6 Cheapest Cities to Study in the USA for International Student| 2025

Studying in the United States is a dream for many international students, but high living and tuition costs can be a challenge. The good news? There are several cities across the U.S. that offer excellent education opportunities while being significantly more affordable than major hubs like New York City or San Francisco.In this guide, we’ll explore 7 of the cheapest cities in the USA for international students, highlighting the cost of living, tuition fees, and top universities in each city.

1. San Diego, California
2. St. Louis, Missouri
3. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
4. Houston, Texas
5. Baltimore, Maryland
6. Atlanta, Georgia

San Diego, California

While California is known for its high costs, San Diego is surprisingly budget-friendly compared to cities like New York. It’s also a tech-driven city, offering plenty of part-time job opportunities with companies like Samsung and Qualcomm.

• Average cost of living: $1,300/month
  
• Average tuition fee: ~$20,300/year
  
• Top universities:
  
  • University of California San Diego (UCSD)
    
  • University of San Diego
    
  • San Diego State University

St. Louis, Missouri

St. Louis stands out with a cost of living that’s 30% lower than NYC and rent prices up to 64% cheaper. It’s an ideal destination for students seeking an affordable yet vibrant college experience.

• Average cost of living: $1,100–$2,000/month
  
• Average tuition fee: ~$28,777/year
  
• Top universities:
  
  • Washington University in St. Louis
    
  • Saint Louis University
    
  • University of Missouri – St. Louis

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Philadelphia is rich in American history and offers a lively student culture. The cost of living is about 39% lower than New York, and it’s home to several prestigious institutions.

t 39% lower than New York, and it’s home to several prestigious institutions.

• Average cost of living: ~$1,259/month
  
• Average tuition fee: ~$31,000/year
  
• Top universities:
  
  • University of Pennsylvania
    
  • Temple University
    
  • Drexel University

Houston, Texas

Known as “Space City” and a hub for STEM programs, Houston offers a cost of living 11% below the national average and rent prices 57% lower than NYC.

• Average cost of living: $900–$1,100/month
  
• Average tuition fee: $26,000–$30,000/year
  
• Top universities:
  
  • University of Houston
    
  • Texas Southern University
    

Baltimore, Maryland

Baltimore is a great option for students interested in healthcare, finance, and research. The cost of living is 7.4% below the national average, and public transport is reliable and student-friendly.

• Average cost of living: $1,500–$2,000/month
  
• Average tuition fee: $25,000–$30,000/year
  
• Top universities:
  
  • Johns Hopkins University
    
  • University of Maryland
    

Atlanta, Georgia

Ranked 72nd in the QS Best Student Cities 2025, Atlanta boasts an affordable cost of living and a thriving job market in the tech and business sectors.

• Average cost of living: $1,380–$2,200/month
  
• Average tuition fee: $27,100–$33,000/year
  
• Top universities:
  
  • Georgia Institute of Technology
    
  • Georgia State University
    
  • Emory University
    

Why Choose These Cities?

These cities are perfect for international students who want to experience quality education without breaking the bank. Here’s what makes them attractive:

• Lower tuition fees and living costs
  
• Affordable housing, food, and transportation
  
• Rich in culture, diversity, and student life
  
• Opportunities for part-time work and internships
  
• Strong presence of top-ranked universities