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How to use the Study Abroad Cost Calculator
- 1Choose a country. For the US, pick the state, city and type of university (community college, public or private).
- 2Choose your level of study, lifestyle and number of years.
- 3Enter the tuition from your offer letter or I-20 if you have it, and review the yearly cost, the likely range and the total.
Tuition in California for international students
International students pay the out-of-state (non-resident) rate at public universities. In California that averages $42,100 a year in 2025-26, compared with $11,950 for state residents. The national average is $31,880.
Fees differ widely between universities: flagship and research universities usually charge more than regional campuses, so check each university's own cost of attendance.
| Type of university | Typical tuition per year |
|---|---|
| Community college (international rate) | about $10,000 |
| Public university, out-of-state (California average) | $42,100 |
| Private nonprofit university (US average) | $45,000 |
Yearly budget to study in California
Tuition plus 12 months of living costs and health insurance (about $2,500 a year). Budget = sharing with two other students; average = sharing with one; comfortable = your own apartment.
| University type | Budget | Average | Comfortable |
|---|---|---|---|
| Community college | $32,741 | $39,317 | $53,040 |
| Public university | $64,841 | $71,417 | $85,140 |
| Private university | $67,741 | $74,317 | $88,040 |
Living costs in California
Across California's metro areas, a typical home rents for about $2,322 a month (Zillow), so a student sharing with one other person pays around $1,161 a month for housing. Food, transport, books and personal costs add about $1,074 a month; prices in California are 10.7% above the US average.
In total, expect about $2,235 a month for an average student lifestyle.
| City | Typical rent (whole home) | Your share (2 sharing) | Living cost per month |
|---|---|---|---|
| Los Angeles area | $2,929 | $1,465 | $2,566 |
| San Francisco Bay Area | $3,445 | $1,723 | $2,844 |
| San Jose & Silicon Valley | $3,812 | $1,906 | $2,977 |
| San Diego | $2,967 | $1,484 | $2,569 |
| Sacramento | $2,269 | $1,135 | $2,169 |
California vs neighboring states
A year at a public university (out-of-state tuition, average lifestyle, 12 months):
| State | Out-of-state tuition | Living per month | Total per year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nevada | $28,420 | $1,931 | $54,086 |
| Arizona | $37,570 | $1,814 | $61,835 |
| Washington | $38,500 | $1,912 | $63,949 |
| Oregon | $40,780 | $1,868 | $65,702 |
| California ★ | $42,100 | $2,235 | $71,417 |
Cost of studying in each US state
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost an international student to study in California?
About $71,417 a year at a public university (out-of-state tuition $42,100, living about $26,817, insurance $2,500). A private university is closer to $74,317 and a community college about $39,317. That makes California the most expensive of the 50 states and DC for a public-university year.
Which California city is cheapest for students?
Of the major university cities we track, Sacramento has the lowest typical rent ($2,269 a month for a whole home) and San Jose & Silicon Valley the highest ($3,812). Smaller college towns are often cheaper still.
How much money do I need to show for an F-1 visa?
Your university's I-20 lists the estimated cost for one academic year (tuition plus living costs), and you must show funds to cover at least that amount, usually with bank statements, a sponsor letter or a scholarship letter.
Can I work while studying in the US?
On an F-1 visa you can work up to 20 hours a week on campus during term and full time in breaks. Off-campus work is only allowed through CPT or OPT, so plan to cover your costs without relying on a job.
