Best Cities to Live in the USA in 2025

For Indian students seeking a U.S. education that leads to global career opportunities, the best cities to live in USA are New York City, Los Angeles, Chicago, San Francisco, and Seattle. These cities are not chosen for their affordability, but for the unmatched academic prestige and professional networks they offer. They are the epicenters of their respective industries: New York is the world’s top city in economics according to the Oxford Economics Global Cities Index 2025; San Francisco and Seattle are leading global tech hubs, with the San Francisco Bay Area being the world’s top startup city and Seattle ranking third among global tech cities; and Los Angeles and Chicago offer a diversity of opportunities in entertainment, tech, and corporate business. While these cities have a higher cost of living, with San Francisco’s median income being over $125,000, the potential for high-earning jobs after graduation often justifies the investment. Let’s look at the rest of the best cities in USA list. 

1. New York City (NYC)

Tourist Attractions: Statue of Liberty, Central Park, Times Square, Broadway. Students enjoy world-class museums, cultural events, and extensive leisure options.

Transportation: NYC’s subway operates 24/7 across most neighborhoods, supplemented by buses and ferries. Monthly pass: $127 (₹10,795).

Crime/Safety: Crime varies by borough. Manhattan and Staten Island are relatively safe; Brooklyn and the Bronx have higher crime rates. The safety index of NYC is ~71/100.

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Let’s look at the details of the best city to live in USA, NYC:

Best Universities in New York City: Columbia University, New York University (NYU), and CUNY are the leading institutions, offering strong research and professional networks across law, finance, tech, and healthcare.

Students living in NYC often save on transportation by using bike-share programs or walking between classes in Manhattan. Off-campus weekends can be spent attending free student workshops at MoMA or exploring multicultural neighborhoods like Flushing for affordable food. High energy and competitive job markets mean internships require early application and strong networking. Noise and crowded streets can be challenging, so students often choose quieter residential areas in Queens or Brooklyn.

2. Los Angeles, California

Tourist Attractions: Hollywood, Santa Monica Pier, Griffith Observatory, Venice Beach. Students can access film studios, galleries, and outdoor activities.

Transportation: Metro Rail and buses cover central areas; traffic congestion is common. Monthly pass: $100 (₹8,500).

Crime/Safety: Moderate overall; higher in downtown and certain neighborhoods. Safety index: ~66/100.

Let’s look at the details of the best city to live in USA, Los Angeles:

Best Universities in Los Angeles: UCLA and USC are globally ranked, excelling in film, business, engineering, and medicine.

LA’s widespread neighborhoods make commuting by car or rideshare common; students in media or arts programs often schedule classes to avoid peak traffic hours. Exploring local film sets or student screenings can supplement classroom learning. Certain areas like Downtown LA may have higher petty crime, so knowing safe routes is important. Outdoor fitness activities, weekend hikes in Griffith Park, and volunteering at cultural festivals help build both skills and social circles.

3. Chicago, Illinois

Tourist Attractions: Millennium Park, Navy Pier, Willis Tower, Lake Michigan waterfront. Students enjoy theaters, sports events, and cultural festivals.

Transportation: Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) provides trains and buses; monthly pass: $100 (₹8,500).

Crime/Safety: Certain south and west areas have higher crime; overall safety index ~68/100.

Let’s look at the details of the best city to live in USA, Chicago:

Best Universities in Chicago: The University of Chicago and Northwestern stand out globally, especially for economics, law, and business.

Winter months in Chicago require preparation for snow and icy sidewalks, especially for students commuting between campus and part-time jobs. Neighborhood libraries often host free tech workshops or art exhibitions that supplement academic learning. The food scene in Pilsen or Logan Square provides budget-friendly options for students. Participating in intramural sports or music events helps maintain social connections amid long academic hours.

4. San Francisco, California

Tourist Attractions: Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz Island, Fisherman’s Wharf, Muir Woods. Students can explore tech hubs, cultural centers, and outdoor activities.

Transportation: BART and Muni buses; monthly pass: $100 (₹8,500).

Crime/Safety: Moderate property crime in city centers; overall safety index ~65/100.

Let’s look at the details of the best city to live in USA, San Fransico:

Best Universities in the Bay Area: Stanford University, UCSF, UC Berkeley (nearby).

Students working in tech or startup internships often leverage meetups and hackathons for networking beyond classroom projects. Weekend escapes to Marin or coastal trails help manage high stress levels. Certain districts have steep grocery prices, so budgeting and shopping at farmers’ markets or ethnic markets is common. Students often organize group rides or carpools to reduce transport costs.

