Cost of Living in the USA: Updated Prices, Comparison with Its Cities

The United States of America is commonly known as the USA or America. The USA has 50 states and a federal district, Washington, D.C. Everyone relocating to this wonderful location must estimate a budget for the cost of living in the United States to live comfortably and enjoy the beauty of this amazing country.

The cost of living in the USA can be high in certain provinces of America, especially if we talk about major cities and coastal areas. However, it can be more reasonable in smaller towns or out of the city centre. The factors that can influence the cost of living in America should be known to individuals so that they can manage their expenses and make informed decisions regarding where to live and how to utilise their expenses according to the budget. Let’s get right into our discussion to find out more!

What is the Cost of Living in the USA?

Around USD 1,167 is the approximate cost of living in the USA for a single person, excluding housing rent, transport, food, utility, and others. However, it may vary according to the living standard, state, city people choose to live in, and their preference for things. The United States is famous for its pleasant living conditions, fantastic salaries, and high-quality education with advanced programs, which makes people crazy to come here.

The key components contributing to the cost of living in America include a few costs of housing, healthcare, transportation, groceries, utilities, and entertainment. Here, we have accumulated the average cost of living in the USA into various categories for the people who wish to move here. Please take a look at this comprehensive overview:

Also read: Cost of Living in Napier: Overall Expenses Guide

Costs of Accommodation in the USA

Housing rent is one of the main factors that can affect the cost of living in the United States. However, it depends on the location, size, and type of room and apartment, due to which the cost of housing rent in the US can vary significantly. Major cities like New York, Los Angeles, and San Francisco can have greater housing costs. However, in smaller towns and rural locations, the cost of housing can be low. 

We have compiled some information for your reference regarding the standard cost of different apartments, both inside and outside the city centre.

Types of Apartments in the USA	Location in the USA	Average Monthly Cost
Apartment of One-bedroom	National Average	USD 1,640
Apartment of Three Bedrooms	National Average	USD 2,000
Apartment of One-bedroom	In the City Centre	USD 4,041
Apartment of Three Bedrooms	In the City Centre	USD 6,974
Apartment of One-bedroom	Outside the City Centre	USD 795
Apartment of Three Bedrooms	Outside the City Centre	USD 1,200–USD 1,500

Cost of a Utility in the USA 

It is important to evaluate the cost of utility in America because utility expenses cover basic water, electricity, gas, and heating bills. Budgeting for the cost of living in America can be made easier by being aware of these standard utility bills. However, utility costs depend on the state, municipality, and energy source.

Below is a table that provides you with an overview of the typical cost of utility bills in the United States.

Utility in the USA	Average Monthly Cost
Basic Utility Bills (Water, Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Garbage)	USD 208
Internet (Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL)	USD 71
Mobile Phone Plan (Calls + 10GB+ Data)	USD 57

Cost of Grocery in the USA

The grocery costs in the USA are important as these can instantly affect the general cost of living in the USA. The groceries contain essential edible items such as bread, fruits, vegetables, dairy products, water, and other edible products. 

On average, a single individual spends about USD 250- USD 350 per month on grocery items. However, this can vary according to the location, food choices, and whether you purchase organic or premium products. In the following table, we provide an overview of the average individual grocery costs in the USA.

Grocery Item in the USA	Average Monthly Cost
1 litre of regular milk	USD 1.06
500g of white bread	USD 3.56
1kg of white rice	USD 4.56
1kg of apples	USD 5.30
1kg of bananas	USD 1.68
1kg of oranges	USD 4.49
1kg of tomatoes	USD 4.89
1kg of potatoes	USD 3.00
1kg of onions	USD 3.04
1 litre of bottled water	USD 2.19

Also read: Cost of Living in Calgary: A Comprehensive Guide

Restaurant Food Costs in USA

Eating out in America can be costly, but it also depends on the type of restaurant, location, and cuisine you prefer.  However, it might affect your budget for the cost of living in the USA. Typically, the cost of dining out in the USA can be more than cooking in your own apartment or room. 

To give you a clearer view of the cost of meals at USA restaurants, we have given below a breakdown of the average food cost there:

Transportation Costs in the USA	Average Monthly Cost
Inexpensive Restaurant Meal	USD 16.28
Mid-Range Restaurant Meal for Two	USD 20–USD 50
Fast Food Combo Meal	USD 5–USD 8
Cappuccino	USD 5.11

Transportation Costs in the USA

Estimating transportation costs in the USA is crucial as they can impact the total cost of living in the USA, and it is important to comprehend the costs of monthly passes or everyday tickets of public transport in the USA. 

