For ambitious students with international dreams, the world is full of opportunities, but for those hoping to study abroad, the costs can vary dramatically. When you’re planning your educational journey, understanding the financial landscape of visa costs, tuition fees, and the cost of living in your preferred city can make all the difference to your experience while you’re there.
To reveal where in the world is home to some of the best value university educations for international students, we analysed data from over 1,700 universities and cities around the world to reveal where your dollars, euros, yen, or pesos will stretch the furthest. To determine the best value destinations, we analysed the average cost of living (measured by Numbeo’s metric of the average cost of commonly used goods and services such as household items, groceries, transportation etc), average rent, student visa fees, and national average tuition fees. Based on these factors, we assigned each city an ‘Education Expenses Index score’ out of 100, with lower scores indicating the most affordable destinations.
Our key findings:
- Europe is home to some great value education destinations, with Azerbaijan’s Baku topping the European rankings, followed by Halle in Germany and Thessaloniki in Greece.
- Asian destinations provide remarkable affordability for international students with Chinese cities dominating the top 10, led by Zhenjiang and followed by Lanzhou.
- Canada outshines the US for North American value, with Winnipeg offering the continent’s most budget-friendly quality higher education.
- Hidden gems exist on every continent, from Cairo (the world’s most affordable city for studying, scoring an impressive 8 out of 100 on our index) to Wollongong (Oceania’s best value destination).
Cheapest countries and cities to study abroad in Europe
Europe has always been an attractive destination for international students seeking quality education, cultural immersion and fantastic connections when it comes to travel. The ease of rail or air travel between countries makes it perfect for those hoping to explore more of their new home alongside their studies.
Leading the pack in terms of value is Baku, Azerbaijan, with an affordability score of 16.47 out of 100. This cosmopolitan city on the Caspian Sea combines incredibly low average monthly rent ($533) with minimal living costs, offering unbeatable value for international students. Germany ranks second, with the university town of Halle, home to the historic Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, scoring 22.24 in the study. With the remarkable value of Germany’s tuition-free public universities coupled with reasonable living costs, this German town is a great option for those hoping to gain an affordable education in Europe. Students coming from the EU will benefit from the zero visa costs, while those coming from non-EU countries will have to pay a student visa cost of around €75.
The Mediterranean ranks highly with Greece’s historic Thessaloniki and its university named after the ancient Greek philosopher Aristotle, taking third place with a score of 22.61. Again, EU students can make the most of not paying for a visa to study in Greece, and those coming from further afield will have to pay between €90 to €150, depending on their nationality. Italian cities claim four of the top 10 spots, with Perugia, Catania, Pisa and Bari all featuring, thanks to their world-renowned education, rich culture, and manageable costs for students looking to study on a budget. Italy’s visa costs for EU students are zero, and those applying from international countries will usually have to pay a low fee of just €50 to be able to study, making it one of the more affordable countries.
| Rank | City | Country | Cost of living ($) | Average monthly rent for one bed apartment ($) | Visa cost ($) | Average tuition fee ($) | Education Expenses index score (out of 100) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Baku | Azerbaijan | 14.89 | 533.26 | 25.00 | 1,022.22 | 16.47 |
| 2 | Halle | Germany | 21.12 | 678.51 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 22.24 |
| 3 | Thessaloniki | Greece | 20.78 | 635.80 | 0.00 | 1,660.00 | 22.61 |
| 4 | Perugia | Italy | 19.71 | 643.72 | 0.00 | 4,516.85 | 23.42 |
| 5 | Catania | Italy | 20.39 | 587.67 | 0.00 | 4,516.85 | 23.65 |
| 6 | Athens | Greece | 21.73 | 811.73 | 0.00 | 1,660.00 | 25.02 |
| 7 | Granada | Spain | 16.61 | 848.50 | 56.52 | 7,200.23 | 26.22 |
| 8 | Pisa | Italy | 20.83 | 865.37 | 0.00 | 4,516.85 | 26.38 |
| 9 | Nancy | France | 23.12 | 669.66 | 0.00 | 4,108.93 | 26.94 |
| 10 | Bari | Italy | 21.34 | 882.27 | 0.00 | 4,516.85 | 27.03 |
Cheapest countries and cities to study abroad in North America
Contrary to popular belief, studying in North America doesn’t have to break the bank. Our study reveals Canada’s city of Winnipeg as the continent’s most affordable university education destination, with a score of 50.62. The Canadian city has a good balance of affordable living costs and a strong sense of community, perfect for newcomers, especially students. The University of Winnipeg itself is also known for having smaller class sizes, great for those who want a more personal education experience.
