Should You Get a Car as an International Student in the U.S.? A Financial Perspective
One of the biggest lifestyle decisions you’ll face as an international student in the United States is whether or not to buy a car. On the surface, owning a car means freedom: the ability to go wherever you want, whenever you want. But from a financial point of view, it can also be one of the largest expenses you’ll face outside of tuition.
If you’re trying to figure out whether a car is worth it, here are the key pros and cons of car ownership for international students in the U.S.
🚗 The Pros of Owning a Car
1. Independence and Convenience
Public transportation in the U.S. varies greatly by city. In places like New York or Boston, subways and buses make cars unnecessary. But in smaller college towns or suburban areas, buses might run only a few times a day, or not at all. A car gives you the flexibility to attend late classes, work shifts, or social events without worrying about schedules.
2. Time Savings
Waiting for buses, relying on rides from friends, or using ride-sharing apps adds up. A car often reduces commuting time, which means more hours for studying, working, or relaxing.
3. Work Opportunities
Some part-time jobs, internships, or off-campus opportunities may not be accessible without a car. In areas with limited public transportation, having a car could open doors to more professional experiences.
4. Travel and Social Life
Exploring nearby cities, going on road trips, or visiting friends becomes much easier with a car. For many international students, this freedom enhances the U.S. experience.
💸 The Cons of Owning a Car
1. High Upfront and Ongoing Costs
Cars are expensive, especially for international students who may not have U.S. credit history. The costs to consider include:
Purchase or lease: Buying used can still cost $5,000–$15,000; leasing often requires good credit.
Insurance: For international students (especially those under 25), insurance is very costly: anywhere from $150 to $400+ per month.
Registration and taxes: State fees vary but can be a few hundred dollars annually.
Maintenance and repairs: Oil changes, tires, and unexpected breakdowns add up.
2. Parking and Campus Fees
Universities often charge for on-campus parking passes, which can range from $200 to $800 per year. In urban areas, street parking may be limited or costly.
3. Depreciation
Cars lose value quickly. If you only plan to stay in the U.S. for a few years, reselling your car may mean losing a significant portion of your investment.
4. Hidden Costs (Fuel + Fines)
Gas prices fluctuate, but expect to spend $100–$200 per month on fuel depending on usage. Parking tickets, tolls, or small accidents can add unexpected costs.
5. Alternative Options Are Cheaper
For many students, ride-sharing (Uber/Lyft), biking, or using student shuttles ends up being far less expensive than owning a car, especially if they live in a city with good public transport.
🔍 Financial Rule of Thumb: When Does a Car Make Sense?
Worth it if: You live in a suburban/rural area with little public transit, your off-campus job/internship requires commuting, or you plan to stay in the U.S. long enough to justify the purchase.
Not worth it if: You’re in a city with reliable public transportation, you only plan short-term stays, or your budget is already tight from tuition and living expenses.
Pros and Cons by Option
Car Ownership (Used Car)
Cost: 600 – 900
Pros: Full independence, flexibility, access to jobs, and travel
Cons: Very expensive, high insurance for internationals, resale loss
Ride-Sharing (Uber/Lyft)
Cost: 200 – 400
Pros: No maintenance, pay per use, cheaper if used occasionally
Cons: Can get expensive with frequent rides, not always available
Public Transportation Pass
Cost: Free – 120
Pros: Very affordable, eco-friendly, unlimited rides
Cons: Limited routes/schedules, vary by city, can be unsafe
Biking/Walking
Cost: 0 – 50
Pros: Health benefits, cheapest option, no parking needed
Cons: Not practical for long distances or suburbans areas made for car transportations, weather dependent
✅ Final Thoughts
Owning a car in the U.S. as an international student can feel like a ticket to freedom—but from a financial perspective, it’s often one of the largest extra costs you’ll face. Before making the decision, carefully compare the total cost of ownership (purchase, insurance, fuel, parking, repairs) against how much you would actually use the car.
For many international students, the smarter choice, financially, is to start without a car and only purchase one if daily life becomes too inconvenient without it.
