Living Expenses in Columbia for International Students

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Columbia is one of the capital and second most prominent cities of South Carolina, US.

Why is Columbia suitable for students?

Columbia is a city with many residents with a welcoming and friendly atmosphere. The city welcomes people from the outside with a hospitable nature. The citizens take intense pride in their sense of community.

Columbia is an excellent place for students because of its education, affordability, climate, great food, entertainment, etc.

What is the cost of living in Columbia?

The cost of living in Columbia is affordable and cheap to stay. The cost of living on average will come to $800 per month. The cost of student housing in Columbia will be around $500 per month, food will be around $108, transportation will cost $79.

Please bear in mind that your living costs and expenses will depend on your lifestyle. These are just the average cost listed.

For more personalized information, use our cost of living calculator to estimate your desired area’s average cost of living.

Before we list the details of the cost of living in Columbia, let’s summarize its cost.

Expenses	Cost (Average)
Average Tuition Fees	$20,000 – $45,000 / Year
Accommodation	$450 – $1,450 / Month
Local transport	$70 – 90 / Month

How much does it cost to study in Columbia?

Columbia is an affordable country in many aspects. When it comes to tuition fees, it will vary from one person to another. The cost of your fees will depend upon the course you choose to study and in which institution. Below is just the average cost given for UG and PG fee cost in Columbia. Please check in with your university of interest before applying for a course on the fees.

Undergraduate Tuition Fee	Post-Graduate Tuition Fee
$20,000 – $40,000 / Year	$20,000 – $45,000 / Year

What is the cost of accommodation in Columbia for students?

The cost of student accommodation in Columbia is affordable. There are three types of accommodation available in this city for students. They have all been designed to meet the needs of the students in terms of comfort and providing a safe home. We have listed them below for your reference so you have the notion of what all is available for you and choose as per your needs.

Student Housing

Student housing is also known as PBSA which is managed and owned privately. This type of property is built near the campus buildings. They offer a wide range of affordable rooms for single, double or triple occupancy. It comes with modern amenities too listed on our site

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	$450 – $700 / Month

Private Apartment

Private apartments are spacious and offer a modern way of living for students. They are newly built buildings close to the university campus. The properties offer various kinds of apartments that you can choose as per your needs and budget. You can get a one bed-room apartment or double apartment and share with your mates! It’s all up to you! They have the best-in class modern amenities too!

Apartment	Price
Private	$1,100 – $1,500 / Month

University Halls

University Halls are residence halls built inside the campus for university students. It is preferred by first year students as its less hassle. But its limited in options. The University provides rooms, shared bathrooms and kitchen. If you want something private, you will have to pay a premium for it!

University Hall	Price
Ensuite/ Studio	$600 – $1,200 / Month

Food

The cost of food in Columbia will depend upon your spending and eating habits. If you love to eat out, dinner at a restaurant will cost $15 breakfast will start at $5 – $10 and if you like drinks once in a while, it will cost $5. If you plan to cook at home which is advisable, your monthly groceries on average will come to $150 – $300.

How much does utility bills cost in Columbia?

The bills usually include electricity, heating, cooling, wi-fi, etc. The average cost of monthly bills will come to around $188.37 . As a student, you can take advantage of the opportunity to find student accommodation that offers an inclusive-bill. Most of the private student housing includes the bills. As for university halls you will have to check in with your university on the policies.

What is the best and cheapest way to travel in Columbia?

One of the best and cheapest ways to travel in and around Columbia is by bus. There are different types of buses offering travel options within and outside the city. The cost of a bus ride will cost $50 per month. Do ask if you can get students discounts on buses.