The 10 best student cities in 2024 are some of the most expensive to live in

A big part of studying abroad is being abroad. It’s living life in another city, experiencing what life is like outside your comfort zone.

The best student cities take that experience and take it up a few notches. It’s got the amenities, the events, and the opportunities that you might not have elsewhere. Whether it’s seeing international events take place (like Paris preparing for the 2024 Olympic Games) or annual industry-specific conferences that can shake up a storm (such as TechCrunch Disrupt in San Fransico), life is simply elevated.

By choosing the right student city, you are increasing your future success and making the most of your university years.

However, this isn’t to say that the best student cities come cheap. In fact, most of them happen to be the most expensive cities for students. 

Here is a list of the best student cities in 2024 (according to QS) and how much you will need to live and study there. 

The 10 best student cities are some of the most expensive

All living costs have been taken from Numbeo. 

1. London, UK

Monthly cost: US$1,366 (without rent)

Rent: US$2,776 (one-bedroom apartment in the city centre)

London boasts world-renowned universities, high-rated restaurants, unmissable museums, and many opportunities for personal and academic growth. 

The city is home to prestigious institutions like Imperial College London, University College London (UCL) and the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE). These universities offer top-notch education across many disciplines, attracting students from all around the world. 

This cultural diversity, alongside the multinational workforce of London’s working sector, allows you to discover different cultures and languages through museums, theatres, art galleries, and historical landmarks. 

The bustling economy also provides many internship and job opportunities, allowing you to gain valuable work experience with some of the top companies in the world. 

So, it’s no wonder that London is the number one best student city for the fifth year running. 

However, this allure comes with a price – quite literally.

Rent prices in London are notoriously high, especially in the city centre. For example, the average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the city centre can cost around US$2,776 per month. 

This is higher compared to other cities in the UK and around the world. Many students opt to share accommodation to reduce costs, but even then, housing expenses take a big chunk of their budget. 

Aside from rent, the overall cost of living in London is steep.

From groceries, transportation, utilities, and entertainment, expenses can quickly add up. For example, the monthly cost of living, excluding rent, is estimated at around US$1,366. 

2. Tokyo, Japan

Monthly cost: US$952 (without rent)

Rent: US$975 (one-bedroom apartment in the city centre)

A city that is steeped in culture while embracing modernity, Tokyo has it all. Its dazzling sights, world-class offerings, and top universities draw students from all over the world.

Plus, the city’s public transportation system and low crime rates create a safe environment for students to live in.

However, despite its appeal, Tokyo can be quite expensive for students.

One major factor contributing to its high cost of living is the rent. Rent prices in Tokyo, especially in the city centre, can be high. For example, the average monthly rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the city centre is US$975. 

On top of rent, living expenses in Tokyo can also be pricey, coming up to US$952 a month. 

3. Seoul, South Korea 

Monthly cost: US$1,135 (without rent)

Rent: US$841 (one-bedroom apartment in the city centre)

The centre of K-drama, K-pop, and mouthwatering Korean food, Seoul makes it onto the QS Best Student Cities 2024 list with its excellent range of top-ranked universities too. 

Here, you will find competitive universities like Seoul National University, Korea University, and Yonsei University — unofficially grouped under the acronym “SKY” — as the clear favourites in the South Korean higher education system.

Being a student city in one of the most popular tourist cities has its perks too. Seoul’s efficient public transportation system consists of a subway network and well-connected bus routes, making it convenient for students to navigate the city. 

However, like other capital cities around the world, Seoul’s high cost of living can be a deterrent to many. The monthly expenses for a student in Seoul are US$1,135, excluding rent. Rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the city centre can cost approximately US$841.

4. Melbourne, Australia

Monthly cost: US$1,076 (without rent)

Rent: US$1,583 (one-bedroom apartment in the city centre)

Aside from its many coffee spots and bustling art scene, Australia’s best student city is home to some of the world’s top universities, including the University of Melbourne, Monash University, and RMIT University. 

However, many students in Melbourne have to take on part-time jobs to sustain their life in the city.

The average monthly rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the city centre is US$1,583. This can be expensive for students, especially when combined with other expenses such as utilities, transportation and tuition.

Other everyday expenses, such as dining out, entertainment and groceries, can add up quickly. The monthly cost of living is around US$1,076, excluding rent. 

