities like New York, Los Angeles, and San Francisco. With cheaper rent, food, groceries, and transportation, these cities provide an ideal environment for students to pursue their academic goals without breaking the bank.

At Kanan International, we're committed to assisting you with any study abroad queries you may have, ensuring that your journey towards higher education is smooth and financially feasible. 

Frequently asked questions about the Cheapest cities in USA

1)What are the cheapest states to study in the USA?

Few cheapest state to study in USA are:

• Wyoming
• Indiana
• Missouri
• Alabama
• Kansas

2) How can international students save money while studying in the USA?

International students can save money by using the following tips.

1. Budget and cut down the unnecessary expenses
2. Prefer home cooked meals instead of restaurants
3. Make use of student discount cards for transportation, entertainment and wherever applicable.
4. Research about the university and apply smartly where you can get a quality education in a low fee.
5. Apply for scholarships considering your eligibility.
6. Opt for library resources and used books , instead of getting a new one.
7. Find accommodation off campus. You can share the room with a friend or can stay with a host family. Consider transportation charges when you are living off campus.

3) What are the scholarships available for Indian Students to study in the USA?

The top scholarships for Indian Students to study in the USA are:

1. Tata Scholarship for Cornell University
2. Rotary International Ambassadorial Scholarships
3. Hubert Humphrey Fellowship Program
4. Fulbright – Nehru Fellowships
5. International Education Financial Aid
6. AAUW International Fellowships
7. Stanford Reliance Dhirubhai Fellowship

4) What are the factors that make a city affordable for students?

The factors that make a city affordable for students are:

• Affordable housing
• Cheaper public transportation system with student discounts.
• Ample part-time job opportunities
• Affordable Entertainment options
• Various food options which are pocket friendly.