Best Cities to Live in the US for Indian Students in 2026
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The United States is one of the most preferred destinations for foreigners, specifically for Indians to study, work, and settle abroad. But are you aware of which is the best city in the USA for Indians to live in? From San Francisco and Seattle to Atlanta and LA, the US has an option for everyone.
Indian students often choose to study in the USA because the education system focuses on practical learning, helping them build job-ready skills and explore careers across fields like tech, healthcare, finance, engineering, media, and entertainment.
11 Best Cities to Live in the USA for Indian Students in 2026
|
City Name |
Indian Population 2025 |
US News Ranking 2025-2026 |
Estimated Monthly Cost for Indian Students (USD) |
Estimated Annual Cost for Indian Students (USD) |
|
San Francisco, CA |
110,000 |
22 |
1900 - 2700 |
22800 - 32400 |
|
Seattle, WA |
85,000 |
28 |
1800 - 2200 |
21600 - 26400 |
|
Atlanta, GA |
65,000 |
30 |
1300 - 1900 |
15600 - 22800 |
|
San Jose, CA |
55,000 |
70 |
1800 - 2500 |
21600 - 30000 |
|
Boston, MA |
100,000 |
88 |
1800 - 2500 |
21600 - 30000 |
|
Dallas, TX |
110,000 |
95 |
1500 - 1900 |
18000 - 22800 |
|
Houston, TX |
75,000 |
97 |
1200 - 1600 |
14400 - 19200 |
|
Chicago, IL |
160,000 |
119 |
1200 - 1800 |
14400 - 21600 |
|
New York City, NY |
185,000 |
126 |
1800 - 2500 |
21600 - 30000 |
|
Los Angeles, CA |
190,000 |
130 |
1900 - 2700 |
22800 - 32400 |
1. San Francisco, California
- San Francisco is ranked the 22nd best place to live in the U.S. by the U.S. News Report 2025-26.
- Known as Silicon Valley, it remains a leading tech hub offering abundant job opportunities in technology and innovation.
- The city hosts vibrant cultural festivals and has a strong, growing Indian community.
- Near top universities like Stanford University and UC Berkeley
|
Particulars |
Details |
|
City Name |
San Francisco |
|
Unemployment Rate |
4.3% (August 2025) |
|
Average Income |
USD 125,000 (approximately INR 11,000,000, using an average exchange rate of 1 USD = 88 INR) |
|
Average Cost of Living |
For 1 Person: USD 3,800/month (approx. INR 334,400) For Family of 4: USD 12,000/month (approx. INR 1,056,000) |
|
Current Indian Population |
Approximately 115,000 (2026 estimate) |
|
Major Industries |
Technology, Finance, Healthcare |
2. Seattle, Washington
- Seattle is ranked the 28th best place to live in the U.S. by the U.S. News Report 2025-26
- The city is the headquarters for industry giants Amazon and Microsoft (Microsoft’s main campus in Redmond, a Seattle suburb)
- Seattle is ideal for nature lovers with nearby mountains, forests, and outdoor recreational opportunities.
- The city hosts a vibrant Indian community with active cultural associations and frequent events.
- Amazon continues to have a major presence in Seattle with 80,000+ employees in the Puget Sound area, despite some corporate job reductions ongoing in 2025-26
- Microsoft employs around 53,000 people at its Redmond campus and continues to enforce in-office mandates aligning with the hybrid work model.
|
Particulars |
Details |
|
City Name |
Seattle |
|
Unemployment Rate |
4.3% (2026 estimate) |
|
Average Income |
USD 110,000 (approx. INR 9,680,000, using average exchange rate of 1 USD = 88 INR) |
|
Average Cost of Living |
For 1 Person: USD 3,800/month (approx. INR 334,400) For Family of 4: USD 12,000/month (approx. INR 1,056,000) |
|
Current Indian Population |
80,000 (2026 estimate) |
|
Major Industries |
Technology, Healthcare, Manufacturing |
Also Read: Breakdown of the Cost of Living in New York, USA
3. Atlanta, Georgia
- Atlanta is ranked the 30th best place to live in the U.S. by the U.S. News Report 2025-26, showing a significant improvement from 30th in 2024-25.
- The surrounding metro area suburb, Johns Creek, was ranked the No. 1 best place to live in the U.S. for 2025-26, praised for top-rated schools, safe neighborhoods, abundant parks, and a strong community spirit.
