How much do you actually need per month as an international graduate student in the US? The answer depends heavily on city, but the categories don't. Adjust the numbers below for your situation.
Your monthly cost of living
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Estimated monthly total$2,825
Assumes 1 person. Add ~30% for first-month furnishing/setup costs.
Typical totals by city (2026, sharing a 2-bed)
- Chicago (Hyde Park / Lake Meadows): $2,200–$2,800
- Boston (Allston / Cambridge): $2,800–$3,500
- NYC (Morningside / East Village): $3,200–$4,200
- Bay Area (Palo Alto / Berkeley): $3,500–$4,800
- LA (Westwood / USC Village): $2,800–$3,800
- Pittsburgh (Squirrel Hill): $1,600–$2,200
- Seattle (U-District): $2,400–$3,200
Don't forget the one-time costs
- Security deposit: 1 month's rent
- First and last month upfront (in some markets)
- Furniture: $1,500–$3,000 from new, or $300–$800 used
- Kitchen + cleaning supplies: $200–$300
- Renter's insurance setup: ~$120/year
- SEVIS fee + visa fee: $560 (already paid before arrival)
- Flight: $700–$1,500 depending on origin
Cutting costs without cutting safety
- Get a roommate — splitting a 2BR cuts rent by ~30–40%.
- Cook 5 days a week — saves ~$300/mo vs. eating out daily.
- Use the school transit pass — included or discounted at most universities.
- Buy used furnitureon Facebook Marketplace, the school's end-of-year sale, or graduation week giveaways.
- Skip cable — streaming + free school WiFi covers most students.
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Written by MyHomeversity
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