Living Expenses in New York for Indian Students 2025

Living expenses in New York City can be high for international students. They need to budget between US$2,000 and US$3,500 (Rs 1.66 lakhs to Rs 2.91 lakhs) per month to spend. This amount includes the cost of Accommodation, Groceries, Transportation, and other essential bills. Check out the article for detailed information about living expenses in New York.

The average living expenses in New York City range between US$13,000 and US$18,900. Living expenses in New York vary depending on the level of the course chosen. For undergraduate (UG) students, living expenses in NYC are slightly higher than for postgraduate students.

Several factors affect the living expenses in the USA and its Big Apple for international students. From accommodation to transportation and miscellaneous expenses, all are calculated together to form the cost of living. Since the cost of living index for New York is 100 based on the 2024 report, New York is approximately ten times more expensive than Indian metros. More details are given below.

Living in New York City as an Indian student in 2025 entails various expenses, including accommodation, transportation, food, and personal costs. Here's a comprehensive overview to help you organize your budget.

I) Accommodation:

+ Off-Campus: Renting an apartment off-campus typically costs between $1,050 and $3,731 per month, depending on the location and amenities.

+ On-Campus: University housing averages around $1,252 per month.

+ Transportation: A monthly MetroCard, which provides unlimited access to subway and bus services, costs around $132.

II) Food:

+ Monthly food expenses range from $300 to $638, influenced by dining habits and whether you cook at home or eat out.

III) Utilities and Internet:

+ Combined utilities (electricity, heating, cooling, water, garbage) and internet services average about $150 to $300 per month.

+ Personal Expenses:

+ This includes entertainment, clothing, and other miscellaneous costs, estimated at $200 to $300 monthly.

IV) Health Insurance:

+ Health insurance is approximately $80 per month.

+ Total Estimated Monthly Expenses:

+ Off-Campus Accommodation: Approximately $2,027 to $2,229.

+ On-Campus Accommodation: Approximately $2,229.

V) Annual Expenses:

+ The total annual cost of living, excluding tuition, is estimated between $24,324 and $26,748.

VI) Additional Considerations:

+ Inflation: Be aware that prices in NYC have been rising, with a reported 4.3% year-over-year increase as of December 2024.

+ Cost Variations: Living costs can vary based on personal lifestyle choices and unforeseen expenses.

VII) Budgeting Tips:

+ Accommodation: Consider sharing apartments with roommates to reduce rent.

+ Transportation: Utilize student discounts and public transportation to save on commuting costs.

VII) Food: Preparing meals at home is usually more cost-effective than eating at restaurants.

VIII) Utilities: Be mindful of energy consumption to keep utility bills low.

Proper budgeting and financial planning are essential to manage the high living costs in New York City effectively.

Cost of Studying in New York City:

As part of the cost of living, calculating the cost of studying in the USA is equally important. The cost of studying in New York varies depending on the type of university.

In the case of a public university like the State University of New York (SUNY), the cost will vary anywhere between:

+ UG: USD 39,980 (approx.)

+ PG: USD 25,240 (approx.)

In the case of private universities in New York like New York University (NYU), the cost will be higher. NYU fees can vary anywhere between:

+ UG: USD 70,350 – USD 87,448

+ PG: USD 57,421 (approx.)

Applicants can carefully choose their universities or colleges in New York based on thorough research so as to be able to pay the cost of living while studying there.

Overall, living expenses in New York are heavily dependent on high rents and taxes for international students. The next most important aspect of expenditure is buying groceries from supermarkets. The lowest expense as part of living costs in New York is on clothes and shoes, unless they are non-branded.

Students who are going to study in universities in New York should look for universities that offer scholarships on tuition. Also, another way to meet the living costs in New York is to do a part-time job in the USA. Lastly, look for student discounts so that additional cost reduction is possible. This way, in some way, the cost of living in New York for international students can be reduced.