Key takeaways
- Monthly living costs vary widely by city — from ~USD 400 to ~USD 2,000.
- Accommodation is usually the biggest single cost; choosing a smaller city saves the most.
- Budget for rent, food, transport, insurance and a buffer for emergencies.
- Cooking at home and using student discounts make a real difference.
Budget by city tier (monthly, indicative)
- Lower-cost cities (Turkey, Malaysia, South Africa): roughly USD 400–800/month
- Mid-range cities (France outside Paris, Germany, Mauritius): roughly USD 900–1,300/month
- Higher-cost cities (London, Toronto, Dubai, major US cities): roughly USD 1,200–2,000/month
What your monthly budget covers
- Accommodation (usually the biggest cost — see the Accommodation guide)
- Food and groceries
- Local transport / student travel passes
- Health insurance and phone/data
- A buffer for books, fees and emergencies
Save where you can
- Choose a smaller city or shared accommodation
- Cook at home and use student discounts
- Pick destinations with lower living costs if budget is tight
Frequently Asked Questions
Which cities are cheapest for students?
Cities in Turkey, Malaysia and South Africa tend to be more affordable, while London, Toronto, Dubai and major US cities are higher-cost. Smaller cities are usually cheaper than capitals.
How do I keep my living costs down?
Choose a smaller city or shared accommodation, cook at home, use student discounts and travel passes, and pick lower-cost destinations if budget is tight.
What should my monthly budget include?
Accommodation, food, transport, health insurance, phone/data and a buffer for books, fees and emergencies.
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