Canadian cities claim three more of the top five spots, with Montreal (51.20), Kingston (51.57), and Edmonton (52.60) all offering significant value. The combination of quality institutions such as the University of Montreal and McGill University, more moderate rental markets, and lower visa costs gives Canadian cities a distinct advantage over their American counterparts.
For those set on studying in the United States, the Midwest has some of the best choices for budget-conscious international students. Columbia, Missouri (52.76), Lansing, Michigan (53.18), and Lincoln, Nebraska (53.42) all provide authentic American college experiences at substantially lower costs than coastal education hubs in New York and San Francisco.
| Rank | City | Country | Cost of living ($*) | Average monthly rent for one bed apartment ($) | Visa cost ($) | Average tuition fee ($) | Education Expenses index score (out of 100) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Winnipeg | Canada | 21.78 | 1,176.47 | 84.92 | 30,697.13 | 50.62 |
| 2 | Montreal | Canada | 20.49 | 1,408.06 | 84.92 | 30,697.13 | 51.20 |
| 3 | Kingston | Canada | 20.65 | 1,433.95 | 84.92 | 30,697.13 | 51.57 |
| 4 | Edmonton | Canada | 22.47 | 1,331.63 | 84.92 | 30,697.13 | 52.60 |
| 5 | Columbia | United States | 20.11 | 1,227.08 | 159.13 | 30,748.98 | 52.76 |
| 6 | Lansing | United States | 20.89 | 1,180.50 | 159.13 | 30,748.98 | 53.18 |
| 7 | Lincoln | United States | 19.80 | 1,346.50 | 159.13 | 30,748.98 | 53.42 |
| 8 | Waterloo | Canada | 20.21 | 1,738.76 | 84.92 | 30,697.13 | 53.62 |
| 9 | Saskatoon | Canada | 24.82 | 1,237.41 | 84.92 | 30,697.13 | 54.24 |
| 10 | Ottawa | Canada | 21.73 | 1,657.06 | 84.92 | 30,697.13 | 54.51 |
*$ refers to USD
Cheapest countries and cities to study abroad in Australia and New Zealand
Australia and New Zealand are renowned for their exceptional universities and high quality of life, but studying in this part of the world typically comes with a higher price tag. For those determined to experience education here, our study reveals the more affordable locations.
Australia’s coastal city of Wollongong tops the affordability list with a score of 56.98, offering the same stunning landscapes and educational excellence as Sydney but at a significantly lower cost. With gorgeous beaches, stunning coastal walks and a delicious culinary scene, it’s great for students who want to really make the most of life outside of studying. New Zealand’s historic university town of Dunedin claims second place (58.35) while Australia’s Geelong rounds out the top three (58.93). Deakin University – the university based in Geelong – is known for its courses in sports science, nursing, education and business and is a great choice for those who want to be close to bigger cities such as Melbourne while enjoying a slightly quieter university experience.
