Best State to Live in USA: Top 10 States for Student Living Abroad

Best state to live in USA: Deciding where to go to college is a big choice for millions of students in the U.S. each year. College represents much more than just getting a degree; it’s a period of independence, growth, discovery, and often, lasting friendships. When choosing a place to study, students consider factors like tuition costs, cost of living, quality of education, and the overall vibe of the location. The top US states to live in include California, New York, Minnesota, Utah, Florida, Wisconsin, Texas, Virginia, Colorado, and Massachusetts. Whether prioritizing affordability, inclusivity, or post-graduate prospects, students can find a supportive and enriching atmosphere in these top US states to live in. With this in mind, here’s a detailed look at the top US states to live in based on several key criteria, from affordability and happiness levels to career prospects and inclusivity.

California: The Golden State for Students

California, with its beautiful landscapes and happening city life, ranks as the best state for students. The state has a combination of top universities, diverse activities, and relatively low tuition costs. California is home to prestigious institutions such as Stanford University, the California Institute of Technology (Caltech), and the University of California, Berkeley. 

California, one of the best state to live in USA, appeal goes beyond academics. Students have access to cultural hotspots, outdoor adventures, and career opportunities in tech, entertainment, and innovation. Known for being highly LGBT-friendly, California also has a significant percentage of young people, making it easier for students to build connections and feel at home.

Take a look at the table below to explore why California is considered among top US states to live in for students, showcasing average tuition costs, young adult demographics, and some of the top colleges available:

Category	Details
Best State to Live in USA	California
Average Tuition Cost	USD 8,192
Young Adult Population	9.6%
Top Colleges	Stanford University, University of California, Berkeley (UCB), University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)

New York: The City That Never Sleeps

New York, famous for its happening city life and prestigious institutions, takes the second spot. Home to top universities like Columbia University and New York University, it offers excellent graduate salaries, cultural richness, and inclusivity. While New York City can be pricey, students have access to many cultural attractions, including Broadway, museums, and historical landmarks. New York is also a welcoming state for LGBT students, with a diverse community and supportive infrastructure for students from all backgrounds. Thus it is among the best state to live in USA.

Here we have provided the highlights of New York in the table below. In the table, you will find key details on its average tuition costs, the young adult population, and a list of prestigious colleges:

Category	Details
Best State to Live in USA	New York
Average Tuition Cost	USD 8,467
Young Adult Population	9.1%
Top Colleges	CUNY City College, CUNY Queens College, Fordham University, Cornell University

Minnesota: A Friendly, Scenic Destination

Minnesota is known for its natural beauty, low crime rates, and positive mental health environment. Ranked as one of the happiest states, it also has relatively low room and board costs, making it an ideal choice for students on a budget. The scenic landscape and outdoor activities, along with Minnesota’s supportive mental health services, create a balanced environment for study and relaxation. Students can enjoy a safe and fulfilling college experience here, with low living costs compared to states like California and New York.

Take a look at the table below to explore why Minnesota is one of the best state to live in USA for students. The table features details on average tuition costs, a young adult population, and top colleges:

Category	Details
Best State to Live in USA	Minnesota
Average Tuition Cost	USD 11,748
Young Adult Population	9.4%
Top Colleges	University of Minnesota–Twin Cities, University of St. Thomas (MN), St. Catherine University, Bethel University

Utah: Affordable and Youthful

Utah is known for its affordability and large young adult population, making it an ideal option for students looking to minimise expenses. With the lowest room costs in the country, students here can save on living expenses while enjoying a beautiful environment. From hiking in the mountains to experiencing the arts scene in Salt Lake City, Utah has plenty to offer students. It’s also ideal for outdoor enthusiasts who enjoy a mix of adventure and affordability.

Check out the table below to discover why Utah stands out as the best state to live in USA for students. Here we have listed its affordable tuition costs and names of  top-notch colleges:

Category	Details
Best State to Live in USA	Utah
Average Tuition Cost	USD 6,700
Young Adult Population	10.7%
Top Colleges	Brigham Young University, University of Utah, Utah State University, Westminster University

Florida: Sunshine and Savings

Rounding out the top five is Florida, which offers the most affordable tuition costs in the nation. This warm and lively state provides students with a lower-than-average cost of living and plenty of activities to enjoy in their downtime. Though Florida does not rank as high in terms of mental health or LGBT friendliness, it remains popular due to its affordability. Students here can enjoy beaches, theme parks, and a diverse cultural scene, especially in cities like Miami and Orlando.

