The USA is one of the top leading destinations for study abroad. The number of international students in the USA is continuously growing with 1 million international students studying in the country. The USA is home to the top-ranking and best universities in the world with diverse programs and an excellent reputation.
Studying abroad in the USA can be beneficial in many ways with a key to top universities, internationally recognized degrees, career opportunities, cultural diversity, and more. Managing your expenses while studying abroad is a crucial task. Selecting a state or city offering a lower cost of living can ease your financial load. In this blog, you will find the cheapest state and city in the USA for your study abroad journey.
Table of Contents:
- Top Cheapest Cities in the USA
- Top Cheapest State in the USA
- Top Cheapest Universities in the USA
- Frequently Asked Questions
Top Cheapest Cities in the USA
The top cheapest cities to live in the USA are San Diego, Atlanta, Baltimore, and more. The details are as follows:
San Diego
San Diego is known for its affordability, reasonable cost of living, and low tuition fees making it one of the budget cities for international students. The average cost of tuition fee in San Diego is $15,000.
The University of San Diego, San Diego State University, and the University of California are the top universities in the city. San Diego is also ranked 69th by QS World Rankings of 2025 in the category of Best Student Cities.
| Top Universities |
|
| Average Tuition Fee | $15,000 |
| Average Cost of Living | $1,378 |
| QS World Ranking 2025 | 69 (Best Student Cities) |
Atlanta
Atlanta is one of the most affordable destinations for international students. Georgia State University, Georgia Institute of Technology (Georgia Tech), and Emory University are some of the top universities in Atlanta.
| Top Universities |
|
| Average Tuition Fee | $25,000 |
| Average Cost of Living | $1,314 |
| QS World Ranking 2025 | =72 (Best Student Cities) |
Dallas
Dallas is home to some of the best universities in the USA such as The University of Texas at Dallas and the University of Dallas. The average cost of living for an international student in Dallas is $1,237. Dallas is known for its renowned museums, world-class restaurants, shopping, and nightlife.
| Top Universities |
|
| Average Tuition Fee | $40,000 |
| Average Cost of Living | $1,237 |
| QS World Ranking 2025 | 134 (Best Student Cities) |
Houston
With an average tuition fee of $25,000, Houston is home to top universities such as the University of Houston and Rice University. The cost of living in Houston is cheaper than other cities in the USA. Houston is also ranked 106 in the Best Student Cities category by QS World Ranking of 2025.
| Top Universities |
|
| Average Tuition Fee | $25,000 |
| Average Cost of Living | $1,133 |
| QS World Ranking 2025 | 106 (Best Student Cities) |
Philadelphia
Philadelphia is known for its history, culture, and food. With top universities such as the University of Pennsylvania, Drexel University, Temple University, and Thomas Jefferson University with an average tuition fee of $28,000, Philadelphia is one of the top destinations for study-abroad students.
| Top Universities |
|
| Average Tuition Fee | $28,000 |
| Average Cost of Living | $1,287 |
| QS World Ranking 2025 | 65 (Best Student Cities) |
Top Cheapest State in the USA
According to Forbes, the cheapest state in the USA is Mississippi and West Virginia while the most expensive state in the USA is Hawaii. The details are as follows:
| Top Cheapest State | Average Cost of Living |
| West Virginia | $117,639 |
| Mississippi | $140,818 |
| Oklahoma | $151,469 |
| Iowa | $167,036 |
| Alabama | $170,184 |
| Kansas | $176,898 |
| Indiana | $185,805 |
| Missouri | $194,226 |
| Tennessee | $230,253 |
| Georgia | $246,272 |
Top Cheapest Universities in the USA
The cheapest university in the USA for Indian students is the University of Texas – Austin with an average tuition fee of $19,400. The details are tabulated below:
| University Name | Average Tuition Fee |
| University of Texas – Austin | $19,400 |
| University of Wisconsin – Madison | $24,000 |
| University of California – Los Angeles (UCLA) | $26,600 |
| University of California – Irvine | $26,700 |
| University of California – Berkeley | $26,770 |
| University of California – San Diego (UCSD) | $26,850 |
| University of Maryland – College Park | $28,000 |
| University of California – Davis | $28,700 |
| Cornell University | $29,500 |
| Purdue University – West Lafayette | $29,900 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average cost of living in San Diego for international students?
The average cost of living in San Diego is $1,378 for international students. While the average tuition fee is $15,000.
Which are the best states in the USA for international students?
California, New York, Massachusetts, Illinois, and Texas are some of the best states in the USA for international students.
Which are the top affordable universities in the USA for Indian students?
The University of California, the University of Wisconsin, and the University of Texas are some of the top affordable universities in the USA for Indian students.
Which are the most expensive states in the USA?
Hawaii, Massachusetts, California, New York, New Jersey, and Alaska are some of the most expensive states in the USA.
Which city in the USA has the lowest cost of living?
Houston offers the lowest cost of living with an average of $1,133 per month.