Interestingly, our analysis shows that both Brisbane (61.54), home to University of Queensland, and Adelaide (62.52), home to the University of Adelaide, offer better value for students than larger cities such as Melbourne (64.74) and Sydney (which doesn’t even make the top 10).
| Rank | City | Country | Cost of living ($) | Average monthly rent for one bed apartment ($) | Visa cost ($) | Average tuition fee ($) | Education Expenses index score (out of 100) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Wollongong | Australia | 23.71 | 851.07 | 452.00 | 15,469.23 | 56.98 |
| 2 | Dunedin | New Zealand | 20.51 | 1,070.12 | 424.69 | 21,881.69 | 58.35 |
| 3 | Geelong | Australia | 22.55 | 1,235.84 | 452.00 | 15,469.23 | 58.93 |
| 4 | Brisbane | Australia | 20.92 | 1,757.82 | 452.00 | 15,469.23 | 61.54 |
| 5 | Adelaide | Australia | 24.42 | 1,440.17 | 452.00 | 15,469.23 | 62.52 |
| 6 | Perth | Australia | 22.92 | 1,652.56 | 452.00 | 15,469.23 | 62.73 |
| 7 | Melbourne | Australia | 23.93 | 1,770.94 | 452.00 | 15,469.23 | 64.74 |
| 8 | Newcastle | Australia | 25.62 | 1,571.30 | 452.00 | 15,469.23 | 64.84 |
| 9 | Hobart | Australia | 25.84 | 1,575.25 | 452.00 | 15,469.23 | 65.09 |
| 10 | Auckland | New Zealand | 23.57 | 1,594.36 | 424.69 | 21,881.69 | 65.78 |
*$ refers to USD
Cheapest countries and cities to study abroad in South America
Argentina’s vibrant capital, Buenos Aires, leads the continent’s affordability rankings with a score of 29.75, combining world-class education at the University of Buenos Aires with relatively low tuition fees for international students of $2,500 annually.
Chile’s capital, Santiago, claims second place (24.67), while Brazil dominates the remainder of the top five with São Paulo (22.28) home to the University of São Paulo in third, Campinas (20.17) in fourth, and Porto Alegre (19.25) in fifth. What makes these Brazilian options particularly appealing is their remarkably low cost of living, averaging out at $13.29 (the average cost of commonly used goods and services according to Numbeo) coupled with their affordable monthly rent averaging out at $579 a month – much lower than that of many European and North American cities.
The combination of both affordable tuition fees and lower living costs makes South America a great place to study for budget-conscious international students who want to gain a quality education while enjoying living in a vibrant and exciting city. If you or your family member wants to study abroad in one of South America’s affordable destinations, consider using Remitly to send money to Argentina or as a convenient option to transfer money to Brazil.
| Rank | City | Country | Cost of living ($) | Average monthly rent for one bed apartment ($) | Visa cost ($) | Average tuition fee ($) | Education Expenses index score (out of 100) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Buenos Aires | Argentina | 19.83 | 720.83 | 150.00 | 2,500.00 | 29.75 |
| 2 | Santiago | Chile | 16.22 | 681.64 | 84.97 | 5,500.00 | 24.67 |
| 3 | São Paulo | Brazil | 13.46 | 767.07 | 114.42 | 3,000.00 | 22.28 |
| 4 | Campinas | Brazil | 13.26 | 534.22 | 114.42 | 3,000.00 | 20.17 |
| 5 | Porto Alegre | Brazil | 13.15 | 436.30 | 114.42 | 3,000.00 | 19.25 |
Cheapest countries and cities to study abroad across Africa
For budget-conscious students, Africa offers the most economical study options globally. Egypt’s historic capital Cairo, home to Cairo University, as well as a host of other private institutions, ranks as the best value destination to study with an impressively low index score of 8.03. This remarkable score is thanks to the exceptionally low rental costs (averaging at just $251.21 monthly) and no visa fees for many international students.
