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The Best Cities To Study In USA For International Students

UniCreds
October 3, 2023
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Last Updated: September 10, 2024

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Studying in the United States is a dream for many international students, and choosing the right city can significantly impact your educational experience. Considering the abundance of options available, we have assembled the 10 best cities to study in USA for academic pursuits in 2023. Each of these cities offers unique advantages, ranging from world-renowned universities to vibrant cultural scenes and dynamic communities. This blog will help you make the right decision about the best place to study in USA.

10 Best US Cities For International Students

Here are the list of best cities to study in USA:

City	QS Ranking	Best Universities
Boston, MA	#1	Harvard, MIT
New York City, NY	#2	Columbia, NYU
San Francisco, CA	#3	Stanford, UC Berkeley
Los Angeles, CA	#4	USC, UCLA
Chicago, IL	#5	University of Chicago, Northwestern
Washington, D.C.	#6	Georgetown, George Washington
Seattle, WA	#7	University of Washington, Seattle U
Austin, TX	#8	University of Texas at Austin
Philadelphia, PA	#9	University of Pennsylvania, Drexel
San Diego, CA	#10	UCSD, San Diego State University

1. Boston, Massachusetts

Boston is known to be the best city to study in USA for international students. It has a rich history, world-class universities, and a vibrant intellectual atmosphere. It’s often referred to as the “Athens of America” due to its academic prowess and cultural heritage. The city is a hub for innovation, with a thriving tech industry and numerous startups. Boston offers a unique blend of history and modernity, making it an appealing destination for international students.

Cost of living: The cost of living in Boston is moderate, with affordable housing options for students.

Rental prices range from $1,900 to $4,100 per month, depending on the size and location of the property.
Food: The average monthly food expenditure is around $450.
Travel: Students can access a reduced metro pass for $90 per month (general price). The one-way fare for local transportation is $2.70. Gasoline costs approximately $0.74 per gallon, and the usual taxi fare for a 1 km ride is $1.86.

Best Universities: Boston is home to two prestigious institutions, Harvard University and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), both consistently ranked among the top universities globally.

2. New York City, New York

New York is one of the best cities to study in USA for finance, fashion, and the arts. It’s a city that never sleeps and promises an exciting and enriching experience for students who crave adventure.

Cost of living: Living in New York City might be expensive. However, the city also provides a wide range of scholarships and job opportunities to help offset these expenses.

Rental costs in New York City vary widely based on the neighbourhood and type of housing: $2,500 – $4,500 per month
Food: Monthly food expenses can range from $300 to $600 or more, depending on dining preferences and frequency.
Travel: NYC offers an extensive public transportation system, including subways and buses. A monthly MetroCard costs around $127.

Best Universities: Columbia University and New York University (NYU) are among the top-tier institutions in the city, offering a diverse range of academic programmes.

3. San Francisco, California

San Francisco combines innovation and natural beauty, making it an excellent destination for tech enthusiasts and nature lovers. The city is a global tech hub, home to Silicon Valley, which provides unique internship and job prospects for students in technology-related fields.

Cost of Living: San Francisco can be expensive primarily due to housing expenses. However, with careful budgeting, one can offset these costs.

Rent: $2,500 – $5,000 per month
Food: Dining costs can vary but average around $300 – $500 per month.
Travel: San Francisco has a comprehensive public transportation system, including trams and buses. A monthly Muni pass costs approximately $81.

Best Universities: Stanford University and the University of California, Berkeley, are renowned for their STEM programmes and research opportunities.

4. Los Angeles, California

LA is the entertainment capital of the world, offering students access to a vibrant arts scene and beautiful beaches. The city’s diverse population and cultural richness provide an ideal backdrop for academic and personal growth. Also known to be one of the best student cities in USA

Cost of Living: The cost of living in Los Angeles is high, particularly housing costs. However, the city’s creative industries offer internships and job opportunities for students.

Rent: $1,800 – $3,800 per month
Food: Dining options are diverse, with monthly expenses ranging from $250 to $450 or more.
Travel: Los Angeles has an extensive freeway system and public transportation, including buses and the Metro.

Best Universities: The University of Southern California (USC) and the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) are leading institutions in the city.

5. Chicago, Illinois

Chicago boasts a rich cultural scene, a robust job market, and some of the country’s top universities. The city is famous for its architecture, food, and music, providing a diverse and exciting environment for students.

Cost of Living: Chicago has a moderate cost of living, making it more affordable than some other major cities on this list. Housing options are varied and relatively accessible.

Rent: $1,200 – $2,500 per month
Food: Dining is affordable, with monthly expenses averaging between $200 and $400.
Travel: Chicago offers efficient public transportation, including buses and the “L” train.

