This varies significantly by location, school, and lifestyle. According to the College Board’s 2025-26 moderate nine-month living expense budget, the total living expense for a U.S. student beyond tuition averages approximately $27,140 for the academic year, or roughly $3,016 per month. For discretionary spending specifically, many families find a weekly cap of $100 to $150 reasonable for a cost-conscious student, with more in urban environments.2