Which is the Most Affordable City for International Students?

Ever wondered why some students manage to study abroad without spending a fortune? The secret often lies not in scholarships alone, but in choosing the right city. Around the world, a few student-friendly cities quietly offer quality education at surprisingly low living costs.

For international students, expenses go far beyond tuition fees. Rent, food, transport, internet, and daily needs decide whether studying abroad feels comfortable or stressful. A budget-friendly city can make a huge difference to the overall experience.

Some places are famous universities hubs yet remain affordable because of lower living costs and strong public services. Students there can live decently, explore culture, and still save money each month.

Interestingly, affordable cities often provide better student communities. Shared housing, cheap cafeterias, and discounted transport passes help students manage finances easily while enjoying campus life.

So, the smartest students don’t just ask “Which country should I study in?” — they ask, “Which city lets me learn well and live comfortably at the same time?”

The Most Affordable Student City for International Students

According to the 2026 global student affordability analysis by Knight Frank, Deloitte India, and QS, Delhi (India) ranks as the most affordable city for international students worldwide.

The city outperformed more than 140 global student destinations due to its low education costs and inexpensive lifestyle. Strong foreign currencies compared to the Indian Rupee also make studying here cheaper for overseas students.

Delhi offers top universities, modern infrastructure, and cultural diversity — all while keeping expenses extremely low compared to countries like the USA, UK, Canada, and Australia.

Why Delhi is So Affordable?

Delhi is considered affordable for students because it offers low tuition fees, cheap housing, inexpensive food, and budget-friendly transport compared to most global study cities.

1. Low Tuition Fees

Public universities in Delhi charge only a fraction of Western university fees. Students can complete full degree programs at around one-fourth the cost of similar courses abroad.

2. Cheap Accommodation Options

Students can choose according to their budget:

• University hostels
• Shared PG (Paying Guest) rooms
• Budget rental flats

Student hubs near North Campus and South Campus Even private housing is far cheaper than global student cities.

3. Affordable Transportation

Delhi has a large metro network covering most areas. A monthly metro pass costs less than many cities charge for a single week of travel. Public buses, shared autos, and ride apps further reduce daily commuting expenses.

4. Low Cost of Food

Delhi is famous for economical and tasty meals. Students can:

• Cook in shared kitchens
• Eat at student cafés
• Enjoy street food

Daily meals can cost only a few dollars, making food one of the cheapest parts of student life.

5. Subsidized Utilities

Electricity, water, and internet services are comparatively inexpensive. Shared accommodation further lowers bills, allowing students to live comfortably on a limited budget.

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Monthly Living Cost for International Students in Delhi

On average, an international student can live in Delhi for $250 – $500 per month depending on lifestyle.

Expense	Approx. Monthly Cost (INR)	Approx. Monthly Cost (USD)
Accommodation	₹7,000 – ₹15,000	$85 – $180
Food & Groceries	₹5,000 – ₹10,000	$60 – $120
Transport	₹1,000 – ₹2,500	$12 – $30
Utilities & Internet	₹1,500 – ₹3,000	$18 – $36
Leisure & Miscellaneous	₹3,000 – ₹6,000	$35 – $72
**Total**	**₹17,500 – ₹36,500**	**$210 – $438**

This makes Delhi significantly cheaper than most global education hubs where monthly expenses often exceed $1,200–$2,000.

Other Affordable Indian Cities for International Students

India dominates affordability rankings, and several cities also offer budget-friendly education.

• Mumbai: A global business hub with strong career opportunities and reputed colleges. Ranked among the top affordable student cities worldwide.
• Bengaluru: Known as India’s technology capital. Ideal for engineering and IT students with many internships and startup opportunities.
• Chennai: Home to prestigious engineering and medical institutions and relatively low living expenses among metro cities.
• Pune: Popularly called the “Oxford of the East.” Offers a youthful atmosphere, numerous universities, and economical housing.

Benefits of Studying in Affordable Cities

Choosing a low-cost student city provides many long-term advantages:

• Less financial stress
• Minimal education debt
• Better savings during study
• More focus on learning and skill building
• Higher return on investment after graduation