Janice Lozano
California is a popular destination for international students, with over 130,000 enrolled in the 2021-2022 academic year. The state offers a diverse culture, world-renowned universities, and stunning landscapes. However, the cost of living and education in California is a significant consideration for prospective international students. The state has high housing prices, and the cost of food, utilities, transportation, and healthcare can also be expensive. International students are also ineligible for federal financial aid, although some private and corporate scholarships are available. Overall, while California offers immense opportunities, careful financial planning is necessary for international students to manage the high cost of living and education.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of international students | More than 130,000 during the 2021-2022 academic year |
| Popular colleges for international students | University of Southern California, University of California, San Diego, Stanford University, University of California, Los Angeles |
| Tuition fees | Undergraduate tuition and fees range from $17,500 to $20,000 per year |
| Additional expenses | Housing, food, books, supplies, transportation, and health insurance |
| Total cost of attendance | More than twice the listed tuition rate |
| Cost of food | Depends on eating and spending habits, and where you dine; a meal at a high-end or mid-range restaurant costs $50, while street food costs $11 for a burger and drinks |
| Cost of utilities | Depends on usage, appliances, and location; student housing and apartments may cover utility bills |
| Cost of transportation | Varies depending on distance from the university and the mode of transportation; public transportation is generally cheaper than owning a car |
| Scholarships | Some private and corporate scholarship funds are available for international students |
| Healthcare costs | Average annual premiums range from $2,465 to $4,019; healthcare costs can be significant due to mandatory insurance requirements and high medical expenses |
| Taxes | California has some of the highest state income taxes and sales tax ranging from 7.25% to 10.25% |
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What You'll Learn
Cost of accommodation
California is considered one of the most expensive states to live in the US, with housing prices 64.7% higher than the national average. The average cost of living in California is approximately USD 2,918 per month per person, with Los Angeles being the second-most expensive city in the US.
The cost of accommodation in California varies depending on the location and type of accommodation. On-campus accommodation in California is estimated to cost around USD 11,510 at public higher education institutions and USD 12,990 at private colleges per year. The average rent in California is USD 2,800 per month for an apartment of 1,388 square feet, which equates to a price per square foot of USD 2.016.
In Los Angeles, the average monthly cost of living is between USD 2,542 and USD 2,680, with housing being a significant expense. The cost of food in California also varies depending on dietary restrictions and budget. A single meal at a mid-range restaurant can cost around USD 50, while street food options like a burger and drinks can cost around USD 11. Groceries in LA are estimated to cost around USD 48 per week.
There are various types of student accommodation in California, including university halls, student housing, and private apartments. University halls are managed by the university and typically offer a single shared room, kitchen, bathroom, and living space. Student housing, also known as PBSA, offers a safe and comfortable stay with a focus on student needs, such as safety, comfort, and privacy. Private apartments are off-campus accommodations owned by landlords and can provide more independence.
To save on accommodation costs, students can consider sharing apartments, using student discounts, and exploring the different types of student housing available.
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Food and groceries
California is a desirable location for international students, with its world-renowned universities, diverse culture, and thriving economy. However, it is also one of the most expensive states in the US, with high living costs driven by factors such as housing, taxes, and the cost of goods and services.
Groceries in California tend to be pricier than the national average due to higher living costs, transportation costs, local taxes, and the cost of doing business. Fresh produce, such as fruits and vegetables, is more expensive, and organic and health-conscious options often come with a premium. According to one source, groceries for a single adult in California are estimated at $3,573 per month, but this varies depending on location. For instance, a gallon of milk and a dozen eggs in Los Angeles cost $0.96 and $3.39, respectively, while in San Francisco, they cost $1.08 and $3.54.
The cost of food in California depends on your dietary restrictions, budget, and dining preferences. Eating out can be expensive, with high-end or mid-range restaurants charging around $50 per meal, and street food costing about $11 for a burger and a drink. Fast-food restaurants like In-N-Out Burger and Chipotle offer more affordable options, with meals ranging from $6 to $8.
To manage food expenses, it is recommended to plan meals, cook at home, and limit eating out to special occasions. Shopping at local markets, discount grocery stores, and exploring meal plans offered by universities can also help reduce costs. According to one source, groceries for an average student in Los Angeles are estimated at $48, while another source estimates monthly food expenses for students in California to be around $108.
In summary, while California's diverse culinary scene offers a range of dining options, managing food and grocery expenses requires careful planning and budgeting, especially for international students on a tight budget.
