Budget-friendly U.S. cities for Nepali grads: Salaries, rent and job prospects
Living in the U.S. after graduation can be exciting but also expensive. Many Nepali students expect big paychecks during optional practical training (OPT), only to realize that rent, taxes and daily costs can eat up most of their salary.
The good news is that not all U.S. cities are equally expensive. In fact, some cities offer strong job opportunities, good pay and much lower rent than major tech hubs like New York or San Francisco. These places can be ideal if you’re looking to save money, gain work experience and speed up your international student loan repayment.
Here are seven budget-friendly U.S. cities that many international grads from Nepal find appealing, especially during their OPT.
1. Austin, Texas
Austin is a fast-growing tech hub with lots of job opportunities and a relatively lower cost of living than Silicon Valley.
- Average rent (1-bedroom): US$1,400
- Entry-level salary in tech or data roles: US$80,000 to US$100,000
- Why it works: No state income tax and a friendly environment for international workers
2. Raleigh, North Carolina
Raleigh offers strong demand for STEM grads, especially in biotech, engineering and healthcare.
- Average rent (1-bedroom): US$1,200
- Entry-level salary in biotech or IT: US$75,000 to US$100,000
- Why it works: Safe, clean and near many research universities and tech companies
3. Columbus, Ohio
Columbus is growing in finance, insurance, logistics and tech sectors. It also has one of the lowest costs of living among major U.S. cities.
- Average rent (1-bedroom): US$1,100
- Entry-level salary in business or analytics roles: US$60,000 to US$90,000
- Why it works: Accessible public transit and a good mix of employers open to OPT candidates
4. Salt Lake City, Utah
This city combines outdoor lifestyle with a booming tech industry known as Silicon Slopes.
- Average rent (1-bedroom): US$1,300
- Entry-level salary in engineering or software roles: US$70,000 to US$100,000
- Why it works: High quality of life and growing demand for skilled workers
5. Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Known for education, robotics and healthcare, Pittsburgh offers career options and manageable rent.
- Average rent (1-bedroom): US$1,100
- Entry-level salary in robotics or public health: US$60,000 to US$95,000
- Why it works: Home to top universities and research centers that support international talent
6. Minneapolis, Minnesota
With strong demand for workers in healthcare, IT and data analytics, Minneapolis offers both jobs and affordability.
- Average rent (1-bedroom): US$1,200
- Entry-level salary in data or health fields: US$65,000 to US$85,000
- Why it works: Clean city with good infrastructure and support for international professionals
7. Dallas, Texas
Dallas is home to many Fortune 500 companies and has job options in finance, engineering and logistics.
- Average rent (1-bedroom): US$1,500
- Entry-level salary in finance or business: US$65,000 to US$100,000
- Why it works: Low taxes, strong job growth and a growing international community
MPOWER Financing helps Nepali students manage costs after graduation
For Nepali students studying in the U.S., location plays a huge role in your financial success after graduation. That’s why it’s important to choose both a smart city and a funding option that gives you flexibility.
MPOWER Financing offers no-cosigner student loans that cover both tuition and living expenses. That means you can choose a city that fits your goals, not just one your budget forces you into.
Through MPOWER’s Path2Success program, students also access:
- Job search guidance and tools
- Tools to estimate post-graduate costs
- Guidance on budgeting and repayment
- OPT and H-1B prep workshops
Whether you’re in Dallas or Pittsburgh, having clear financial support and tools can help you stretch your salary and stay on track after school.
What Nepali grads should look for in a city
Cost of living is important, but it’s not the only thing to consider. As a Nepali grad on OPT, you should also look at:
- International student job opportunities in your field
- Employer willingness to hire OPT or sponsor H-1B
- Access to Nepali or South Asian communities
- Public transportation if you don’t have a car
- State taxes and healthcare access
Many students from Nepal also look for quiet cities with clean environments and affordable food. Places that feel safe and culturally friendly can ease the stress of adjusting after graduation.
If you’re planning to send money home, repay a loan or save for future visa steps, choosing the right city can make a big difference.