5. Seattle, Washington

Tourist Attractions: Space Needle, Pike Place Market, Seattle Aquarium, Mount Rainier. Students enjoy parks, coffee culture, and tech events.

Transportation: Link Light Rail and buses; monthly pass: $100 (₹8,500).

Crime/Safety: Moderate property crime; overall safety index ~70/100

Let’s look at the details of the best city to live in USA, Seattle:

Best Universities in Seattle: University of Washington-  A leading public research institution known for strong programs in computer science, engineering, and healthcare. It has close ties with tech companies like Microsoft and Amazon.

Seattle’s frequent rain influences how students plan outdoor activities or campus events. Weekend trips to Mount Rainier or kayaking in Lake Union provide affordable recreation. Students in tech programs often attend coding bootcamps or workshops hosted by nearby startups. Coffee culture is strong, but frequent visits can add to living costs, so budgeting is essential.

6. Naperville, Illinois 

Tourist Attractions: Centennial Beach, Naper Settlement, local parks, and annual Ribfest. Students benefit from family-friendly, safe neighborhoods.

Transportation: Well-connected via Metra trains and buses.

Crime/Safety: Low crime; overall safety index is ~82/100.

Let’s look at the details of the best city to live in USA, Naperville:

Best Universities in/near Naperville: North Central College; easy access to Chicago universities via Metra.

Naperville’s community events, such as Ribfest, provide networking opportunities outside class. Students enjoy safe neighborhoods and access to extensive park systems for jogging or group sports. The calm environment reduces stress, but public transport options are limited, so most rely on bikes or rideshares.

7. The Woodlands, Texas 

Tourist Attractions: Scenic parks, Market Street shopping, live music events. Students can take advantage of quiet, green surroundings to relax or study outdoors.

Transportation: Mostly car-dependent; biking and walking are common within neighborhoods. Planning for occasional Houston trips is essential.

Crime/Safety: Very low crime; safe for solo students and those new to the U.S.

Let’s look at the details of the best city to live in USA, The Woodlands:

Best Universities near The Woodlands: Lone Star College (System); University of Houston (commute). Students can access UT Austin’s programs in engineering, business, and technology.

Students often explore recreational trails and nature reserves to maintain a work-life balance. Local shopping and farmers’ markets provide affordable alternatives to city centers. Group fitness classes or volunteering in arts festivals help integrate students socially. Limited nightlife options encourage weekend day trips to Houston for events and internships.

8. Cambridge, Massachusetts 

Tourist Attractions: Historic architecture, Harvard and MIT museums, arts and cultural events. Students can attend workshops, talks, and exhibitions for experiential learning.

Transportation: Bicycle-friendly city; walking is also convenient. Traffic can be heavy during peak hours.

Crime/Safety: Moderate, mostly in busy downtown areas; academic zones are safe.

Let’s look at the details of the best city to live in USA, Cambridge:

Best Universities in Cambridge: Harvard University, MIT are renowned for engineering, computer science, and innovation programs, providing extensive research opportunities.

Students frequently participate in innovation labs, research workshops, and cultural events hosted by MIT and Harvard. Bicycle commuting is common to avoid heavy traffic. The dense academic environment encourages early internship applications and collaborative study sessions. Living in historic neighborhoods can be costly, so students often rent with peers to manage expenses.

9. Arlington, Virginia 

Tourist Attractions: Pentagon, Arlington National Cemetery, cultural events. Students can attend political or historical workshops and museum programs.

Transportation: Robust public transit; biking is popular for shorter commutes.

Crime/Safety: Low to moderate; neighborhoods near government buildings are well-patrolled.

Let’s look at the details of the best city to live in USA, Arlington:

Best Universities near Arlington: George Washington University (DC), American University (DC), and local community colleges that focus mainly on subjects like politics, international relations, and business internships.

Proximity to Washington, D.C., allows students to attend political workshops, museums, and internships at federal institutions. Weekend activities include exploring trails along the Potomac or joining local cultural events. Students often balance high commuting options with strategic scheduling of classes and part-time work.

10. Irvine, California

Tourist Attractions: Extensive green spaces, parks, and local medical and tech hubs. Students can combine outdoor exercise with networking opportunities.

Transportation: Car or bike-friendly; public transit exists but is limited.

Crime/Safety: Very safe city with low crime rates.

Let’s look at the details of the best city to live in USA, Irvine:

Best Universities in Irvine: University of California, Irvine (UCI), known for STEM programs, computer science, and business management.

Students take advantage of well-maintained parks and sports facilities for daily exercise. Access to tech internships and career fairs is frequent, encouraging early networking. Outdoor student activities like cycling or community volunteering are common, while the city’s layout requires careful planning for grocery and transport needs.

