The United States has established itself as a top destination for Indian students, with 2023 expanding the options for the best states to live in USA for Indians. The reputation of being an excellent choice for international education comes from excellent universities such as Harvard, Stanford and MIT. US universities account for most universities in the world ranking list every year.
The USA is a highly diverse country with a large population of international students. The country has grown quite famous with Indian students, especially those pursuing STEM courses. Though slightly more expensive than other countries, the USA delivers excellent educational opportunities and is the best place to launch your career.
The outstanding education, cultural diversity, career opportunities, healthcare, and high quality of life make the USA the best option for every aspiring student. The US universities have excellent placement rates, and the country is home to multinational companies that are almost always hiring!
The USA has some of the world’s most remarkable cities and world-famous historical sites. Due to the sharp increase in the international student body, many cities and states have turned completely student-friendly. Here is an elaborative list of best states to live in USA with a lower cost of living, opportunities for a higher income, safer neighbourhoods and an excellent quality of life!
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Best States to Live in USA: 2023 Ranking Metrics
Selecting a state to study in is surely a difficult decision. The easy way to approach this is to set your priorities straight. You see, usually, when a state is awarded as the “best”, it means that it fulfils certain factors. You need to identify factors that are crucial for your survival abroad. Remember, selecting a state is not a one-size fits all situation. The best state for you depends on your needs!
Here are some factors to help you start with shortlisting the best states to live in USA and fixating on an option:
- Educational Institutions: As an international student, your top priority is usually to get admitted to good universities. In this case, you must look for states with many well-renowned institutions.
- Cost of Living: The cost of living is a pivotal factor in deciding on the best states to live in USA in 2023. USA is considered expensive due to the living cost, but it’s not always the case.
Many US states offer low-cost accommodation, transportation and food. Of course, the cost of living does depend on your lifestyle, but budgeting for the month in advance and using public transport can help decrease costs. - Employment Opportunities: Whether you’re looking to make some passive-income or try out possibilities for your future career, you must consider the job market, employment rate, and career opportunities for that state. Finding a job in the USA is easy if you plan it out well and in advance. Here are some tips from us on how to find a job in the USA!
- Quality of life: Good quality of life indicates that the residents of that place have suitable conditions to thrive. The quality of life depends on the state’s access to healthcare and education, the economy and crime rates, and environmental factors such as pollution. It should play a major role while listing down the best states to live in USA.
Best States to Live in USA for Indian Students
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1. Texas
Outstanding educational programs, great weather, beautiful outdoors, and delicious food make the Lone Star State, Texas, a worthy contender in the list of best states to live in the USA.
Texas, one of the best states to live in USA, with the fastest growth, has a strong market for the finance, technology, energy, and healthcare sectors and provides a variety of job prospects. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), Texas will generate more than 6 million jobs between 2019 and 2029.
That’s not all; Living in Texas is much more affordable than living in other states. Universities in Texas offer excellent academic growth at low costs.
Top Universities
| Rice University |
| University of Texas at Austin |
| Texas A&M University |
| Southern Methodist University |
| Baylor University |
Cost of living in Dallas, Texas
| Apartment (1 bedroom) in City Centre | $1,000.00 |
| Apartment (1 bedroom) Outside of Centre | $800.00 |
| Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant | $8.00 |
2. Massachusetts
Home to one Ivy League school, numerous top-ranked international colleges, and the best research universities, you get the best of all worlds in Massachusetts, ranked as one of the best states to live in USA in 2023.
The strong economy of Massachusetts draws Fortune 500 companies and local businesses. The state has a long history of fostering entrepreneurship. There is no better place for a new employee to launch their career than in this state.
Massachusetts has the greatest employment rate for STEM-related courses in the entire USA.
Top universities
| Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) |
| Harvard University |
| Tufts University |
| Boston College |
| Brandeis University |
Cost of living in Boston, Massachusetts
| Estimated monthly costs (without rent) | $1,198.23 |
| Apartment (1 bedroom) in City Centre | $2,724.24 |
| Apartment (1 bedroom) Outside of Centre | $1,959.00 |
| One-way Ticket (Local Transport) | $2.40 |
| Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant | $20.00 |
3. California
California is one of the best states to live in USA for international students seeking excellent education, a diverse culture, and a high standard of living. There’s always something to explore in California: sunny weather, gorgeous beaches, mountains and plenty of cultural attractions.