South Africa provides four great affordable destinations to study in, with Durban (17.61), Pretoria (18.74), Johannesburg (20.18) and Cape Town (21.80) all delivering quality education options at a fraction of the cost of European or North American alternatives. Cape Town, home to the University of Cape Town, offers an unbeatable combination of scenic beauty, cultural richness, and academic opportunity at an accessible price point.
| Rank | City | Country | Cost of living ($) | Average monthly rent for one bed apartment ($) | Visa cost ($) | Average tuition fee ($) | Education Expenses index score (out of 100) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Cairo | Egypt | 9.31 | 251.21 | 0.00 | 2,166.50 | 8.03 |
| 2 | Durban | South Africa | 14.43 | 492.98 | 32.49 | 3,518.00 | 17.61 |
| 3 | Pretoria | South Africa | 15.18 | 536.46 | 32.49 | 3,518.00 | 18.74 |
| 4 | Johannesburg | South Africa | 16.25 | 578.86 | 32.49 | 3,518.00 | 20.18 |
| 5 | Cape Town | South Africa | 15.38 | 885.71 | 32.49 | 3,518.00 | 21.80 |
Cheapest countries and cities to study abroad in Asia
Chinese cities dominate the 10 most affordable Asian cities to study in, with Zhenjiang topping the list thanks to its low rental prices (averaging just $291.19 monthly) and modest cost of living ($8.62).
Chinese universities are gaining global recognition for providing outstanding education in topics including engineering and computer science and technology, while maintaining dramatically lower costs than their Western counterparts. For instance, Tsinghua University ranks 20th globally in computer science, while Shanghai Jiao Tong University ranks in 49th spot globally.
Cities such as Lanzhou (14.78), Chongqing (15.10), and Nanchang (15.71) offer a revered education at price points that make international study accessible to a much broader range of students.
India’s Ahmedabad, home to the Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad, makes it into the top 10, ranking in sixth place (16.46). The city offers a vibrant cultural experience and high-quality education at remarkably affordable rates. The combination of low rental costs and reasonable tuition fees makes these Asian cities particularly attractive for students looking to access international education without lots of debt to pay back at the end of their studies.
Outside of the top ten, China continued to dominate with 85% of the top 20 cities being Chinese cities, however Tehran in Iran, and Bangalore in India also ranked.
| Rank | City | Country | Cost of living ($) | Average monthly rent for one bed apartment ($) | Visa cost ($) | Average tuition fee ($) | Education Expenses index score (out of 100) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Zhenjiang | China | 8.62 | 291.19 | 95.85 | 5,580.00 | 14.23 |
| 2 | Lanzhou | China | 8.82 | 332.70 | 95.85 | 5,580.00 | 14.78 |
| 3 | Chongqing | China | 9.25 | 317.79 | 95.85 | 5,580.00 | 15.10 |
| 4 | Nanchang | China | 10.47 | 239.80 | 95.85 | 5,580.00 | 15.71 |
| 5 | Chengdu | China | 10.15 | 365.35 | 95.85 | 5,580.00 | 16.41 |
| 6 | Ahmedabad | India | 7.81 | 224.03 | 150.66 | 7,300.00 | 16.46 |
| 7 | Shenyang | China | 10.76 | 300.26 | 95.85 | 5,580.00 | 16.50 |
| 8 | Wuxi | China | 10.30 | 361.18 | 95.85 | 5,580.00 | 16.53 |
| 9 | Yangzhou | China | 10.64 | 357.99 | 95.85 | 5,580.00 | 16.86 |
| 10 | Xi’an | China | 11.12 | 326.23 | 95.85 | 5,580.00 | 17.08 |
The world’s most expensive cities to gain an education in
American cities dominate the top 20 most expensive cities to gain an education worldwide, with New York City topping the list with a top score of 100. While it’s undoubtedly an incredible city to study in, the astronomical rent prices (the average rent for an apartment in the city is over $5,000 a month) make it one of the costliest. San Francisco (87.77), Boston (84.73) and Pasadena (83.37) also rank in the top five most expensive cities to study in.
