Living in Boston is expensive, and for international students at Boston University, planning for expenses beyond tuition is critical. Many Pakistani students underestimate the real cost of living, which can make the total budget nearly double tuition alone.
Quick Overview
For 2026, average annual living expenses for a BU student are roughly:
| Expense Type | Estimated Annual Cost (USD) |
|---|---|
| Housing (Dorm/Off-campus) | $12,000–$14,000 |
| Food / Meal Plan | $7,000–$7,500 |
| Transportation | $600–$1,000 |
| Books & Supplies | $1,000–$1,200 |
| Personal / Miscellaneous | $1,500–$2,000 |
Total: ~$22,000–$25,000 per year, in addition to tuition (~$70,000).
1. Housing Costs
Boston University provides on-campus housing, which is often mandatory for first-year students.
- Dorm rooms: $12,000–$14,000/year
- Shared apartments near campus: $9,000–$12,000/year
- Private studio apartments: $18,000+/year
Tips:
- Apply for dorms early; they fill quickly.
- Off-campus living can save money if you share with roommates.
- Check utility costs; some apartments include them, others do not.
2. Meal and Food Costs
BU requires students to have meal plans on campus.
- Standard meal plans: $7,000–$7,500/year
- Cooking at home off-campus may reduce costs by 30–40%
- Boston groceries are expensive compared to Pakistani standards
Advice: Budget realistically, including occasional dining out.
3. Transportation Costs
Boston is a walkable city, but students may need:
- MBTA subway and bus passes: ~$90/month ($1,080/year)
- Biking or walking reduces costs
- Occasional rideshare or taxi for late-night travel
Tip: Many students buy monthly passes to save money over single tickets.
4. Books and Academic Supplies
- Estimated $1,000–$1,200/year
- Digital versions of textbooks can lower costs
- Some professors provide free or shared resources
5. Personal and Miscellaneous Expenses
- Clothing, phone bills, personal items: $1,500–$2,000/year
- Winter clothing is expensive in Boston
- Social activities, occasional travel, and entertainment add up
6. Health Insurance
BU requires mandatory health insurance:
- Approx. $3,000–$3,500/year
- Coverage is comprehensive, including doctor visits and emergencies
- Waivers are possible if you have comparable insurance
Important: Factor this into living expenses; it’s non-negotiable.
7. Hidden Costs Pakistani Students Often Overlook
- Visa interview costs
- SEVIS fees (~$350)
- Flight tickets to/from Pakistan
- Emergencies and unplanned expenses
Budgeting $3,000–$5,000 for contingencies is wise.
8. Ways to Reduce Living Expenses
- Shared apartments off-campus – cheaper rent
- Meal prep at home – saves hundreds of dollars
- Public transportation – use student passes
- Buy used textbooks or digital versions
- Part-time on-campus jobs – up to 20 hours/week during semesters
Reality check: Part-time work may cover personal expenses but will not cover tuition.
9. Total Cost Including Tuition
| Component | Annual Cost (USD) |
|---|---|
| Tuition | $69,870 |
| Living Expenses | $22,000–$25,000 |
| Health Insurance | $3,500 |
| Books & Supplies | $1,200 |
| Total | ~$96,000–$99,000/year |
Converted to PKR (~280 per USD):
≈ 2.7–2.8 crore PKR/year
10. Final Advice
Early preparation and financial planning are key for Pakistani students to avoid surprises.
Plan carefully; living costs in Boston are high.
Budget realistically for housing, food, transport, and personal expenses.
Part-time jobs can help with small expenses but will not reduce tuition burden.
