There is no official ranking of the cheapest US city to study in, and costs change every year. What is true is that your choice of city shapes your budget as much as your choice of school. Rent is usually the biggest factor, and rent varies enormously across the country.
As a rule, smaller cities in the Midwest and South cost less to live in than big coastal metros. Housing, food, and transport all run cheaper there. College towns built around a university can also be affordable, since housing and services cater to students.
When you compare options, look at the school’s published cost of attendance, which includes local living costs. Two schools with similar tuition can leave you with very different total bills once rent is counted. Scholarships and part time campus work can help, but check your visa rules before counting on work income.
Related reading: which state is cheapest for international students, how much money a student needs in the USA, whether the USA is cheap for international students, and how to study in the USA at low cost.
