When you think of studying abroad, places like the US, UK, or Australia often come to mind—but international student cost of living, the total amount a foreign student spends monthly to cover housing, food, transport, and study needs while studying in a country. Also known as student living expenses, it’s a major factor when choosing where to study. And in India, that cost is often a fraction of what you’d pay elsewhere. You don’t need a six-figure budget to get a quality education here. A student in Pune can live comfortably on ₹25,000 a month. In smaller cities like Jaipur or Bhopal, it’s closer to ₹15,000. That’s not a guess. That’s what real students are paying right now.
What makes India stand out isn’t just low prices—it’s what you get for them. Rent in Delhi might cost ₹8,000 for a shared room near a university, while a meal at a local eatery runs ₹80–₹150. Public transport? ₹10–₹20 per ride. Even internet and phone plans are dirt cheap compared to Western countries. But here’s the catch: student expenses India, the actual monthly outflow for a foreign learner covering accommodation, food, learning materials, and personal needs isn’t just about rent and food. It’s also about hidden costs: visa fees, health insurance, textbooks, and occasional travel. These add up, but they’re still far lower than in most other countries.
And it’s not just about money. The living costs for foreign students, the practical financial reality faced by non-Indian learners navigating daily life in India’s education system includes cultural adjustments, language barriers, and finding reliable services. But those are challenges you can plan for. Many universities offer on-campus housing at fixed rates. Meal plans are available. Student discounts on transport and museums are common. And with over 1,000 universities accepting international students, there’s a place for every budget.
Don’t be fooled by the myth that cheap means low quality. India’s top universities—like IITs, AIIMS, and Ashoka—rank globally. And students from Africa, Southeast Asia, and even Europe are choosing India because the value is unmatched. You get world-class education, exposure to a dynamic culture, and a lifestyle that won’t leave you in debt before you graduate.
Below, you’ll find real breakdowns of what students actually spend in cities like Bangalore, Mumbai, and Hyderabad. You’ll see how much a single room costs in a student hostel, how much a month’s groceries runs, and which hidden fees trip people up. No fluff. No marketing hype. Just what you need to know before you book your flight.
A clear, data-backed answer to the cheapest countries to study abroad in 2025, with real costs, trade-offs, a comparison table, and a simple method to pick your best option.