The US is on the wishlist of many aspiring Indian students. From its increased quality of life to global exposure, the perks of living in the US are abundant.
In addition to its outstanding academic quality and cultural diversity, the country has supportive international student networks, career opportunities, and higher living standards, making it an attractive option, especially for students.
The US houses some of the best cities in the world, such as New York, Los Angeles, Boston, San Fransisco, Chicago, and Houston, with prestigious universities.
However, in a country as vast as the USA, it may be tough to choose a city for yourself to live and study in. For a decision as important as this, it is crucial to take a 360-degree look at your options.
In this article, we have ranked the best cities to live in the US; based on the top universities, employability, and health infrastructure. We have also considered the average cost of rent, travel, and food in these cities. This ranking can help you make a sound decision regarding the perfect city for you.
Understanding Ranking Metrics
Before selecting your study-abroad destination, you need to have a complete awareness of the various resources at your disposal. The consequences of your choices have to be measured prior. Here we have made our list more comprehensive by including several relevant factors regarding living abroad. Base your choice on the factors that matter the most to you. Also, remember that the best cities to live in the US can differ for every student based on your priorities.
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Educational Institutions
The US hosts some of the top universities in the world, and it is an important factor to consider while choosing your city. According to the National Center for Education Statistics and Census Bureau, the college enrollment rate in the US has been constantly rising and is estimated to reach approximately 20 million, by 2024. Studying in the US opens up the doorway to a global academic space as well.
The proximity to excellent educational institutions should be every student’s top priority when choosing a city. Since the US hosts some of the top universities in the world, it is an important factor to consider, while choosing your city. We have put down the best colleges in the city based on their QS World University Rankings for 2024. You can consider this as a major priority while choosing the best cities to live in the US.
Cost of Living
When you are a student, the affordability of the city you live in should be considered. We’ve taken into account the basic living expenses from rent for real estate to food, for the cities. This will help you choose one that fits your budget.
Travel costs can vary based on the mode of transport, and we’d suggest sticking with public transport for the most cost-effective and conscious travel. You can choose accommodation in a metro area and consider factors like walkability to result in a low cost of living.
While states like California, Massachusetts, New York, and Washington have a higher cost of living, states like Colorado, Oregon, North Carolina, Kansas, Tennessee, and Missouri have lower living expenses. So, living cost is a major reason when choosing the best cities to live in the US.
Employment Opportunities
The scenario of the job market, employment rate, and career opportunities available in any city is good to know. This allows you to opt for a part-time job if need be, and know the possibilities for your career choices after finishing your studies. We have mentioned the unemployment rates of each city based on the latest analysis by the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).
Health and Infrastructure
The US is famous for its advanced public healthcare system. Active health infrastructure consists of a capable and qualified workforce, up-to-date data and information systems, and agencies or resources that can assess and spread awareness.
Health should always be your first priority. Being away from home, and staying alone, it is your responsibility to ensure your physical and mental well-being while making a decision.
We have listed the top cities, measuring their quality of health infrastructure, and also considering their public healthcare system. You can consider it as a major parameter while opting for the best cities to live in the US.
List of Best Cities to Live in the US
Considering all the essential factors while choosing a city, we have designed the following table for your reference.
We have also included the average living cost of each city. However, this can vary according to your personal choices and lifestyle. The average living costs are given for each month, excluding the expenses on rent. The amount you pay for your rent can vary depending on your housing facilities and location.
Also, note that cities with a higher cost of living are mostly provided with an increased minimum wage rate. This can help you to bear the basic expenses to a limit.
According to the latest statistics, we have given the unemployment rate of each city. Although this can vary depending on your profession or sector, this will give you an outlook on the employability of the place.
The given table lists the 13 best cities to live in the US, their living expenditure, and rate of unemployment.
| Name of the City | Living Cost | Unemployment Rate |
| New York | ₹1,29,408 | 5.3% |
| Chicago | ₹1,05,323 | 5.5% |
| Los Angeles | ₹1,10,283 | 6.2% |
| San Francisco | ₹1,28,393 | 3.6% |
| Boston | ₹1,14,876 | 2.9% |
| Washington | ₹1,19,057 | 2.9% |
| Miami | ₹1,08,046 | 1.9% |
| Seattle | ₹1,27,581 | 3.5% |
| Houston | ₹1,14,219 | 5.3% |
| San José | ₹1,34,083 | 4.0% |
| Las Vegas | ₹92,209 | 6.3% |
| Atlanta | ₹1,09,174 | 4.5% |
| Philadelphia | ₹99,953 | 5.0% |
The choice of the best cities to live in the US for you always depends upon your preferences. Depending on the factor if you are a student, a worker, a bachelor, or with your family, your choices can vary. Take your decision, considering all the relevant features.
