How much will I pay in housing rent per year as a master's student in the USA?
Housing rent for a master's student in the USA typically falls between USD 12,000 and USD 32,000 per year, and it varies from one university to another. It is the biggest line in the yearly cost of attendance, ahead of food and health insurance.
As a master's student in the USA, you can typically expect to pay around USD 12,000 to 32,000 (approx INR 11.57 to 30.84 L) per year for housing rent, depending on your university and city. It is the largest single item in the yearly cost of attendance, so plan it first.
Average Yearly Cost of Attendance
| Expense | Average cost per year (USD) |
|---|---|
| Housing rent | 12,000 to 32,000 (approx INR 11.57 to 30.84 L) |
| Food | 7,000 (approx INR 6.75 L) |
| Books and supplies | 850 to 2,400 (approx INR 81,923 to 2.31 L) |
| Health insurance | 1,900 to 5,000 (approx INR 1.83 to 4.82 L) |
| Transportation | 1,300 to 3,500 (approx INR 1.25 to 3.37 L) |
| Personal expenses | 2,400 to 4,800 (approx INR 2.31 to 4.63 L) |
| Student life fee | 400 (approx INR 38,552) |
Costs Beyond the Yearly Budget
You also pay one-time costs while applying, such as test and application fees. The figures below are indicative and change from time to time.
| Item | Average cost |
|---|---|
| TOEFL exam fee | 190 (approx INR 18,312) |
| GRE exam fee | 213 (approx INR 20,529) |
| GMAT exam fee | 275 (approx INR 26,504) |
| Application fees | 1,100 (approx INR 1.06 L) |
My Advice
Housing swings the most between cities and housing types, so compare on-campus and shared off-campus options before you accept an offer. Check each university's own cost of attendance page for its current estimate and keep a buffer in your budget.
How much will a month in the USA cost you?
Rent, food and travel. A real monthly budget, city by city.
More Cost & living questions
- What is the lowest undergraduate tuition fee I can expect to pay at a Canadian university for the 2026 academic year?
- How much would I pay in first-year tuition for the International MBA program at York University, Toronto?
- If I get an education loan, can I proceed with the application after the loan amount is clear?
- Is it better to spend 12 lakhs in India or go abroad for higher studies in Germany for a Master's?
- Does the agency provide end-to-end services including visa, loan guidance, and accommodation?
- Do I need to show living expenses in my bank account for visa purposes, and can I withdraw it after reaching Ireland?
- How do I get an education loan for an MBA abroad as an Indian student?
- Which is more suitable for my son's master's education: Dubai or the USA, considering cost, location, program variety, post-study work options, and pathways to permanent residency?
More USA questions
- What are the chances of getting a conditional offer letter requiring IELTS even if I have a good 12th standard score?
- Which universities in the USA offer MS Engineering Management for a B.Tech Automotive Engineering graduate, Duolingo 120 and ₹80 lakhs budget?
- How much extra should I keep aside for unexpected costs during my MS in the USA?
- By when do I need to submit my application for most UG and PG courses at UCLA?
- Can you track an Employment Pass application on the MOM portal when your employer files it?
- Can I apply for an education loan up to 30 to 35 lakhs or 30 to 40 lakhs budget?
- What are the visa application chances and procedures for USA compared to Australia?
- Is my daughter planning to settle down abroad with permanent residency or just study in Singapore/USA for a Master's?