Explore the table below to see what makes Florida one of the best state to live in USA for students:

Category	Details
Best State to Live in USA	Florida
Average Tuition Cost	USD 4,463
Young Adult Population	7.4%
Top Colleges	University of Florida, Florida State University, University of Miami, University of South Florida

Wisconsin: Happiness and Safety

Wisconsin is another budget-friendly option, with low tuition, room, and board costs. Known for its strong mental health resources and low crime rates, Wisconsin provides a safe and supportive environment for students. Students in Wisconsin can enjoy a high quality of life, with plenty of green spaces, lakes, and community activities. The state’s commitment to mental health makes it a great choice for students looking for a balanced college experience.

Take a look at the table below to discover why Wisconsin stands out as an excellent state for students:

Category	Details
Best State to Live in USA	Wisconsin
Average Tuition Cost	USD 8,764
Young Adult Population	6.9%
Top Colleges	University of Wisconsin–Madison, Marquette University, Edgewood College, University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee

Texas: Big State, Big Opportunities

Texas ranks highly due to its affordability and the number of reputable universities, including the University of Texas at Austin and Rice University. Students can benefit from lower-than-average costs for rent and board. While Texas doesn’t score as high in terms of mental health and LGBT friendliness, it’s home to a happening social scene, a warm climate, and diverse cultural experiences, especially in major cities like Austin and Houston.

Check out the table below highlighting Texas as considered the best state to live in USA by students:

Category	Details
Best State to Live in USA	Texas
Average Tuition Cost	USD 8,598
Young Adult Population	9.6%
Top Colleges	Rice University, The University of Texas–Austin, Texas A&M University, Baylor University

Virginia: A Well-Balanced Option

Virginia ranks well in areas like mental health, happiness, and LGBT friendliness, providing a safe and inclusive environment for students. Known for its good graduate salaries, Virginia offers a promising start to one’s career after college. Students here benefit from a variety of outdoor activities, scenic mountains, and historical sites, which provide a well-rounded lifestyle. Though tuition is higher than in some other states, Virginia’s quality of life and career prospects make it worth considering.

Explore the table below showcasing Virginia as one of the best state to live in USA for students:

Category	Details
Best State to Live in USA	Virginia
Average Tuition Cost	USD 13,655
Young Adult Population	8.9%
Top Colleges	University of Virginia, Virginia Tech, William & Mary, George Mason University, Virginia Commonwealth University

Colorado: Inclusivity in the Rockies

Colorado is the most LGBT-friendly state on the list, known for its inclusivity and high percentage of young people. The state also offers attractive graduate starting salaries and a low average tuition cost, though board costs are higher. With beautiful landscapes, including mountains and national parks, Colorado is ideal for students who appreciate the outdoors. Though it doesn’t rank as highly for activities beyond outdoor adventures, students seeking an active lifestyle will find plenty of options here.

Read this table to learn more about why Colorado stands among top US states to live in:

Category	Details
Best State to Live in USA	Colorado
Average Tuition Cost	USD 9,144
Young Adult Population	9.7%
Top Colleges	Colorado School of Mines, University of Colorado Boulder, University of Denver, Colorado State University

Massachusetts: The Hub of Education

Massachusetts offers some of the highest post-graduation salaries, making it a strong choice for those looking to start their careers with a good income. Considered among the best state to live in USA is known for being inclusive and has low crime rates, providing a secure environment for students. Though more expensive than other states, Massachusetts has a strong educational reputation with institutions like Harvard and MIT. Students who want to maximise their career potential post-graduation often choose Massachusetts for its well-known colleges and networking opportunities.

Explore the table below showcasing Massachusetts, one of the top US states to live in:

Category	Details
Best State to Live in USA	Massachusetts
Average Tuition Cost	USD 13,729
Young Adult Population	8.6%
Top Colleges	Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Harvard University, Boston College, Tufts University, Boston University

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