New York, NY
After a wrecking pandemic, very few cities across the world were able to compensate their losses, as quickly as New York. The city is going all-in on expansions and new openings.
New York City is situated in the state of New York, and it is studded with some of the most iconic places in America, like the Empire State Building, Central Park, Brooklyn Bridge, and the Statue of Liberty. From impeccable cuisine to state-of-the-art locations, New York also has the best suburbs.
The city is a frontrunner in every field a student desires, with world-class education, arts and entertainment, and a plethora of internship and employment opportunities. New York City is a diverse city every international student can consider.
The table below lists the top universities in New York, along with their average tuition fees. You can consider them while choosing the best cities to live in the US.
| Name of University | Annual Tuition Fee in INR (Approx.) |
| Columbia University | ₹54,55,757 |
| Cornell University | ₹54,96,556 |
| New York University | ₹50,32,279 |
| University of Rochester | ₹53,60,837 |
| Stony Brook University | ₹25,27,047 |
The average tuition fee of each university can vary according to the course you opt for, and the duration of the course. In addition, you can also avail of scholarships provided for international students. Some of the most popular scholarships for U.S. students include the Foreign Fulbright Student Program, Hubert Humphrey Fellowship Program, and Rotary Peace Fellowship. You can consider these elements while choosing the best cities to live in the US.
Chicago, IL
Situated in the state of Illinois, Chicago is the midwest metropolis of America. Beaming with cultural heritage, and advancing infrastructure, the city opens up various opportunities for students.
Being the economic hub of the USA, Chicago is the best place for students considering finance or economics-related courses. The city houses several acclaimed universities that students can enroll in.
Chicago is also a center of tech companies in the US. A metropolis like Chicago makes for the best city for students who enjoy fast-paced city life.
The table below lists the top universities in Chicago, along with their average tuition fees. You can consider them while choosing the best cities to live in the US.
| Name of University | Annual Tuition Fee in INR (Approx.) |
| University of Chicago | ₹50,93,977 |
| University of Illinois | ₹28,97,403 |
| Northwestern University | ₹50,19,040 |
| Illinois Institute of Technology | ₹40,52,434 |
| Loyola University Chicago | ₹40,04,974 |
The University of Chicago ranks as the 11th best University under the QS World Ranking 2024. This state is highly recommended for its esteemed educational institutions. You can consider this while choosing the best cities to live in the US.
Los Angeles, CA
The Californian city of Los Angeles is the second-largest metropolitan city in America. The city is the right fit for art, entertainment, and cinema lovers.
Los Angeles is renowned for its Mediterranean climate, Hollywood, and for its cultural diversity. The city’s universities are a pool of international students.
The table below lists the top universities in Los Angeles, along with their average tuition fees. You can consider them while choosing the best cities to live in the US.
| Name of University | Annual Tuition Fee in INR (Approx.) |
| University of California (UCLA) | ₹38,57,264 |
| California Institute of Technology (Caltech) | ₹47,19,375 |
| University of Southern California (USC) | ₹50,18,624 |
| Occidental College (Oxy) | ₹48,64,753 |
| Loyola Marymount University (LMU) | ₹44,17,211 |
Lined with top-ranking universities and ample internship and job opportunities, LA is a city made for international students who enjoy outdoor activities. You can consider these elements while opting for the best cities to live in the US.
San Francisco, CA
San Francisco is the commercial, financial, and cultural center of Northern California. It is known for its cultural diversity, and hospitality.
The city is ranked as the fourth most populous city, especially with a higher density of foreign citizens. It also ranks as the third-best American city for its educational attainments.
The table below lists the top universities in San Francisco, along with their average tuition fees. You can consider them while choosing the best cities to live in the US.
| Name of University | Annual Tuition Fee in INR (Approx.) |
| University of California, Berkeley | ₹40,35,365 |
| University of San Francisco | ₹48,47,767 |
| San Francisco State University | ₹16,15,644 |
| California State University–East Bay | ₹15,71,598 |
| Saint Mary’s College of California | ₹46,73,913 |
The city also houses one of the seven wonders of the world, the Golden Gate Bridge. The city is also known for its picturesque.
Boston, Massachusetts
The ‘Athens of America’ and ‘Student Capital,’ Boston is renowned for its academic brilliance. This East Coast city is rich in arts and culture, especially classical music, along with being a major tech hub.
