Desire to study in the US but unsure about which cities offer the lowest cost of living and good university rankings?
We cover what you need. This list highlights the top US cities with the lowest cost of living for students. By the end of this blog, you’ll know about these cities, their universities, and what life might look like there.
Get ready to dive deep into your most preferred study destination – The US!
Top 10 US Cities with Lowest Cost of Living for Students
List of 10 US cities with the lowest cost of living for students:
1. San Diego, California
San Diego ranks as the US city with the lowest cost of living for students. This coastal city sits on the US west coast. It’s home to well-known landmarks such as the Museum of the US, the Japanese Friendship Garden, the Timken Museum, and the Fleet Science Centre, among others.
As it’s located near beaches, surfing is the most popular activity here. Many affordable cafes and restaurants are great for students to hang out. If you’re planning to reside in San Diego, get ready to plan your weekends around the beaches amidst beautiful sunsets.
Besides being one of the most affordable cities, San Diego boasts three prestigious universities. The highest-ranked among them is the University of California San Diego, which also obtained the highest rating for its international research network. The other top-ranked universities are San Diego State University and the University of San Diego.
2. Albany, New York
Albany is ranked second among US cities with the lowest cost of living, despite New York being one of the most expensive states to live and study in. This small Dutch settlement is well-known for its cuisine, offering plenty of restaurants, pubs, and cafes where you can relax and rejuvenate after a hectic day.
With numerous breweries, distilleries, and wineries, locals, tourists, and students over 21 have the chance to taste everything the city has to offer.
One of the ranked universities, the Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, is located in Albany.
3. Baltimore, Maryland
Baltimore, in northeastern Maryland, is among the third US cities with the lowest cost of living. With a sizable harbor used for importing and exporting goods, this city has an extensive history of international trade. If you’re a water sports enthusiast, get ready to enjoy spotting kayaks and sailboats, which indicate the growing popularity of water sports in the city. The museums in Baltimore showcase elements of American history and art.
Baltimore’s flagship institution, Johns Hopkins University, received excellent grades for its international-student ratio, international research network, and faculty-to-student ratio. The University of Maryland also holds a good position in the city.
4. Durham, North Carolina
Durham is the fourth US city with the lowest cost of living and is a progressive and diverse metropolis. It has a rich historical background and was a major player in the civil rights movement, as Martin Luther King Jr. advocated for peaceful opposition to Jim Crow laws in the city. Today, this place is renowned for being home to Black Wall Street and a center of business innovation.
Duke University in Durham earns perfect ratings in faculty-to-student ratio, international research network, and sustainability.
5. Dallas, Texas
In the list of top US cities with the lowest cost of living, Dallas is ranked fifth. This city is most recognized for its sports teams: the Mavericks, Rangers, and Dallas Cowboys. It’s also widely known for its retail establishments, arts district – which Readers’ Choice ranked the greatest in 2024 – and nightlife that will help you unwind after a long day.
Dallas is home to two universities ranked by QS. The University of Texas at Dallas is ranked highest due to its significant contributions to the larger research community. Southern Methodist University also holds a good reputation.
6. Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Due to its high student population, Pittsburgh is an excellent destination for students seeking low-cost living and socializing opportunities. This city is located near the Ohio border on Pennsylvania’s western edge. If you want to enjoy scenic surroundings, consider visiting the Allegheny and Monongahela rivers that wind through the city. Pittsburgh is a beautiful place among US cities with the lowest cost of living.
The two top-ranked universities in the city are Carnegie Mellon University and the University of Pittsburgh.
7. Houston, Texas
Houston, the largest city in Texas, is ranked seventh for affordable stays. It has earned the moniker “Space City” as it serves as the mission control base for NASA. If you’re planning to reside here, get ready to explore the vibrant nightlife with numerous restaurants and cafes, a Chinatown, and ‘Little India,’ which showcases the city’s diversity. Houston is also famous for its world-renowned blues music scene.
Along with various entertainment options, Houston is home to high-ranked universities like Rice University and the University of Houston.
8. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Philadelphia, the most populous city in Pennsylvania, is a hub of activity and offers an affordable way to experience city life in the US. This place has an abundance of galleries, museums, and theaters, and boasts a rich political history. Additionally, this region is the origin of the beloved Philly Cheesesteak, a delicacy made of meat and cheese.
One of the Ivy League universities, the University of Pennsylvania, is located here. It receives perfect ratings for international faculty ratio, faculty-to-student ratio, academic reputation, and sustainability. Other notable institutions include Swarthmore College, Temple University, and Drexel University.
9. Seattle, Washington
Seattle ranks as the ninth most affordable city in the United States. It has numerous cafes, art galleries, nightclubs, and coffee shops, including the Starbucks Reserve flagship location. As it’s home to many unique stores and brands, students discover something new and interesting around every corner.
Seattle is also home to the University of Washington, the best university in the city. Additionally, Seattle University is located here and holds good rankings.
10. Atlanta, Georgia
Atlanta, situated in the southeast of the United States, ranks among the US cities with low cost of living.The Georgia Aquarium, the Atlanta Botanical Garden, and the home of civil rights icon Martin Luther King Jr. are among its many attractions.
It is home to three QS top universities: Georgia Institute of Technology, Emory University, and Georgia State University.
Recommended Read: A One-Stop Guide to Study in The USA
Conclusion
Many students desire to study in the US; however, it can be incredibly expensive. The list above highlights the top US cities with the lowest cost of living.
Furthermore, if you want to know more about top destinations or have any study abroad-related questions, feel free to avail yourself of EnrichMyCareer’s Career Counselling Sessions.
Want to know more about us? Visit the EnrichMyCareer page to learn more.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Which city is the cheapest to study in the USA?
San Diego is one of the most affordable places with lower tuition fees and cost of living. The coastal city on the US West Coast ranks among the cheapest places to reside.
2. How can I find part-time jobs or internships in cities with a low cost of living?
You can utilize university career centers, online job portals, and local businesses, and network with others to find jobs.
3. Which are the cheap US cities for students?
The US cities with the lowest cost of living for students include San Diego, California; Albany, New York; Baltimore, Maryland; Durham, North Carolina; Dallas, Texas; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; Houston, Texas; Seattle, Washington; and Atlanta, Georgia.
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