- Major industries in Atlanta include technology, healthcare, and logistics, sustaining robust job growth.
- Atlanta offers relatively affordable housing and a cost of living compared to other major metropolitan areas.
- The city has a vibrant and growing Indian community estimated at around 68,000 in 2026, with numerous cultural events and organizations.
|
Particulars |
Details |
|
City Name |
Atlanta |
|
Unemployment Rate |
Estimated 3.9% (August 2025 data, projected ~4.4% for 2026) |
|
Average Income |
Approximately USD82,000 annually |
|
Average Cost of Living |
For 1 Person: ~USD3,850 per month For a Family of 4: ~USD12,200 per month |
|
Current Indian Population |
Approximately 68,000 (2026 estimate) |
|
Major Industries |
Technology, Healthcare, Logistics, with a growing Indian professional community in IT, finance, and healthcare sectors |
4. San Jose, California
- San Jose is ranked the 70th best city to live in the U.S. by the US News Report 2025-26.
- It remains a hub for innovation, hosting Google, Apple, Facebook, and other tech giants, fostering high salaries and economic growth.
- The city offers excellent prospects in technology, biotechnology, and finance industries, attracting top talent.
- San Jose hosts a vibrant Indian community with active cultural organizations and events.
|
Particulars |
Details |
|
City Name |
San Jose |
|
Unemployment Rate |
Approx. 3.5% in 2026 (projected, from 4.7% in August 2025) |
|
Average Income |
About USD130,000 annually(INR 7,191,640) |
|
Cost of Living |
For 1 Person: Around USD 3,800/month (INR 337,927) For a Family of 4: Around USD12,000/month (INR 1,069,764) |
|
Current Indian Population |
An estimated 50,000 (2026) |
|
Major Industries |
Technology, Biotechnology, Finance, with strong representation of Indian professionals in Silicon Valley's tech ecosystem, including companies like Google, Apple, Facebook, and many startups |
Also Read: Cost of Living in Texas 2025
5. Boston, Massachusetts
- Boston is ranked the 88th best city to live in the U.S. by the US News Report 2025-26, reflecting its strong academic and career opportunities.
- The city is home to top-tier universities like Harvard University and Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT).
- The city hosts a few of the prominent world-class hospitals and research centers in the country.
- The city hosts active Indian communities with lively cultural events and organizations.
|
Particulars |
Details |
|
City Name |
Boston |
|
Unemployment Rate |
Approximately 4.1% (2026 estimate) |
|
Average Income |
Around USD 95,000 annually (approx. INR 8,336,000) |
|
Average Cost of Living |
For 1 Person: ~USD 3,800/month((approx. INR 333,260)) For a Family of 4: ~USD 12,000/month (approx. INR 1,052,400) |
|
Current Indian Population |
Approximately 90,000 (2026 estimate), with a highly educated community contributing significantly to the local economy |
|
Major Industries |
Education (Harvard, MIT), Healthcare (world-class hospitals and research centers), Technology (biotech and startups) |
6. Dallas, Texas
Dallas is one of the least expensive cities in the US popular for its robust economy and friendly communities. The city hosts a significant Indian population along with various cultural amenities and supportive environment for new immigrants and families.
Key Highlights of Dallas
- Houston is ranked the 97th best place to live in the U.S. by the U.S. News Report 2025-26.
- The city has a strong job market majorly in areas like technology, finance, and healthcare
- Lower and affordable housing costs compared to other major cities
- Active and welcoming Indian associations and cultural events.
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| City Name | Dallas |
| Unemployment Rate | 4.40% |
| Average Income | 78,000 |
| Average Cost of Living | For 1 Person: $3,800 For a family of 4: $12,000 |
| Current Indian Population | 100,000 |
| Major Industries | Technology, Finance, Healthcare |
7. Houston, Texas
-
Houston is ranked the 97th best place to live in the U.S. by the U.S. News Report 2025-26.
