Cost of Living in San Francisco for Students
Table of Contents
San Francisco is one of the best cities to live and study. The city offers great weather, good night scenes, adventures, etc.
It is home to some of the best universities in the world, like UC Berkeley, Stanford University, and the University of San Francisco.
Is San Francisco safe and affordable?
San Francisco is a safe city. Being a city of love, the city spreads and showers anyone living in the city with a welcoming and hospitable nature.
The cost of living in San Francisco is $2,499 per month excluding tuition fees. San Francisco offers various types of student accommodation that are close to universities.
Before we list the details of the cost of living in San Francisco, let’s summarize its cost.
| Expenses | Cost (Average) |
| Average Tuition Fees | $20,000 – $45,000 / Year |
| Accommodation | $1,500 – $3,500 / Month |
| Local transport | $121 / Month |
Costs of Tuition Fees
Since San Francisco is home to many top universities worldwide, the tuition fees will be expensive if you get enlisted in them. For those who have a scholarship, it might help cover the cost. In any case, the tuition fee will depend on the course type and university you choose. We only list the average tuition fee below, but it varies depending on the university.
| Undergraduate Tuition Fee | Post-Graduate Tuition Fee |
| $20,000 – $40,000 / Year | $25,000 – $45,000 / Year |
Student Accommodation Costs
The cost of student accommodation in San Francisco will depend upon many factors. They will be location, accommodation type, the facilities provided, etc.
Student Housing
Student housing is one of the most popular types of accommodation. Students love this accommodation because it’s close to the university and offers privacy and amenities.
Most of the accommodations are at a distance of under 3 miles. While the ones outside of the city center are upto 20 miles.
| Student Housing | Price |
| Ensuite/ Studio | $1,491 – $2,001 / Month |
Private Apartment
The private apartment is also another popular type of student accommodation. Students who like privacy and want to enjoy student life with their friends choose to stay here. Students can take the whole place or share the apartment with friends.
| Apartment | Price |
| Private | $2,583 – $3,335 / Month |
University Halls
University halls are built inside the campus or close to one. Usually, freshers choose this type of accommodation as they are new to the country. The university hall provides rooms for students who study at the university.
| University Hall | Price |
| Ensuite/ Studio | $1,500 – $3,500 / Month |
Food
The cost of food in San Francisco is slightly above the national average. If you can cook meals at home, you should adopt this method of eating. It will save you a lot of money and keep you healthy too. But, on a serious note, eating out is expensive. For instance, a meal at a mid-range restaurant will cost $25 while a burger will cost $12.
Utility Bills
Your utility bills will be the cost of gas, electricity, cooling, heating, WiFi, etc. Student housing usually covers utility bills.
Transportation
San Francisco has the Municipal Transportation System. It is called Muni and operates buses, cable cars, and street cars. Many universities are within walking distance. You can always go by foot. Even the attractions are within walking distance from the city center.
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