Cheapest Cities to Live in the USA: The United States attracts students from across the globe due to its world-class education system, but finding the cheapest cities to live in the USA is a top priority for many. Fortunately, several cities offer an affordable cost of living without compromising on quality of life. From Atlanta to Baltimore, there are budget-friendly options where living expenses range between USD 700 and USD 1,500 per month.
In this blog, we will talk about the top 5 cheapest cities to live in the USA in 2025 for international students. You can find lots of perfect places that fit your budget. Let’s start without waiting.
List of Cheapest Cities to Live in the USA
When considering a move to the United States, affordability is often a key factor, especially for students and individuals looking to balance cost with quality of life. The following table ranks some of the cheapest cities to live in the USA, based on both national and global rankings.
Now check out the list of cheapest cities to live in the US along with national rank for students:
| National Rank | City Name |
|---|---|
| 1 | San Diego, California |
| 2 | Albany, New York |
| 3 | Baltimore, Maryland |
| 4 | Durham, North Carolina |
| =5 | Dallas, Texas |
| =5 | Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania |
| 7 | Houston, Texas |
| 8 | Philadelphia, Pennsylvania |
| 9 | Seattle, Washington |
| 10 | Atlanta, Georgia |
Top 5 Cheapest Cities to Live in the USA for Students
The cheapest cities to live in the USA are ideal for students who want to focus on their studies without worrying about high living costs. These cities offer a budget-friendly lifestyle, including affordable housing, transportation, and daily expenses, while still providing quality educational opportunities.
San Diego, Baltimore, Atlanta, Philadelphia, and St. Louis are among the best options for students seeking to live within their means. Now check out the cheapest cities to live in the US for students as well as the distance from the cities to the universities one by one.
San Diego
When searching for the Cheapest Cities to Live in the USA, San Diego stands out as an affordable option with a lot to offer students. The city is home to renowned universities like the University of California, San Diego State University, and the University of San Diego. Additionally, students can enjoy delicious Mexican food at spots like Amigo and Meesoiacs. San Diego is also ranked as the 76th best city for students globally.
The San Diego city offers free entry to many attractions, such as a beach, parks, museums, and festivals. The accommodation options for Indian students in USA are also budget-friendly. For students seeking a quality education at an affordable price, San Diego is the perfect place to be.
Baltimore
Baltimore, known as the city of charm, is one of the cheapest cities to live in the USA for students. Several prestigious universities, including the University of Maryland and Johns Hopkins University, are located in the city, making it an attractive destination for students from abroad. With affordable living costs, it offers a great balance between quality education and a manageable lifestyle.
Here you can find a high-quality education at a reasonable price. It ranks number 5 in the top 10 best student cities in the US. You can find many student accommodations at the cheapest price here and many budget-friendly pubs and restaurants.
Also Read: Wondering about the student accommodation cost? Check out our blog – Cost of Student Accommodation!
Atlanta
When searching for the cheapest cities to live in the USA, Atlanta stands out as one of the top options for students. Ranked as the 57th cheapest city to live in the US for students by the QS Best Student Cities 2023, Atlanta offers a variety of budget-friendly amenities. It’s a cool place with plenty of affordable housing, dining, and entertainment options, making it a perfect destination for students on a budget.
Internships are available at companies such as CNN, Mercedes-Benz, and Coca-Cola if you want to pursue them alongside your studies in Atlanta. Here you might love exploring museums, art galleries, and parks that show off the city’s history and culture.
Philadelphia
With a rich history and culture, Philadelphia is one of the cheapest cities in USA for students. You can find many budget-friendly houses here which start from 1,600 USD. In Philadelphia, you can visit many famous places without spending a penny, such as the Philadelphia Art Museum and Philadelphia Gallery.
According to a report, it’s the 8th most affordable city for students in the US. So, if you’re thinking about studying at the University of Maryland, then Philadelphia is a fantastic choice as it is only 30 minutes from the university.
Also Read: If you are looking for accommodation in Los Angeles, Check Out our blog on Cheapest Student Accommodations in Los Angeles!