-
The city offers low or affordable cost of living in USA
-
The city is a major hub for sectors like oil and gas industries in USA
-
Houston hosts numerous Indian festivals, temples and Indian restaurants.
|
Particulars |
Details |
|
City Name |
Houston |
|
Unemployment Rate |
Approximately 4.9% (August 2026 data, projected around 4.5% - 5.0% in 2026) |
|
Average Income |
Around USD 75,000 annually (approx. INR 6,570,000,) |
|
Average Cost of Living |
For 1 Person: ~USD 3,800/month((approx. INR 333,000)) For a Family of 4: ~USD 12,000/month (approx. INR 1,051,200) |
|
Current Indian Population |
Approximately 72,000 (2026 estimate) |
|
Major Industries |
Energy, Healthcare, Aerospace, with expanding sectors in technology and manufacturing |
Also Read: Complete Breakdown of the Cost of Living in California, USA in 2025
8. Chicago, Illinois
-
Chicago is ranked the 119th best place to live in the U.S. by the U.S. News Report 2025-26.
-
The city is home to few of the key industries like finance, manufacturing and technology.
-
Chicago is home to various Indian cultural centers and events
-
The city is in close proximity to top universities live University of Chicago, Northwestern University, etc.
|
Particulars |
Details |
|
City Name |
Chicago |
|
Unemployment Rate |
Approximately 5.0% as of August 2025, projected to be stable around 5.0% |
|
Average Income |
Around USD 72,000 annually |
|
Average Cost of Living |
For 1 Person: ~USD 3,800/month(approx. INR 6,314,000) For a Family of 4: ~USD 12,000/month (approx. INR 1,052,400) |
|
Current Indian Population |
Approximately 155,000 (2026 estimate) |
|
Major Industries |
Finance, Manufacturing, Technology |
9. New York City, New York
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New York City is ranked the 126th best place to live in the U.S. by the U.S. News Report 2025-26.
-
The city offers diverse job markets that span across various fields like finance, media technology and healthcare
-
It is a cultural melting pot with numerous Indian cultural centers, festival,s and restaurants
-
Near proximity to prestigious universities like Columbia University and New York University
|
Particulars |
Details |
|
City Name |
New York City |
|
Unemployment Rate |
Approximately 5.0% to 5.1% (stable as of late 2025, projected for 2026) |
|
Average Income |
Around USD 85,000 annually (approx. INR 7,457,000) |
|
Average Cost of Living |
For 1 Person: USD 3,500/month (approx. INR 307,000) For a Family of 4: USD 11,500/month (approx. INR 1,009,000) |
|
Current Indian Population |
Approximately 200,000 (2026 estimate) |
|
Major Industries |
Finance, Media, Technology |
10. Los Angeles, California
-
Los Angeles is ranked the 130th best city to live in the U.S. by the U.S. News Report 2025-26.
-
A major hub to the entertainment industry and provides opportunities in media entertainment and technology
-
The city is a hub to rich tapestry of cultures among which Indians hold a significant presence
-
Close proximity to universities like University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) and University of South California (USC)
|
Particulars |
Details |
|
City Name |
Los Angeles |
|
Unemployment Rate |
Approximately 6.3% as of August 2025, projected to be around 6.5% in 2026 |
|
Average Income |
Around USD 75,000 annually (approx. INR 6,570,000) |
|
Average Cost of Living |
For 1 Person: ~USD 3,800/month ((approx. INR 333,000)) For a Family of 4: ~USD 12,000/month (approx. INR 1,051,200) |
|
Current Indian Population |
Approximately 180,000 (2026 estimate) |
|
Major Industries |
Entertainment, Technology, Healthcare |
Also Read: IELTS band for the USA in 2026
Factors to Be Considered When Choosing the Best City to Live in the USA
So far we have learnt about the 11 best cities to live in the States, let us now learn about the factors to be considered when selecting the best state to live in the USA. These factors include:
Endure that you have access to strong job markets in your field
Do a detailed analysis of the cost of living in USA cities factors like housing, transportation, etc.
The presence of Indian communities, cultural, and divine scope in the city
Check with the availability of quality schools and higher education institutions in the proximity
Check the safest town in the US list before selecting your destination
If you have a preference of certain weather conditions check with the best fit
Check your ability to access healthcare, wellness, and recreation facilities.
Also Read: IELTS Band for The USA
Choose Your Best City to Live in The USA with GetGIS Assistance
Selecting the best city to live in the USA for Indian immigrants involves balanced decision-making considering factors like job opportunities, community support, quality of life, etc. The cities listed above are not an exhaustive list of best fits for Indian professionals or immigrant families.
Alternatively, before making a decision, you can also seek advice from immigration experts like GetGIS. Our immigration experts are well versed to guide you through all your immigration needs.
Limited-time offer : Access a free 10-Day IELTS study plan curated for you