Three non-US cities make the top 20, with Singapore (94.24), Sydney (74.62) and London (74.22) all featuring as some of the costliest places to gain an education for students hoping to study internationally. London, home to world-renowned universities including Imperial College London, King’s College London and Queen Mary University of London, offers students an unforgettable experience and education. However, to live in such an iconic city and study at one of these colleges, students will have to find the funds to pay a little more than studying in other British cities thanks to the high cost of living in the capital.
| Rank | City | Country | Cost of living ($) | Average monthly rent for one bed apartment ($) | Visa cost ($) | Average tuition fee ($) | Education Expenses index score (out of 100) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | New York | United States | 35.22 | 5,101.73 | 159.13 | 30,748.98 | 100.00 |
| 2 | Singapore | Singapore | 24.34 | 3,630.65 | 67.00 | 64,460.00 | 94.24 |
| 3 | San Francisco | United States | 31.67 | 4,054.39 | 159.13 | 30,748.98 | 87.77 |
| 4 | Boston | United States | 30.21 | 3,864.47 | 159.13 | 30,748.98 | 84.73 |
| 5 | Pasadena | United States | 31.89 | 3,550.00 | 159.13 | 30,748.98 | 83.87 |
| 6 | Washington | United States | 30.47 | 3,570.58 | 159.13 | 30,748.98 | 82.58 |
| 7 | Cambridge | United States | 29.11 | 3,582.29 | 159.13 | 30,748.98 | 81.28 |
| 8 | San Diego | United States | 29.60 | 3,493.59 | 159.13 | 30,748.98 | 81.06 |
| 9 | Santa Cruz | United States | 26.84 | 3,832.74 | 159.13 | 30,748.98 | 81.01 |
| 10 | Seattle | United States | 31.89 | 3,036.26 | 159.13 | 30,748.98 | 79.66 |
| 11 | Berkeley | United States | 28.65 | 3,411.67 | 159.13 | 30,748.98 | 79.41 |
| 12 | Miami | United States | 27.47 | 3,549.84 | 159.13 | 30,748.98 | 79.34 |
| 13 | Honolulu | United States | 32.51 | 2,906.51 | 159.13 | 30,748.98 | 79.23 |
| 14 | Santa Barbara | United States | 26.53 | 3,624.90 | 159.13 | 30,748.98 | 78.99 |
| 15 | Princeton | United States | 30.19 | 3,100.00 | 159.13 | 30,748.98 | 78.44 |
| 16 | Irvine | United States | 26.80 | 3,389.64 | 159.13 | 30,748.98 | 77.34 |
| 17 | Los Angeles | United States | 27.60 | 3,153.41 | 159.13 | 30,748.98 | 76.22 |
| 18 | Sydney | Australia | 27.09 | 2,581.16 | 452.00 | 15,469.23 | 74.62 |
| 19 | London | United Kingdom | 34.06 | 3,481.83 | 49.02 | 21,000.00 | 74.22 |
| 20 | Chicago | United States | 28.08 | 2,837.03 | 159.13 | 30,748.98 | 74.12 |
Chasing the American dream: The most expensive and most affordable places to study in the USA
For many, studying in the USA is a dream come true. Getting to experience living on campus, studying in iconic institutions and living the American college dream – it’s what students from all around the world aspire to achieve. But where in America is the most expensive place to study, and where provides the best value educational experience?
The most expensive American cities for international students
The most expensive city to study in is New York City, scoring top points of 100 in our study. The Big Apple is at the top of a lot of international students’ wish lists when it comes to cities to move to, with access to the top-ranked universities including Columbia University and New York University, incredible networking opportunities and the chance to live in a lively city with so much to explore outside of studying. New York is, however, notoriously expensive, so it may come as no surprise to see it rank first as the priciest US city for international students to gain an education. While the cost of living isn’t the highest compared to other cities in the country, the eye-wateringly high average rental prices of over $5,000 a month are what places NYC at the top.