St Louis
St. Louis is one of the most affordable cities the USA for students. This city has a lot of interesting things to see and do. St Louis is only 15 minutes from Washington University and 20 minutes from Saint Louis University. St. Louis also has budget-friendly places for students to live, eat, and have fun.
You can find different types of homes, from dorms to apartments, and the rent is very cheap around 856 USD for a one-bedroom place, which is less than in many other cities.
Factors That Determine the Cheapest Cities in the USA
When searching for the cheapest cities in the USA, it’s essential to consider various factors that influence the overall cost of living. Here are some of the essential factors that determine the cheapest cities in the USA:
- Housing Costs: Rent and home prices play a significant role in affordability.
- Utilities & Internet: Electricity, water, gas, and internet costs vary across states.
- Transportation: Public transit, gas prices, and commuting expenses impact budgets.
- Grocery & Dining Expenses: The cost of food and dining options contributes to living costs.
- Healthcare & Insurance: Medical expenses and insurance rates differ by location.
- Taxes: State income tax, property tax, and sales tax affect affordability.
What is the Average Cost of Living in the USA?
For your help, we have compiled the rates of the cost of living which includes rent (INR 83,000-90,000), bills (INR 90,000- 1.5 Lakh), and groceries (90,000-1 Lakh) per month of the respective cities in the below table. Let’s check it out.
| Cities | Cost of Living |
| San Diego | 1.1-1.9 Lakh INR /month |
| Baltimore | 1.1-1.6 Lakh INR /month |
| Atlanta | 90,000-1.7 Lakh INR /month |
| Philadelphia | 60,000-1.5 Lakh INR /month |
| St Louis | 80,000-1.6 Lakh INR /month |
FAQs on Cheapest Cities to Live in USA
The cheapest cities to live in the USA for students include San Diego, Baltimore, Atlanta, Philadelphia, and St. Louis.
St. Louis is considered affordable for students due to its lower cost of living, budget-friendly housing options, and a variety of activities.
Baltimore is an excellent choice for students studying at the University of Maryland, offering a city with charm, renowned universities, and affordable living options.
Houses in Baltimore start at a reasonable price of 1,600 USD, making it an attractive option for students seeking affordable housing options.
Philadelphia is considered affordable for students due to its rich history, cultural attractions, and budget-friendly housing options, making it the 8th most affordable city for students in the US.
Albany, New York, is ranked as one of the cheapest cities to live in the USA for students. It provides affordable housing and transportation while still offering a vibrant student life and educational opportunities.
Key factors include affordable housing, transportation, utilities, grocery and dining costs, healthcare, and taxes. Cities with lower rents, lower taxes, and good public transportation systems tend to be more affordable for students.
The average cost of living in Baltimore for students ranges between INR 1.1-1.6 Lakh per month. This includes rent, utilities, food, and transportation costs, making it an affordable option for those attending universities like the University of Maryland and Johns Hopkins University.
Yes, Atlanta is considered one of the cheapest cities for students, with monthly living costs ranging from INR 90,000 to INR 1.7 Lakh. It offers affordable housing, dining, and entertainment, making it a great choice for students on a budget.
Housing costs in St. Louis are affordable, with rent for a one-bedroom apartment averaging around INR 80,000 to INR 1.6 Lakh per month. This makes it an economical choice for students attending universities such as Washington University and Saint Louis University.
Most of the cities listed, such as San Diego, Baltimore, and Philadelphia, have good public transportation systems, with affordable metro, bus, and tram services. Transportation costs generally range from INR 2,500 to INR 5,000 per month, helping students save on commuting.
Other affordable cities for international students include Pittsburgh, Houston, Dallas, and Durham. These cities offer a blend of low living costs, excellent universities, and a welcoming atmosphere for students looking to live on a budget.
We hope you liked this blog where we covered some cheapest cities to live in the US for students. For booking the best accommodation abroad to start your study abroad experience you can contact Fly Homes at 1800572118.
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