Apart from the highbrow activities, Boston is also a top spot for vibrant nightlife and a love for sports. This blend of education and lifestyle takes Boston to the top of the list of the best cities to live in the US.
The table below lists the top universities in San Francisco, along with their average tuition fees. You can consider them while choosing the best cities to live in the US.
| Name of University | Annual Tuition Fee in INR (Approx.) |
| Massachusetts Institute of Technology | ₹41,63,175 |
| Harvard University | ₹46,28,368 |
| Boston University | ₹49,80,489 |
| Tufts University | ₹52,45,600 |
| Northeastern University | ₹47,95,311 |
Boston is popular among foreign students for its prestigious universities and multicultural environment. So, being students you can consider these factors while choosing the best cities to live in the US.
Final Thoughts
Picking the right city to study and live in is just as important as choosing the right country. The USA offers opportunities, excellent education, good health care, and a brilliant lifestyle for Indian and international students.
Although the living expense is higher than in India, the minimum wage policy of the US assures that all its foreign residents receive equal pay as their native citizens.
The diverse culture in the cities and universities ensures you learn more and grow as a student and as a human. You can choose your city based on our rankings, your budget, and your choice of an educational institute.
Remember, over everything else, the city that fits you the best is the best city to live in, whether one of the major cities or a small one.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Which is the best city to live in the US?
A. New York ranks as the best city in the US. The city is known for its infrastructure, employability, and tourism. It houses some of the top universities in the US, such as Columbia University, Cornell University, New York University, University of Rochester, and Stony Brook University.
Q. Which is the best state in the US?
A. California, Massachusetts, and Washington are considered some of the best states in the U.S. They are not only known for their higher quality of life. But these states host some of the best universities in the country. They are also known for their higher minimum wage rates and employment opportunities.
Q. Where is the best university in the US located?
A. Some of the best universities in the US are situated in Boston. Although Boston is not a popular tourist destination, the place is quite common among international students. It is also known as the student capital. It houses some popular universities such as Harvard University, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, and Boston University.
Q. What is the cost of living in New York?
A. The average living cost in New York is ₹1,29,408 per person for a month. This excludes the rent. On average, the rent for a person is ₹2,24,228 outside the city. The city hosts some of the top universities in the US, such as Columbia University, Cornell University, New York University, and University of Rochester.
Q. Which is the best US city for foreigners?
A. San Francisco is one of the most popular cities among foreigners in the US. The city ranks as the fourth most populous city, especially with a higher density of foreign citizens. It also ranks as the third-best American city for its educational attainments. Other major cities include Boston, Washington, and Seattle.
Q. Which is the best US city for international students?
A. Boston is the most popular city among international students. It is also known as the Student Capital of the US. It houses some popular universities such as Harvard University, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, and Boston University.
Q. Which city has the lowest living cost in the US?
A. Brownsville in Texas is known as the cheapest city in the US. it is one of the nuclear powerhouses of the country. Other cities in the US with a lower cost of living include Wichita Falls, South Bend, Erie, Fort Wayne, and Evansville, Indiana. However, these are mostly the outskirts of the country.
Q. Which state has the highest employment rate in the US?
A. Utah, Florida, and Nevada are some U.S. states with a higher rate of employment. The unemployment rates of South Dakota and North Dakota are also low. The current unemployment rate of the country is 3.8%, which varies across various states, and their cities.
Q. Which state has the highest minimum wage in the US?
A. California has the highest minimum wage rate in the US. the minimum wage in California is $15.50/hr. However, Washington DC is the city with the highest minimum wage of $15.74/hr. The US minimum wage legislature assures that all the workers of the country receive equal pay, irrespective of ethnicity.Â
Q. Is Chicago a good city for international students?
A. Yes, Chicago is a good city for international students. It is the best place for students considering finance or economics-related courses. The city houses several acclaimed universities that students can enroll in. Some of the famous universities in Chicago are the University of Chicago, the University of Illinois, Northwestern University, and the Illinois Institute of Technology.
Q. Why is the US a good study-abroad destination?
A. The US is considered a good study-abroad destination. It is quite popular among foreign students, due to its higher quality of education. The US houses some of the most prestigious universities in the world. This includes the University of Chicago, Harvard University, Stanford University, and the University of Pennsylvania.
Q. Is the living cost in the US really high?
A. The living cost of the US is comparatively higher than that of India. This is due to its increased standard of living, and other facilities at disposal. However, the employment rate and average salary in the country are also higher. The availability of part-time jobs makes it easier for foreign students to meet their basic needs.