5. Munich, Germany

Monthly cost: US$1,090 (without rent)

Rent: US$1,568 (one-bedroom apartment in the city centre)

Oktoberfest might draw a large crowd to Munich, but the tuition-free universities of the country generally see many international students drawn to Germany. Munich, in particular, offers prestigious institutions like the Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich and the Technical University of Munich. 

However, Munich’s status as an excellent student city comes at a cost. The city is known for its high living expenses, with rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the city centre going up to US$1568 per month. 

This doesn’t even include other expenses such as groceries, transportation, and leisure entertainment, which can add up to US$1,090 a month. 

6. Paris, France

Monthly cost: US$1,185  (without rent)

Rent: US$1,525 (one-bedroom apartment in the city centre)

What’s not to love about the city of love?

Paris is filled with rich cultural heritage, iconic landmarks, and vibrant art scenes. From world-class museums like the Louvre to charming cafes along the Seine River, the city offers endless opportunities for exploration and intellectual stimulation.

On top of that, the city is also home to some of the most prestigious universities in the world, including Sorbonne University, Sciences Po, and École Normale Supérieure. 

Unfortunately, studying and living in Paris doesn’t come cheap. 

The average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the city centre is US$1,525 per month. This is higher compared to other cities in France, resulting in many students opting to share accommodation to lower their costs. 

Aside from rent, the overall cost of living in Paris is also high. From groceries to transportation to dining out, expenses can go up to US$1,185 monthly. 

7. Sydney, Australia

Monthly cost: US$1,178 (without rent)

Rent: US$2,211 (one-bedroom apartment in the city centre)

Sydney is a beautiful location full of sun, sea, and skyscrapers. Not only that, it also has a high-quality education system, a great student experience, and many networking opportunities, making it one of the best student cities in the world. 

Still, the city is prone to a high cost of living.  

Rent prices in Sydney are as high as US$2,211 per month for a one-bedroom apartment. This, combined with the monthly cost of living of around US$1,178, makes it challenging for students to manage their finances. 

8. Berlin, Germany

Monthly cost: US$1,076 (without rent)

Rent: US$1,356 (one-bedroom apartment in the city centre)

Thanks to its vibrant cultural scene, with many museums, galleries and theatres, Berlin ranks as one of the best student cities. 

Berlin also has many high-ranked universities, such as Humboldt University, Free University of Berlin, and Technical University of Berlin. These institutions offer many academic programmes and research opportunities.

Outside of the academic rigour demanded by the universities, the city is known for its laid-back atmosphere, which makes it a welcoming environment for students from all around the world. 

However, staying in Berline means paying high accommodation costs. The average monthly expenses for a student in Berlin are around US$1,076, excluding rent. Rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the city centre can be as high as US$1,356.

Dining out at restaurants or nightlife activities can be costly, especially in popular towns like Kreuzberg or Mitte. 

9. Zurich, Switzerland

Monthly cost: US$1,772 (without rent)

Rent: US$2,578 (one-bedroom apartment in the city centre)

Zurich’s high standard of living and exceptional quality of life are world-renowned. The city’s cleanliness, safety, efficient public transportation, and infrastructure, on top of its high-quality education, easily make it one of the best student cities in the world.

The city is home to the prestigious ETH Zurich (Swiss Federal Institute of Technology) and the University of Zurich, both of which consistently ranked among the world’s best institutions. 

However, Zurich can also be quite expensive for students.

Rent is a major expense for students in Zurich. The average monthly rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the city centre is approximately US$2,578. 

On top of that, everyday expenses such as dining out, entertainment and groceries can also be costly in Zurich. The monthly cost of living in Zurich, excluding rent, is around US$1,772. 

10. Boston, US

Monthly cost: US$1,433 (without rent)

Rent: US$3,065 (one-bedroom apartment in the city centre)

The US has its fair share of good student cities, but Boston stands out with all of its numerous and varied offerings. 

The city is home to some of the most esteemed universities in the world, including the prestigious Harvard University and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). These institutions give students access to world-class education, cutting-edge research opportunities, and networking opportunities.

From historic landmarks like the Freedom Trail to world-class museums like the Museum of Fine Arts, you have many opportunities to explore and immerse yourself in the city’s rich history. 

Located near other major cities like New York and Washington, D.C., you can easily explore other cities, take up internships and attend networking events outside of Boston.

However, Boston is also known to be one of the more expensive cities for students. The cost of living here comes up to US$1,400 without rent. 

Rent prices in Boston are also quite high, with the average cost of a one-bedroom apartment in the city centre exceeding $3,000 monthly. This makes housing affordability a concern for many students.