In second place is San Francisco, California, with a score of 92.62. Known for its iconic features, such as the Golden Gate Bridge, it’s also home to well-known institutions, including the University of California (UCSF), a leading research university with renowned medical facilities.
California dominates the top 20, with 10 cities in the state making the list, including San Jose, Pasadena, San Diego, Berkeley, Santa Cruz, Santa Barbara, Irvine, Los Angeles, and Sacramento.
California’s high scores are thanks to the state’s prestigious universities, such as Stanford University, California Institute of Technology and the University of California, all attracting global interest, and the high-priced housing across urban and suburban California. From tech-forward San Jose to beachside Santa Barbara, students pay for the lifestyle as much as the learning on the West Coast.
| Rank | City | State | Cost of living ($) | Average monthly rent for one bed apartment ($) | Visa cost ($) | Average tuition fee ($) | Education Expenses index score (out of 100) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | New York | NY | 35.22 | 5,101.73 | 159.13 | 30,748.98 | 100.00 |
| 2 | San Francisco | CA | 31.67 | 4,054.39 | 159.13 | 30,748.98 | 87.77 |
| 3 | Brooklyn | NY | 31.67 | 4,045.68 | 159.13 | 30,748.98 | 87.71 |
| 4 | San Jose | CA | 31.36 | 3,922.00 | 159.13 | 30,748.98 | 86.37 |
| 5 | Boston | MA | 30.21 | 3,864.47 | 159.13 | 30,748.98 | 84.73 |
| 6 | Pasadena | CA | 31.89 | 3,550.00 | 159.13 | 30,748.98 | 83.87 |
| 7 | Washington | DC | 30.47 | 3,570.58 | 159.13 | 30,748.98 | 82.58 |
| 8 | Cambridge | MA | 29.11 | 3,582.29 | 159.13 | 30,748.98 | 81.28 |
| 9 | Hoboken | NJ | 24.66 | 4,114.58 | 159.13 | 30,748.98 | 81.08 |
| 10 | San Diego | CA | 29.60 | 3,493.59 | 159.13 | 30,748.98 | 81.06 |
| 11 | Santa Cruz | CA | 26.84 | 3,832.74 | 159.13 | 30,748.98 | 81.01 |
| 12 | Seattle | WA | 31.89 | 3,036.26 | 159.13 | 30,748.98 | 79.66 |
| 13 | Berkeley | CA | 28.65 | 3,411.67 | 159.13 | 30,748.98 | 79.41 |
| 14 | Miami | FL | 27.47 | 3,549.84 | 159.13 | 30,748.98 | 79.34 |
| 15 | Honolulu | HI | 32.51 | 2,906.51 | 159.13 | 30,748.98 | 79.23 |
| 16 | Santa Barbara | CA | 26.53 | 3,624.90 | 159.13 | 30,748.98 | 78.99 |
| 17 | Princeton | NJ | 30.19 | 3,100.00 | 159.13 | 30,748.98 | 78.44 |
| 18 | Irvine | CA | 26.80 | 3,389.64 | 159.13 | 30,748.98 | 77.34 |
| 19 | Los Angeles | CA | 27.60 | 3,153.41 | 159.13 | 30,748.98 | 76.22 |
| 20 | Sacramento | CA | 31.68 | 2,587.34 | 159.13 | 30,748.98 | 75.77 |
When it comes to stretching your education dollars, America’s heartland offers world-class education without the coastal price tags. Our study reveals some surprising educational hotspots where your money goes significantly further.
Topping our affordability list is Columbia, Missouri, with a score of just 52.76. Columbia, home to institutions including the University of Missouri and Columbia College, is known for its friendly atmosphere and affordable housing, where its average monthly rent of just over $1,200 is less than a quarter of what you are likely to pay in cities such as New York.
Lansing, Michigan (53.18), claims second place, home to the prestigious Michigan State University, which offers students academic excellence alongside relatively affordable living costs. MSU also boasts a proud football tradition, competing in the Big Ten Conference (one of the oldest and most prestigious collegiate athletic conferences in the United States).
