Study Abroad: Hidden Cost of Monthly Expenses Beyond Tuition Fee

Do you often think about the hidden costs of studying abroad apart from the tuition fees?

In this article, we will unravel the hidden cost of monthly expenses other than tuition fees for students in top study-abroad destinations.

Studying abroad in a foreign country surely provides students with a plethora of opportunities, but it always comes with hidden costs that extend beyond your educational costs. Monthly expenditures can vary immensely depending on the country and city students are going to. Let’s explore a total breakdown of the usual monthly expenses for international students in the USA, UK, Canada, and the Netherlands, focusing on expenditures beyond tuition fees.

USA: Comprehensive Breakdown of Monthly Expenditures

Monthly living expenses in the United States of America can deviate greatly based on students’ location. Head over to the typical idea of expenses.

Rent: USD 1,100 to USD 4,300 (depending on city and type of accommodation)
Utilities: USD 50 to USD 150
Internet/WiFi: USD 30 to USD 60
Phone Bill: USD 40 to USD 80
Groceries: USD 200 to USD 400
Transportation: USD 100 to USD 200 (public transport or car expenses)
Dining Out and Entertainment: USD 100 to USD 200
Miscellaneous: USD 50 to USD 100 (for personal expenses)

International students in cities having high standards of living, such as New York and San Francisco, may face monthly costs of around USD 2,500 to USD 3,000. Apart from these regions, you should budget approx. USD 1,800 to USD 2,200. The cost of living in US can always add up rapidly, especially with increased rent and daily living expenditures.

UK: Wide Range of Monthly Expenses

In the United Kingdom, the cost of living can hugely differ from London to other regions. Usually, the monthly cost of living in the UK includes:

Rent: GBP 750 to GBP 2,100 (London); GBP 900 to GBP 1,300 (other regions)
Utilities: GBP 50 to GBP 100
Internet/WiFi: GBP 20 to GBP 40
Phone Bill: GBP 20 to GBP 60
Groceries: GBP 100 to GBP 250
Transportation: GBP 60 to GBP 150 (depending on city and travel needs)
Dining Out and Entertainment: GBP 80 to GBP 150
Miscellaneous: GBP 40 to GBP 100 (for personal expenses)

The living expenditures in London are notably higher, with solely on rent often exceeding GBP 1,500. International students in other regions rather than London might find expenses somewhat lower but should still budget around GBP 1,200 to GBP 1,500 per month, which factors in auxiliary expenses like groceries and transportation.

Canada: Essential Monthly Costs

International students looking forward to study abroad in Canada should be prepared for substantial living expenditures. In general, the usual cost of living in Canada on the monthly basis can include:

Rent: CAD 1,200 to CAD 1,500 (for private accommodation); CAD 450 to CAD 1,200 (for shared accommodation)
Utilities: CAD 30 to CAD 100 (depending on usage and accommodation type)
Internet/WiFi: CAD 23 to CAD 50
Phone Bill: CAD 30 to CAD 85
Groceries: CAD 120 to CAD 300
Transportation: CAD 100 to CAD 150 (public transport)
Dining Out and Entertainment: CAD 80 to CAD 150
Miscellaneous: CAD 50 to CAD 100 (for personal expenses)

International students in big cities of Canada, such as Toronto and Vancouver, may face significantly higher costs, especially for rent. In these cities, rent can take up a noteworthy portion of the budget, and some additional costs for groceries and transportation can further impact the students’ funds. Henceforth, international students ought to budget around CAD 1,800 to CAD 2,200 for a month, which depends on their lifestyle and location.

Netherlands: Managing Monthly Expenses

The cost of living in Netherlands for international students can be anticipated with the following mentioned monthly expenditures:

Rent: EUR 500 to EUR 1,200 (depending on location and accommodation type)
Utilities: EUR 50 to EUR 100
Internet/WiFi: EUR 20 to EUR 40
Phone Bill: EUR 15 to EUR 40
Groceries: EUR 150 to EUR 300
Transportation: EUR 50 to EUR 100 (public transport)
Dining Out and Entertainment: EUR 70 to EUR 150
Miscellaneous: EUR 30 to EUR 70 (for personal expenses)

Students studying in cities like Amsterdam may experience higher costs, rent and groceries being the most essential costs. On an average, an international student should budget around EUR 1,000 to EUR 1,500 every month, but that also depends on his/her lifestyle and location.

To sum up, understanding the hidden costs of studying abroad is essential for effective financial planning. Monthly expenses for international students can deviate widely from country to country and city. They encompass rent, utilities, groceries, and other personal costs.

By budgeting these extra expenses, students can better manage their funds and concentrate more on their academic pursuits. Moreover, to understand the expenses to bear while pursuing study abroad in more detail, you can consult with Meridean Overseas counsellors.