California is home to top universities and has plenty of opportunities to launch your career and build a professional network.
Top universities
| Stanford University |
| California Institute of Technology |
| University of California, Berkeley |
| University of California, Los Angeles |
| University of California, Los Angeles |
Cost of living in Los Angeles, California
| Apartment (1 bedroom) in City Centre | $1,483.33 |
| Apartment (1 bedroom) Outside of Centre | $1,350.00 |
| One-way Ticket (Local Transport) | $7.00 |
| Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant | $10.00 |
4. Utah
Utah is one of the happiest states in America and definitely, one of the best states to live-in in 2023. The state is filled with picturesque views and has some of the friendliest and most tolerant people in the USA. Utah also has the highest population of 19-25-year-olds.
If you’re looking for an affordable education in the USA, you should put Utah on your list. The cost of tuition in Utah is lesser than the national average.
Utah has a reputation for being one of the best states to live in USA; it’s a thriving economy and offers plenty of employment opportunities for graduates.
Top Universities
| Brigham Young University–Provo |
| University of Utah |
| Utah State University |
| Westminster College (UT) |
| Snow College |
Cost of living in Salt Lake City, Utah
| Estimated monthly costs (without rent) | $912.63 |
| Apartment (1 bedroom) in City Centre | $1,606.00 |
| Apartment (1 bedroom) Outside of Centre | $1,300.75 |
| One-way Ticket (Local Transport) | $2.50 |
| Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant | $17.00 |
5. New York
New York is the international hub of education, fashion, music and arts, and undoubtedly one of the best states to live in USA. The state is a melting pot of diversity and hosts more than 400 colleges, of which 2 are Ivy League schools.
New York is home to more than 50 Fortune 500 companies, so there are countless chances for overseas students. The state is quite popular for unique street foods and unlimited forms of entertainment.
Top universities
| Cornell University |
| Columbia University |
| New York University |
| University of Rochester |
| Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute |
Cost of living in New York City, New York
| Estimated monthly costs (without rent) | $1,428.99 |
| Apartment (1 bedroom) in City Centre | $3,807.88 |
| Apartment (1 bedroom) Outside of Centre | $2,347.29 |
| One-way Ticket (Local Transport) | $2.75 |
| Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant | $25.00 |
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Also Read: Why Study in the USA: Top 10 Reasons for International Students
We hope the above list of best states to live in USA in 2023 makes your decision-making process easy. The best state to live in the USA is indeed a tough choice. With an excellent choice of universities, career opportunities and cultural experiences, the USA is one of the best places to study in 2023!
Still trying to decide which state to study in? More than 2L students have trusted LeapScholar with their study abroad journey. Here’s your chance. Book a free call with our experts today and get all your queries answered.
Frequently Asked Questions
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How much does it cost to study in the US?
Studying in the USA is a bit more expensive than in other countries. However, it’s not unaffordable altogether. There are scholarship options to bring down your costs. If you wish to fund your desire to study abroad, you’ll be happy to know that Leap Finance provides collateral-free loans for USA education at tailor-made interest rates.
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How long does enrolling in a university in USA take?
As an international student, it is essential to start planning your admission and move to the US in advance. Start your research at least 18 months before the move. It’s best to take the required exams a year in advance and apply for the university of your choice in the next 2 months. Post that, you may apply for your student visa (at least 3 months in advance) and plan your move.
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What are some of the best cities to study in the USA?
Boston, New York, Chicago, San Francisco, and Philadelphia are all great cities to study in the USA.
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Which state in the USA has the lowest cost of living for international students?
Wyoming offers the lowest cost of living. Some other states offering affordable education and living are Mississippi, Alabama, South Dakota, Texas and Utah.
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What are some of the most popular scholarships in the USA for Indian Students?
Fulbright Scholarships and university-specific scholarships like Stanford Scholarships, Yale University Scholarships USA, and University of New Haven Scholarship are fully funded scholarships popular with Indian students. Leap Scholar’s scholarship finder provides a free, up-to-date, comprehensive list of scholarships, grants and other awards that are available to international students from different parts of the world.
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How much will it cost to live in the USA per year?
The cost of living depends on your requirements and lifestyle. But, on average, an international student will need 83,892.06₹ (1,013.76$) without rent per month.
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What are the transportation costs for an international student in the USA?
On average, one-way local transport tickets cost $77.5 monthly in the US.