11. Plano, Texas 

Tourist Attractions: Parks, corporate campus visits, and community centers. Students can engage in recreational or academic networking events.

Transportation: Mostly car-dependent; biking or carpooling recommended.

Crime/Safety: Low; considered a secure city for students.

Let’s look at the details of the best city to live in USA, Plano:

Best Universities in Plano / Nearby: University of Texas at Dallas (UTD); nearby Dallas institutions. UTD provides strong programs in computer science, business analytics, and engineering. 

The corporate headquarters in Plano, such as Toyota and Liberty Mutual, provide ample part-time and internship opportunities for business or tech students. Local parks and libraries support group study sessions and community interaction. Students often join professional networking clubs to enhance career prospects. Public transport is limited, making bike commuting or carpooling popular.

12. Columbia, Maryland 

Tourist Attractions: Planned communities, arts events, cultural festivals. Students can join community volunteering or cultural programs to enrich their resumes.

Transportation: Walking and biking trails are widely used; commuting to nearby cities requires planning.

Crime/Safety: Low, family-friendly neighborhoods.

Let’s look at the details of the best city to live in USA, Columbia:

Best Universities near Columbia: Johns Hopkins University (Baltimore), University of Maryland (College Park - commutable). The university is known for medicine, engineering, and research.

Students engage in cultural events and local volunteering, strengthening their resumes while integrating socially. Bike paths and walking trails are widely used for commuting to campuses or libraries. Proximity to Baltimore and Washington, D.C., provides expanded internship and research opportunities, requiring careful travel planning.

13. Overland Park, Kansas 

Tourist Attractions: Deanna Rose Children’s Farmstead, community markets, and recreational parks. Students can participate in local sports leagues or seasonal events.

Transportation: Mostly car-dependent; biking within neighborhoods is feasible.

Crime/Safety: Low; safe and family-oriented city.

Let’s look at the details of the best city to live in USA, Overland Park:

Best Universities near Overland Park: Students can access nearby universities like Kansas State University for STEM, agriculture, and business programs.

Students enjoy organized community events, farmers’ markets, and outdoor recreational facilities. Affordable housing allows more spending on academics or personal development programs. Social clubs and sports leagues help students connect locally. Limited nightlife encourages weekend trips to nearby cities for entertainment.

14. Bellevue, Washington 

Tourist Attractions: Lake Washington, mountain trails, tech hubs. Students can combine outdoor activities with industry networking.

Transportation: Public transit exists, but cars or bikes are often needed.

Crime/Safety: Moderate; urban areas near tech campuses may have petty crimes.

Let’s look at the best city to live in USA, Bellevue:

Best Universities near Bellevue: University of Washington (Seattle), Bellevue College.  Students can attend UW for STEM, healthcare, and business programs. The city also offers tech internships at Microsoft, Amazon, and Expedia.

Tech industry presence offers networking and internship opportunities for STEM students. Students often intern with tech companies and participate in coding or design bootcamps. Hiking and water-based activities in Lake Washington balance academics with wellness. Bellevue’s high living cost pushes students to share housing or explore cooperative dining options. Networking events in tech hubs are critical for career growth.

15. Berkeley, California 

Tourist Attractions: UC Berkeley campus, arts and music festivals, culinary scene. Students can engage in cultural programs and workshops.

Transportation: Biking and public transit are common; hilly terrain requires planning.

Crime/Safety: Moderate; certain areas require caution at night.

Let’s look at the best city to live in USA, Berkeley:

Best Universities in Berkeley: University of California, Berkeley (UC Berkeley) is  recognised for engineering, computer science, and social sciences. Students benefit from research programs, cultural events, and proximity to Silicon Valley internships.

Students engage in local activism, cultural programs, and workshops hosted by UC Berkeley. Biking and public transit are common for navigating the hilly terrain. Students frequently explore culinary, arts, and music festivals to complement their academic life. High rental costs are offset by shared housing or co-living arrangements.

Conclusion

For Indian students planning to study in the USA, choosing the right city is critical for balancing rent, groceries, part-time work, and commuting. Start by shortlisting cities from this list of the 15 best cities to live in the USA based on safety, affordability, and university options. Research housing options early to secure student-friendly accommodation, compare part-time work opportunities, and plan monthly expenses to stay within budget. Identify top universities in your chosen city, prepare your application documents in advance, and explore internships that align with your career goals. 

For the September 2026 intake, LeapScholar can provide personalised guidance on university selection, application support, SOP reviews, financial planning, and visa assistance, helping Indian students make informed decisions and start their U.S. journey with confidence.

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