Are you planning to study in the US but concerned about the financial stress? Your concern is completely valid. While studying in the US is often associated with high living expenses, there are states that offer budget-friendly options to international students. Here’s a guide to some of the most affordable states to live in the US, including the cheapest state to live in USA for international students.
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Top 5 Affordable States in the USA for International Students
The list includes the average index for various categories, such as the grocery and housing indices, for each state. These ratings are based on a scale of 100, sourced from Forbes. For example, if the grocery index is 50, it means the cost of groceries is 50% lower than the national average.
West Virginia: Most Affordable State
If you ask us, “Which is the cheapest state to live in USA?”, we would say West Virginia, as it fares better on the national average cost of living index. On a scale of 100, West Virginia has a cost of living index of 84.3 (the lowest score among all 50 states), meaning it is significantly more affordable than the national average.
| Category | Cost | Key Information | Job Opportunities | |
| Housing Cost (Rent) | Around $900 per month | The housing index is 60.2 on a scale of 100. | Very affordable, but job growth is slow. | |
| Groceries | $280 – $350 per month | The grocery index is 98.9 on a scale of 100. | ||
Tuition Fees
| Category | Average Tuition Fees (per year) |
| Tuition fees | $10,000 – $28,000 |
Know More: Why Study in the USA?
Oklahoma
Oklahoma is the second cheapest state in the USA, according to Forbes. On a scale of 100, Oklahoma has a cost of living index of 85.3, with affordable housing costs.
| Category | Cost | Key Information | Job Opportunities | |
| Housing Cost (Rent) | Around $1,032 per month | The housing index is 68.6 on a scale of 100. | Oklahoma has good employment opportunities and ranks 9th among the 50 states in job creation across the USA. | |
| Groceries | Around $200 per month. | The grocery index is 94 on a scale of 100. | ||
Tuition Fees
| Category | Average Tuition Fees (per year) |
| Tuition fees | $9,000 – $24,000 |
Alabama
Alabama has an average cost of living index of 87.6. Additionally, the healthcare costs in the state are among the least expensive in the US, with a healthcare index of 86.3.
| Category | Cost | Key Information | Job Opportunities | |
| Housing Cost (Rent) | Around $1,027 per month | The housing index is 68.5 on a scale of 100. | Steady job growth. The state is strong in healthcare, tech, and manufacturing. | |
| Groceries | Around $270 per month. | The grocery index is 96.5 on a scale of 100. | ||
Tuition Fees
| Category | Average Tuition Fees (per year) |
| Tuition fees | $11,000 – $28,000 |
Mississippi
Mississippi is the 32nd largest and 35th most populous state in the US. The cost of living index is 87.7, which is significantly lower than the national average by 13%. It is the fourth cheapest state in USA compared to other states.
| Category | Cost | Key Information | Job opportunities | |
| Housing Cost (Rent) | Around $1,200 per month | The housing index is 74.3 on a scale of 100. | Not a great place to find jobs. It ranks 48th nationally among all 50 states for the best place to find jobs. | |
| Groceries | The average monthly bill is around $470 | Mississippi is one of the most expensive states for groceries in the US. | ||
Tuition Fees
| Category | Average Tuition Fees (per year) |
| Tuition fees | $8,000 – $20,000 |
Arkansas
Arkansas is the fifth most affordable state in the USA, with a cost of living index of 88.5.
| Category | Cost | Key Information | Job Opportunities | |
| Housing Cost (Rent) | Around $1,100 per month | The housing index is 74.4 on a scale of 100. | Job numbers grew by 0.6% month-over-month, making Arkansas one of the top states in creating good employment opportunities. | |
| Groceries | Around $220 | The grocery index is 94.6 on a scale of 100. | ||
Tuition Fees
| Category | Average Tuition Fees (per year) |
| Tuition fees | $10,000 – $29,000 |
Top Most Affordable Cities in the USA
Finding the right city in the US can help significantly in managing your budget. Below are some of the top most affordable cities in the US, offering a good balance of affordable living and education:
- San Diego
- St. Louis
- Philadelphia
- Dallas
- Houston
- Atlanta
- Pittsburgh
- Columbus
- Oklahoma City
- Kansas City
Top 3 Tips to Manage Living Costs in These States
- Find part-time work. International students can work part-time on campuses. According to the 2019 Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average hourly wage in Alabama is $21, Arkansas is $20, Mississippi is $19, Oklahoma is $21, and West Virginia is $20.
- Opt for shared rental housing with other students. This significantly reduces the overall expenses.
- International students should use their ID cards to access discounts on various services, including transportation and dining. For example, international students studying at West Virginia University can enjoy free rides on the Mountain Line Authority System, which is a public transportation network serving the Morgantown, West Virginia area and the surrounding areas.
Conclusion
Living and studying in affordable states can significantly reduce financial pressures and enhance your overall study experience. For those on a limited budget, thoroughly research these states to help you choose the one that best aligns with your financial requirements and academic goals.
FAQs
No, the living costs of the cities vary from one state to state. Rural areas are generally cheaper than the cities.
There are two types of housing options for international students: on-campus and off-campus. On-campus includes dormitories, which are convenient and cheaper. Off-campus includes shared apartments or rentals.
While the overall cost of living is affordable in these states, the healthcare costs vary from state to state because of factors like insurance rates, state policies, and other factors.