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Transportation
California has a high cost of living, with expenses such as housing, utilities, and dining out contributing to this. Transportation is another significant factor in the overall cost of living in California.
The cost of transportation in California will depend on the mode of transport chosen. The state typically has the highest gas prices in the nation, so owning a car can be expensive. In addition, if you own a car, you will need to pay for car insurance, registration, general maintenance, and gas.
Public transportation options are available in California's major cities, but the state has a relatively small public transit infrastructure compared to other countries. The cost of public transportation can vary depending on how far you live from your university, with transportation expenses increasing the further you live from campus. However, opting for public transportation can help cut transportation costs. Students can also take advantage of student discounts on transportation, and some universities include student public transportation fees in their tuition fees.
Other transportation options in California include biking and ridesharing services such as taxis, Uber, and Lyft. These services can be costly, but ridesharing with other passengers can help reduce the cost.
International students should research the cost of transportation at their chosen college, as this can vary depending on the location and campus. Students should also consider the cost of transportation when deciding whether to live on or off-campus, as on-campus students may have lower transportation costs due to their proximity to campus.
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Healthcare
International student health insurance is a specialized insurance plan designed for students studying abroad in the US. It provides financial protection against high healthcare costs and covers a wide range of medical expenses, including emergency treatment, hospitalization, prescription medications, and medical evacuation. Most universities in California require international students to have health insurance, and enrollment in these plans is often mandatory, with the cost included in their tuition fees. University-sponsored health insurance plans in California provide comprehensive coverage but can be quite expensive, putting a financial strain on students with limited budgets. The cost of international student health insurance in the US typically ranges from $30 to $115 per month, depending on factors such as age, coverage duration, medical benefits, deductibles, and co-insurance.
Students can opt out of their student health plans and purchase health insurance through Covered California. Depending on their income, students may receive tax credits to help pay for a private health plan or obtain low- or no-cost insurance through Medi-Cal. However, if students enroll in their school's health insurance plan, they will not be eligible for financial assistance through Covered California. When considering their insurance options, students should also take into account the location of clinics and doctors and the costs of accessing services. Additionally, students under 30 may be able to purchase a minimum coverage plan, also known as a catastrophic plan.
In California, the California State University (CSU) system requires international students to maintain adequate health insurance coverage throughout their academic program. F-1 and J-1 visa students are required to purchase the pre-approved International Student Health Insurance Plan, which is issued by United Health Care. Students can create an online account to access detailed policy coverage information, print their insurance ID card, and find a doctor or clinic that accepts their insurance plan. After purchasing the insurance, students can view and download their digital insurance ID card on the insurance start date or three weeks after enrollment, whichever is later.
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Scholarships and employment
California is one of the most expensive states to live in, with housing prices higher than the national average. However, there are various scholarships and employment opportunities available for international students to help with the costs.
Scholarships
Study California, for example, awards scholarships of US $1000 to up to three international students (in F-1 visa status) each fall. Applicants must be enrolled full-time in an undergraduate or graduate degree program at a Study California member institution. CSULB also offers several scholarships to help students cover the costs of their education.
Employment
International students in California can work part-time while studying and full-time during winter and summer breaks. They can qualify for Curricular Practical Training (CPT) or Optional Practical Training (OPT), which allows them to work in the US during and after graduation without corporate sponsorship. However, they can only apply for OPT 90 days in advance, and specific forms must be completed. International students can work a maximum of 20 hours per week during the spring and fall semesters and up to 40 hours per week during winter and summer breaks.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, California is one of the most expensive states to live in, with housing prices higher than the national average. The cost of food, utilities, transportation, and healthcare can also add up quickly. However, with proper planning and financial aid opportunities, it is possible to live comfortably as an international student in California.
There are a few strategies that international students can use to save money while living in California:
- Opt for public transportation, biking, or ridesharing instead of owning a car.
- Choose more affordable dining options, such as street food or cooking at home, rather than dining at high-end or mid-range restaurants.
- Take advantage of student accommodation, which is designed to be safe, comfortable, and affordable for students.
The cost of living in California for international students varies depending on location and lifestyle choices. Monthly expenses for a single person in California can range from $2,542 to $2,680. The cost of room and board at a four-year college or university in California is estimated to be between $11,620 and $18,700 per year.
While international students in California are not eligible for federal financial aid, there are other options available:
- Some universities offer merit-based scholarships or need-based financial aid.
- There are private and corporate scholarship funds available specifically for international students.
- International students can also seek part-time employment to cover living expenses.
