Many Nepalese students seek to study in USA for quality education, global exposure, and better career opportunities. Every year, thousands of Nepalese students move to different parts of the United States to pursue their academic dreams.
However, choosing the right city is just as important as selecting the right university. The city you live in can greatly affect your tuition fees, cost of living, part-time job opportunities, and even how quickly you adapt to a new culture.
To make your decision easier, we’ve put together a list of the best cities in the USA for Nepalese students, cities that offer excellent universities, affordable living, active Nepalese communities, and plenty of opportunities to work and grow.
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Boston, Massachusetts
Boston is often called the education capital of the USA and is one of the best cities in USA for Nepalese students. With its safe, student-friendly environment, excellent public transportation, and growing Nepalese community, Boston offers a supportive environment for international students.The Nepalese community is steadily growing, and student groups like the Nepalese Students Association of UMass Boston help newcomers settle and adjust.
Universities in Boston:
- University of Massachusetts Boston – affordable, popular for Computer Science, Nursing, and Business
- Northeastern University – strong in Engineering & IT co-op programs
- Boston University – excellent for Business, Public Health & Finance
- Harvard University – research and graduate studies in Business, Law, and Sciences
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) – globally recognized for STEM & Research programs
Cost of Living:
Boston is expensive, but shared housing and part-time jobs make it manageable. Students spend around $800–$1,200/month on rent and $400–$600 on food, transport, and other living expenses.
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New York City, New York
New York City is one of the most popular choices for Nepalese students because of its world-class education and multicultural environment. With a large Nepalese population in Queens and Jackson Heights, students find Nepalese community support easily. Reliable public transportation and abundant part-time jobs in retail, restaurants, and campus facilities add to its appeal.
Universities in New York:
- Columbia University – prestigious for Business, Journalism, and Engineering
- New York University (NYU) – strong in Business, IT & Arts
- City University of New York (CUNY) Colleges (Baruch, Hunter, Queens College) – affordable and popular for Accounting, Finance & Computer Science
- State University of New York (SUNY) campuses – good for STEM & Business courses
Cost of Living:
The cost of living in New York City for Nepalese students is higher than many other US cities, but affordable shared accommodation in student-friendly areas like Queens helps reduce expenses. Expect $900–$1,300/month for rent and $500–$700 for other expenses.
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Dallas & Houston, Texas
Texas is one of the most affordable states in USA for Nepalese students, offering low tuition fees, budget-friendly housing, and abundant part-time job opportunities in cities like Dallas and Houston. Dallas and Houston have large Nepalese communities, active cultural groups, and safe suburban areas near universities.
Universities in Dallas and Houston:
- University of Houston – popular for Engineering, Business & Healthcare
- Rice University – top-ranked for Business & Engineering (scholarships available)
- University of Texas at Arlington – known for IT & Engineering
- University of Texas at Dallas – strong in Computer Science & Business Analytics
- University of North Texas – affordable for Business & IT
Cost of Living:
Students spend around $500–$800/month on rent and $300–$500 for food, transport, and other expenses. Part-time jobs in retail, hospitality, and tech are widely available.
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Columbus & Cincinnati, Ohio
Ohio is a budget-friendly choice for Nepalese students in the USA, offering affordable tuition, low living expenses, and supportive communities in cities like Cleveland, Columbus, and Cincinnati. Nepalese student groups and NRN chapters are active here, helping new students adjust easily. The cities are safe, with a much lower cost of living than coastal states.
Universities in Ohio:
- Ohio State University – popular for Engineering, Business & Health Sciences
- University of Cincinnati – strong in Engineering, Architecture & Business
- Kent State University – affordable for Public Health & IT
- Wright State University – budget-friendly, popular for Business & Engineering
Cost of Living:
Shared housing costs around $400–$700/month, with total living expenses averaging $300–$500/month.
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Gainesville & Tampa, Florida
Florida offers warm weather, affordable living, and plenty of part-time job opportunities, especially in hospitality and tourism. Gainesville and Tampa have growing Nepalese communities and safe university neighborhoods.