Getting around America involves using various modes of public transportation, such as trains, buses, taxis, subways, etc. Take an overview of the following table for the cost of transportation around the USA:

Mode of Transport in the USA	Approx. Cost (USD)
Local Public Transport Ticket	2.50
Monthly Public Transport Pass	72 (general average)
Taxi Ride per 1 km	1.74
Taxi Waiting Time (per hour)	30
Gas / Petrol (1 litre / 0.26 gal)	0.97

Also read: Cost of Living in Monaco: A Comprehensive Guide

Miscellaneous Costs in the USA

Apart from the above category of costs of living in the USA, various other costs also have a role in deciding the average cost of living in the United States. These are a few miscellaneous costs incurred in the United States. As a consideration, we’ve provided miscellaneous costs, please refer to the following table for understanding across the USA region:

Categories of Expenses in the USA	Approximate Monthly Cost (USD)
Movie Ticket	USD 16.08 MoviePass
Fitness Club Membership	USD 50 Smart Health Clubs
Pair of Jeans	USD 61 Cotton Incorporated
Summer Dress	USD 34.75 Macy’s
Pair of Sports Shoes	USD 60 Real Simple
Healthcare (Insurance)	USD 539/month
Personal Care Products	USD 50–USD 70

Cost of Living in the USA and Its Cities

The cost of living in the United States can vary significantly according to the region, state, and city. The cost of living in America is just one piece of the puzzle. Moreover, with different living expenses, each city in the USA offers its unique blend of challenges, opportunities, and experiences.

By understanding the living expenses of a student’s chosen city or state in the United States, he or she can make informed decisions and embark on a new adventure and experience, no matter where it takes them in this vast and diverse country. For your reference, we have given the cost of living in the USA and some of its cities.

Cost of living city-wise	Approx Costs	Comparison Cost of Living in the USA
Cost of Living in New York	USD 1,695	Higher than the USA
Cost of Living in San Francisco	USD 1,502	Higher than the USA
Cost of Living in Seattle	USD 1,383	Higher than the USA
Cost of Living in Los Angeles	USD 1,363	Higher than the USA
Cost of Living in San Diego	USD 1,389	Higher than the USA
Cost of Living in California	USD 1,363	Higher than the USA
Cost of Living in Florida	USD 1,231	Higher than the USA
Cost of Living in Chicago	USD 1,298	Higher than the USA
Cost of Living in Nashville	USD 1,231	Higher than the USA
Cost of Living in Washington	USD 1,351	Higher than the USA
Cost of Living in Miami	USD 1,289	Higher than the USA
Cost of Living in Denver	USD 1,292	Higher than the USA
Cost of Living in Honolulu	USD 1,458	Higher than the USA
Cost of Living in Boston	USD 1,434	Higher than the USA
Cost of Living in Boise	USD 1,042	Lower than the USA
Cost of Living in Tennessee	USD 1,133	Approximately equal to the USA
Cost of Living in Indianapolis	USD 1,152	Approximately equal to the USA

Average Tuition Fees in USA

Students can better manage their expenses for their preferred university by evaluating the average costs of tuition of the US universities. It is important to note that tuition costs at America’s Universities might differ depending on the type of university and the programme of study you select.

Understanding standard university tuition fees along with the cost of living in the United States is essential for managing your academic expenses and planning for your educational path. To help you even more, we have kept together a thorough overview of the average tuition costs at the USA universities in the table below:

Name of University	Approx Tuition fees per year
Princeton University	USD 65,210
Massachusetts Institute of Technology	USD 64,310
Harvard University	USD 59,320
Stanford University	USD 67,731
Yale University	USD 69,900
University of Pennsylvania	USD 63,622
California Institute of Technology	USD 65,622
Duke University	USD 70,265

Note: In the United States, fees may vary depending on the duration, type of program, and selection of institution, college, or university. For more information, please visit the official website of the university.

Average Salary in USA

The average salary in the United States is approximately USD 4,518.60 which is an after-tax salary. It is calculated by dividing total income by the number of employees. Factors that can affect an employee’s annual salary include their place of residence, industry, degree of education, and the demands of their work. With this monthly salary package, people can live well in the United States and maintain a high standard of living there.

FAQs

Relevant Reads

Cost of Living in Helsinki: A Comprehensive Guide	Cost of Living in Virginia: A Guide on Expected Expenses
Cost of Living in Lithuania: A Guide on Lithuania Expenses	Cost of Living in Seychelles: A Comprehensive Guide
Cost of living in France	Cost of Living in Spain

So, this was all about the Cost of living in the USA. Many Indian students dream of pursuing education in foreign nations due to the exposure and career growth they offer. Consider joining a free counselling session with Leverage Edu if you plan to study abroad.