How much will I spend each month on living in the USA if I leave out rent?
Cost-of-living data puts the monthly spend for one person in the USA at about USD 1,192 without rent. Once rent is added in cities such as New York, Boston, San Francisco and Los Angeles, the monthly total goes above USD 2,000. Your lifestyle changes the figure.
Cost-of-living data suggests one person spends around USD 1,192 (approx INR 1.15 L) a month in the USA without rent. Add rent in cities such as New York, Boston, San Francisco or Los Angeles and the monthly total goes above USD 2,000 (approx INR 1.92 L). Your own figure depends on lifestyle, housing and commute.
Monthly Living Cost in the USA
| Item | Approx monthly amount (USD) |
|---|---|
| Living cost for one person, excluding rent | 1,192 (approx INR 1.15 L) |
| Total including rent in big cities | More than 2,000 (approx INR 1.92 L) |
Everyday Costs to Plan For
| Expense | Approx amount (USD) |
|---|---|
| Monthly public transport pass | 65 (approx INR 6,245) |
| Basic utilities for an 85 square metre apartment, per month | 218 (approx INR 20,943) |
| Mobile plan with 10GB or more data, per month | 62 (approx INR 5,956) |
| Broadband internet, per month | 74 (approx INR 7,109) |
My Advice
Rent is usually your biggest monthly cost, so choose your city with care. Cooking at home helps you keep the food budget under control, and living close to campus can cut your travel spend. Treat these numbers as averages and check real listings in your target city.
How much will a month in the USA cost you?
Rent, food and travel. A real monthly budget, city by city.
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