How much would be my living expenses per month in the US??

Question

Hi!!

I am considering pursuing higher studies in the U.S. I want to get an idea how much would be my living expenses per month ( in $) in the U.S.

Please include the usuals like accomodation, food, transportation, other expenses etc.

What is the bare minimum I need to cover up my expenses in the U.S. per month??

Also, just go give me an idea, how much do a bag of Ruffles and a bottle of water cost in America??

Answer 1

Varies depending on city and what style. Basic accommodations and transportation and food would probably be around  $800 a month at any major city.  A bag of ruffles full size is $3.00 a bottle of water at is typically $1.50 for 16.9 oz.  While a case of the same water at grocery store is $3.99 so go figure.  Good luck.

Answer 2

In Bangor Maine, look for about 550 for rent, food depends on how well you want to eat, but if you eat well I would look for about 150 a month per person, if you eat nothing but ramen and mac&chese I figure 10 a week I pay 300 a month for a car payment, plus 98 for insurance, if you dont need to leave town for anything most citys have public transportation and I dont know how much a bus pass costs, cell phones will run you about 30-60 depending on the plan you want, I spend about 80 a month on electric to run my house, and I have a private well so I dont pay for h2o but if your lucky you can find a studio appartment that covers water, electric, and heat in the rent for about 550 (again in Bangor Maine)

20oz of h2o is about 1.50, a bag of chips is about $2-$3

Answer 3

I think California will cost you more on the housing usually.

In San Francisco, the cost for the housing is ranging from $ 500-2,000. Depending on your need and preferences. A studio can cost about approx. $ 800- 1,000. But a small room (only the room) can cost about $ 500.

The transportation is pretty good and cheap compare to some other states. To buy a fast pass (bus ticket/month) is about $50 if I'm not mistaken. $1.50 to buy a transfer (which can be use for 2 hours approx). Driving is expensive because the oil price is really high and it's hard to find a parking lot so usually international students don't drive and use public transport.

Food will probably cost you $60-80/week depending on your diet and how much will you eat :) I don't eat a lot so I only spend about $60/week. Oh... I cook so I spend less on food. A restaurant will charge you from less than $10 (on Chinese restaurants usually) - more than $30 (on a fancy restaurants especially if you are a seafood lover). Recently, there's a food inflation here so produce food prices are increasing quite significantly.

Utilities... I'm not sure because it's included on my rent price. I think it's about $200-250/4 people. But again, I'm not sure about this.

Textbooks are pricy. Depending on what you're going to take in here actually. One textbook can cost you $25-30 but another one can cost you more than $120. Usually the professors also use more than one textbook so just be careful when you choose your elective courses

My phone bill costs about $ 40-50/month

The tax is 8.5%. A bottled water I think is about $1.25-2.00.

Answer 4

hi,

You must have 2100 $ per month to drive your life smoothly there...The bag of ruffles and a bottle of water will cost around 7-10 $(a[pproximately)..For more information do visit

http://www.indiastudychannel.com/courses...

Answer 5

Again, this is completely subjective to where you decide to study in the U.S.

Here in Denver accomodation for a studio apartment will run you around $500 to close to a $1,000 per month not included utilites (gas, water, electricity, waste etc). Apartment sharing/finding a roomate can also reduce this costs.

Travel via RTD buses and the light rail is completely free for students who hold a valid student ID and both the buses and light rail serve the entire Denver Metro area. This ID costs $10 per semester and can also be used for other student discounts such concert tickets, and certain food outlets.

Food, depending on where you choose to shop and of course the quanity and what you purchase can range from $50-$100 a week.

Other major expeses are utilites, depending on the apartment and type of building it usually costs around $120 per month during the winter months and about $80 during the summer. My last utility bill from Excel Energy came to just $20 but as been as high as $100 just for a studio apartment. More major expenses will be school texts books and depending on which classes you take can easily costs you $300-$450 a semester.

Renters insurance is around $150 a year. Medical insurance is going to be a tad expensive also and if your school offers one it can be cheaper about $2000 per year, any other insurance company and you are looking at tripple that figure per year.

I have no idea how much a bag of Ruffles will cost but water in Denver is about $1.25 per bottle.

The bulk of the money for living expenses will come from rent, so if money is an issue then consider cheaper states and cities to live, so basicaly avoid places such as Florida, California and the New England states.