Question 1

Which US city is best for international students on a budget?

Accepted Answer

Austin, TX and Chicago, IL offer the best value for international students on a budget. Austin has no state income tax, lower housing costs ($900–$1,600/month), and a booming tech industry. Chicago offers world-class universities, a strong international community, and monthly living costs around $1,400–$2,200, significantly less than NYC or Boston.

Question 2

Is New York City good for international students?

Accepted Answer

New York City is excellent for international students in business, finance, arts, media, and fashion, but it is the most expensive US city with monthly living costs of $2,500–$4,500 excluding tuition. The city has the largest international student population in the USA and offers unmatched networking, internship, and OPT opportunities.

Question 3

What is the best US city for international students studying computer science or engineering?

Accepted Answer

Seattle, WA and Boston, MA are the top choices for international students studying computer science or engineering. Seattle is home to Amazon, Microsoft, and a thriving tech startup scene, while Boston has MIT, Harvard, and one of the highest concentrations of biotech and engineering firms in the world. Both cities have strong OPT job placement rates for STEM graduates.

Question 4

Which US cities have the best job prospects for international students after graduation?

Accepted Answer

New York City (finance, media, consulting), San Francisco/Bay Area (tech, though very expensive), Seattle (tech, cloud computing), Boston (biotech, healthcare, engineering), and Austin (tech, semiconductors) offer the strongest OPT and CPT job markets for international students in 2026.

Which US city is right for you?