Best Universities: The University of Chicago and Northwestern University are known for their academic excellence and research opportunities.

6. Washington, D.C.

The nation’s capital is a hub of political and cultural activity, making it an ideal location for those interested in government and international relations. D.C. offers a unique blend of history, policy, and global connections.

Cost of Living: Washington, D.C., has a high cost of living, primarily due to housing expenses. However, many international organisations and government agencies provide internships and employment opportunities for students.

Rent: $1,800 – $3,800 per month
Food: Dining options are diverse, with monthly expenses ranging from $250 to $500 or more.
Travel: Washington, D.C. has an extensive public transportation system, including buses and the Metro. The cost of a monthly Metro pass is approximately $85.

Best Universities: Georgetown University and George Washington University are well-regarded institutions for international relations and related fields.

7. Seattle, Washington

Seattle offers a blend of natural beauty, tech innovation, and a thriving music scene. Surrounded by mountains and water, the city provides outdoor enthusiasts with ample opportunities for adventure.

Cost of Living: Seattle’s cost of living is moderate, with affordable housing options available, especially in the surrounding suburbs.

Rent: $1,400 – $3,500 per month
Food: Seattle offers a variety of dining options, with monthly expenses ranging from $250 to $500.
Travel: The city has efficient public transportation, including buses and the Link light rail. A monthly transit pass costs around $99.

Best Universities: The University of Washington and Seattle University offer a wide range of academic programmes and research opportunities.

8. Austin, Texas

Known for its vibrant music scene and tech startups, Austin is an energetic city with a unique personality. It’s a hub for innovation and creativity, offering a dynamic environment for students.

Cost of Living: Austin has a moderate cost of living, and housing costs are reasonable compared to many other major cities.

Rental costs in Austin are moderate, making it relatively affordable: $1,000 – $2,500 per month
Food: Austin is known for its food truck culture, with monthly dining expenses averaging between $200 and $400.
Travel: Austin is car-friendly, but it also has public transportation options. Monthly bus passes are available for approximately $41.

Best Universities: The University of Texas at Austin is a prominent institution known for its research and academic programmes.

9. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Philadelphia is steeped in history and offers a rich academic environment in the heart of the East Coast. This is one of the best cities to study in USA known for its cultural heritage, museums, and vibrant neighbourhoods.

Cost of Living: Philadelphia has a moderate cost of living, with various housing options for students.

Rental: $1,200 to $2,500 per month, depending on the area and type of housing.
Food: Monthly dining expenses typically range from $250 to $500.
Travel: Philadelphia has a well-developed public transportation system, including buses, trolleys, and a subway system. A monthly transit pass costs around $96, providing easy access to the city.

Best Universities: The University of Pennsylvania and Drexel University are notable institutions offering diverse academic opportunities.

10. San Diego, California

San Diego offers a laid-back lifestyle, beautiful beaches, and a growing biotech industry. The city’s pleasant climate and outdoor activities make it an attractive choice for students.

Cost of Living: San Diego’s cost of living is moderate and it offers a range of housing options suitable for students.

Rental costs in San Diego can differ widely but generally range from $1,500 to $3,500 or more per month, depending on the neighbourhood and housing type.
Food: Monthly dining expenses can range from $300 to $600, depending on your dining preferences.
Travel: While San Diego has public transportation options, it is a car-dependent city. A monthly transit pass for public transportation costs around $72.

Best Universities: The University of California, San Diego (UCSD), and San Diego State University are prominent institutions known for their research and academic programmes.

Conclusion

In summary, these 10 best cities to study in USA provide a range of options for international students, each with its unique charm and opportunities. Consider your academic interests, budget, and lifestyle preferences when choosing the perfect city for your educational journey.

FAQs

1. What are the best cities to study in USA for undergraduate students?

The best cities for undergraduate students in the USA include Boston, New York, and San Francisco for their academic opportunities and vibrant cultural scenes.

2. Which city is the cheapest to study in the USA?

The cheapest city to study in the USA often depends on factors like tuition and cost of living, but smaller college towns like Morgantown, West Virginia, or Ruston, Louisiana, tend to offer more affordable options.

3. Which are best cities to study in USA?

Cities such as Boston (Harvard, MIT), New York (Columbia, NYU), and Los Angeles (UCLA, USC) are known for hosting some of the top universities in the USA.

4. Are there cities known for specific fields of study in the USA?

Yes, some cities in the USA are known for specific fields of study. For example, Silicon Valley is renowned for tech-related programmes, while Boston is a hub for healthcare and biotechnology.

5. Are there differences in living expenses between major US cities for students?

Yes, there are significant differences in living expenses between major US cities for students. Coastal cities like San Francisco and New York tend to be more expensive, while cities in the Midwest or South are often more affordable for students.