Universities in Gainesville & Tampa:
- University of Florida – known for Engineering, Medicine & Business
- University of South Florida – strong in Public Health, IT & Business
- Florida International University – affordable, popular for Business & Hospitality Management
Cost of Living:
Students spend $600–$900/month for rent and $350–$600 for other expenses.
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San Diego, California
California is one of the best states for MBA and other STEM programs for Nepalese students in the USA, offering world-renowned universities, strong job markets in technology and business, and an active Nepalese community, with many students saving money by living outside expensive downtown areas.
Universities in San Diego:
- San Diego State University – popular for Engineering, IT & Business
- University of California, San Diego (UCSD) – world-class for Science, Technology & Research
Cost of Living:
Expect to spend $1,000–$1,500/month on rent and $500–$700 for food and utilities. Part-time work in hospitality and research labs is common.
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St. Louis & Kansas City, Missouri
Missouri is gaining popularity among Nepalese students because of its affordable universities and low living costs. The Nepalese community is active, organising cultural events and student support programs.
Universities in Missouri:
- University of Missouri – popular for Business, Agriculture & Engineering
- Missouri State University – affordable for Business & Education
- Saint Louis University – strong in Public Health & Healthcare programs
Cost of Living:
One of the most affordable states, with shared housing costing $400–$700/month and other expenses around $300–$500/month.
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Chicago, Illinois
Chicago has one of the largest Nepalese communities in the Midwest, making it easier for students to find cultural support. The city offers great education and numerous part-time job opportunities, though living costs are moderate.
Universities in Chicago:
- University of Illinois at Chicago – popular for Public Health, Business & IT
- Northeastern Illinois University – affordable for Business & Education
- DePaul University – well-known for Business & Finance
Cost of Living:
Shared accommodation costs around $700–$1,000/month, with other monthly expenses averaging $400–$600.
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Philadelphia & Pittsburgh,Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania combines good education with a moderate cost of living. Philadelphia has a well-established Nepalese community, while Pittsburgh is known for its student-friendly environment.
Universities in Pennsylvania:
- Temple University – popular for Business & Health Sciences
- Drexel University – strong in Engineering & Business
- University of Pittsburgh – recognised for Health Sciences & IT
Cost of Living:
Students usually spend $600–$900/month on rent and $350–$500 on other living costs.
Choosing the right city is just the first step towards your American dream. Don’t forget to prepare your visa documents properly! Our guide on Mandatory Documents for a USA F-1 Student Visa Application will help you get started.
Quick Tips For Nepalese Students Moving To The USA
Moving to a new country can feel overwhelming, but the right preparation makes it easier. Here are some practical tips for Nepalese students to adjust quickly and settle comfortably in the USA.
- Join Nepalese Student Associations: Almost every major university has a Nepalese or South Asian student club. They can help you with accommodation, part-time job tips, and settling in faster.
- Look for Shared Accommodation: Sharing an apartment with other students is much cheaper than living alone. Many Nepalese students in the USA find roommates through Facebook groups or university housing boards.
- Use Public Transportation: Cities like Boston, New York, and Chicago have excellent transport networks. This saves money compared to owning a car.
- Apply for On-Campus Jobs First: Working on campus is easier for F1 visa students and helps you balance work with studies.
- Stay Connected with the Nepalese Community: Joining NRN-USA or local cultural groups helps build a support network.
Choosing The Right City For Your American Dream
The USA offers endless opportunities for Nepalese students, but picking the right city can make all the difference in your study experience. Whether you prefer the academic excellence of Boston, the vibrant multicultural life of New York, or the affordability of Texas and Ohio, each city has something unique to offer.
At EduAdvices, we help Nepalese students like you find the best city and university based on your budget, course preference, and career goals.
Are you still confused which country is better for you? Check out our guide on how to choose between Australia, the USA, the UK and Canada.
