Cost of Living for Exchange Students

In order to obtain the J-1 Exchange Visitor Visa for the ASU exchange program, you must show proof of financial support. You must show access to at least $4,500 per semester ($9,000 for a year). Many students are unprepared for how expensive the United States can be, even if you get a good exchange rate. This amount is just the minimum necessary to support yourself during your time here. Below are the average costs per semester based on information provided by the ASU financial aid office.

Estimated average expenses per semester at ASU

Registration fees: $75

Health Insurance: $565-791

Books and Supplies: $425

On-campus housing $2,520

Off-campus housing: $2480 ($496 per month)

Food: $1,207

Personal expenses: $1,122

If you are planning on traveling while in the U.S. you will need to budget accordingly.

Don't forget money for shopping and buying souvenirs, and going out on weekends!

Here are some examples to give you an idea about how much things cost in Tempe/Phoenix (all prices are approximate):

Commonly purchased items

Movie ticket $6-10

Fast food meal: $6

Pizza delivery $18

Average priced restaurant meal: $15-20

Public bus ticket: $1.25

Cover charge for nightclub entrance: $5-20

ASU souvenir T-shirt: $10-25

New bicycle from large discount store: $70-150

Music CD: $12-18

Inexpensive hotel room in Tempe: $50 per night

Round trip flight from Phoenix to Las Vegas: approximately $90

Round trip flight from Phoenix to Los Angeles: approximately $100

Area Attractions

Entrance to Phoenix Zoo: $14

Entrance to Desert Botanical Garden: $5 (with student ID)

Ticket to Arizona Diamondbacks baseball game: $12.50-30.00

Ticket to Tempe Improv Comedy Club: $20

Hot Air Ballooning over the Desert: $160 per person

Phoenix Symphony/Arizona Opera: $95-485 (season tickets)

Fiddlesticks (arcade/go-carts/miniature golf): $16.00

Island of Big Surf (waterpark): $21.95

Castles-n-Coasters (amusement park): $13-24