Average cost of living

Studying abroad requires careful planning of your monthly budget.
The cost of living depends on the country, the city, and each student’s lifestyle.
At Altea Consulting Services, we help you estimate your total budget and find ways to optimize your expenses (housing, transportation, scholarships, etc.).

🇫🇷 France #

• Estimated monthly budget: between €800 and €1,200 (excluding tuition fees)
• Budget details:
  • Housing: €400 to €700 depending on the city (Paris being the most expensive)
  • Food & meals: €200 to €300
  • Transportation: €30 to €75 (student pass)
  • Health insurance & personal expenses: €50 to €100
• Most affordable cities: Lille, Nantes, Montpellier, Toulouse.
• Available support: CAF (housing aid), CROUS scholarships, student discounts.

In France, a student spends on average around €1,000 per month including all expenses.

🇩🇪 Germany #

• Estimated monthly budget: between €750 and €1,000 (depending on the city and accommodation)
• Budget details:
  • Housing: €350 to €600
  • Food: €200 to €250
  • Transportation: €30 to €60
  • Health insurance: €100 to €120
• Most affordable cities: Leipzig, Dresden, Aachen, Dortmund.
• Important requirement:
  • A blocked account (Sperrkonto) is mandatory for the student visa.
  • Required amount for 2025: €11,208/year (around €934/month).

Germany offers excellent value for money for international students, with many universities offering tuition-free education.

🇺🇸 United States #

• Estimated monthly budget: between $1,200 and $2,000 (excluding university fees and insurance)
• Budget details:
  • Housing: $700 to $1,200 (on-campus housing or shared apartment)
  • Meals: $250 to $400
  • Transportation & leisure: $100 to $200
  • Health insurance: $100 to $250
• Most affordable cities: Austin (Texas), Orlando (Florida), Minneapolis, Columbus (Ohio).
• Available support: University scholarships, assistantships, international student discounts.

In the U.S., universities often provide integrated housing and meal plans to make campus life easier.

💡 Altea Consulting Services Tip #

• Always plan 3 to 6 months of budget in advance for your arrival.
• Compare university cities before choosing your institution.
• Our advisors help you estimate your total budget based on your destination, study level and lifestyle.
• We also support you with student housing searches, financial aid options and planning your arrival.