Two Texan cities make the top 10, with both Lubbock (56.79) and College Station (57.27), ranking in sixth and eighth place, respectively. Home to Texas A&M University, College Station offers students a more suburban living experience, perfect for those who might not want to live in a fast-paced city. It’s also one of the most iconic college football destinations in the country, with Kyle Field seating more than 100,000 fans, and traditions such as the 12th Man and Midnight Yell giving the Aggie football culture a truly legendary status. Texas A&M provides robust scholarship support, including the Regents’ Scholarship for first-generation college students and generous athletic aid for recruited athletes.
The Midwest emerges as the clear affordability champion, claiming seven of the top ten positions. Despite US colleges having identical average national tuition costs ($30,748.98), the dramatic variations in rent, ranging nearly $900 between the most affordable (Lansing at $1,180) and pricier options in our top 20, highlight how location dramatically impacts overall costs.
| Rank | City | State | Cost of living ($) | Average monthly rent for one bed apartment ($) | Visa cost ($) | Average tuition fee ($) | Education Expenses index score (out of 100) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Columbia | MO | 20.11 | 1,227.08 | 159.13 | 30,748.98 | 52.76 |
| 2 | Lansing | MI | 20.89 | 1,180.50 | 159.13 | 30,748.98 | 53.18 |
| 3 | Lincoln | NE | 19.80 | 1,346.50 | 159.13 | 30,748.98 | 53.42 |
| 4 | Fort Collins | CO | 20.59 | 1,401.03 | 159.13 | 30,748.98 | 54.09 |
| 5 | Tempe | AZ | 19.96 | 1,545.00 | 159.13 | 30,748.98 | 55.23 |
| 6 | Boulder | CO | 23.04 | 1,509.96 | 159.13 | 30,748.98 | 56.25 |
| 7 | Fargo | ND | 22.61 | 1,551.29 | 159.13 | 30,748.98 | 56.55 |
| 8 | Denton | TX | 21.74 | 1,691.58 | 159.13 | 30,748.98 | 57.58 |
| 9 | Tulsa | OK | 23.18 | 1,577.48 | 159.13 | 30,748.98 | 57.63 |
| 10 | Reno | NV | 25.35 | 1,543.83 | 159.13 | 30,748.98 | 58.85 |
If you’re planning to study abroad, our research highlights the importance of looking beyond the most popular education hotspots. Studying in New York, London, or Sydney does provide undeniable opportunities; however, considering alternative destinations can help dramatically reduce your financial costs while still providing a quality education and an unforgettable experience.
For international students who need to manage their funds carefully or plan on regularly receiving money from home, choosing a more affordable city could make all the difference between financial stress and educational freedom.
Methodology: How we calculated the most and least affordable cities for international students
A combined list was compiled, consisting of the top 2,000 universities globally, across 89 nations (based on the Center for World University Rankings) and an additional 250 notable institutions. For countries represented in the list by fewer than five universities, high-ranking institutions were selected to ensure each country’s average cost estimates were based on a sufficiently representative sample.
Cost of living data for each city was sourced from Numbeo, calculated as the average cost of commonly used goods and services such as groceries, household items, transportation and more, expressed in USD. Rent data was also obtained from Numbeo. For national-level calculations, the corresponding country-wide figures from Numbeo were used.
Average tuition fee data for each country was gathered from a range of verified sources listed below. Where available, separate averages were collected for public and private universities, and a national tuition estimate was calculated as the mean of these two averages.
As visa costs differ depending on which country you are leaving and which you are moving to, costs were calculated using data from an average of 103 countries. This provides an estimate of visa fees, while acknowledging that this will differ per individual.
The final Cost of Education Index was calculated by equally weighting rent, cost of living, and tuition fees. Visa costs, which are typically lower, were weighted at 50% of the other components in the index.
All sources can be viewed in this document here.