Taipei, Taiwan is one of the most affordable cities to live in abroad.
Credit: Joseph Wong , Joseph Wong | Creative CommonsFor thousands of college students, studying abroad is a highlight of their undergraduate education. Each year, Penn sends over 600 students to spend a semester or two outside the United States, according to the Penn Abroad website.
At home, Penn students enjoy all that Philadelphia has to offer at a comparatively low cost of living. Overseas, however, such comforts may not always be so affordable. These are the five most and least affordable places out of the QS Best Cities for Students index of 2015. The higher the affordability ranking, the more affordable the city.
Most Affordable:
No. 1: Taipei
Affordability ranking: 83.0/100
A symbol of Taiwan’s economic rise, Taipei boasts a vibrant urban center at the heart of one of Asia’s strongest economies. Taipei is home to a number of top-tier Taiwanese universities, including the prestigious National Taiwan University. Baseball and basketball are fairly popular among residents. Taipei Metro, one of the costliest public transportation networks ever built, more than adequately fulfills the needs of even the most frequent SEPTA riders.
No. 1: Mexico City
Affordability ranking: 83.0/100
Since its days as the political center of the Aztecs, Mexico City has been a diverse cultural and economic hub, and still bears traces of both its Aztec and Spanish roots. American students studying in Mexico City can spend their free time in one of the city’s many art museums, shop in its traditional fixed markets or sample cuisines from every region of the country.
No. 3: Berlin
Affordability ranking 74.0/100
As capital of one of modern Europe’s wealthiest and most powerful countries, Berlin is filled with opportunities. Hundreds of museums, monuments, concert halls and nightlife venues are packed within the bustling city, while its location on the Autobahn highway places adventurous students within easy reach of every other part of Germany.
No. 3: Vienna, Austria
Affordability ranking: 74.0/100
With its elegant palaces, tree-lined promenades and colorful balls, Vienna still bears traces of its days as a center of the Habsburg dynasty. The city that was once home to Sigmund Freud and Beethoven is filled with opportunities for intellectual and cultural discovery. American students can study in a Viennese cafe, tour the city’s famous museums or attend a grand ball in one of Vienna’s many surviving palaces. Dieters beware, as the Viennese are notorious for their contagious love of cake.
No. 5: Munich, Germany
Affordability ranking: 72.0/100
Nestled among the Bavarian Alps, Munich has long been a center of European learning and scholarship. Its highly-regarded Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich is one of the oldest universities in Europe. Munich is famous for its love of beer, and its beer garden culture is one of the best on the continent (most Munich beer gardens let you bring your own food). Munich is also the birthplace of the Oktoberfest, balancing the city’s strong Catholic influences with nighttime carnivals for two weeks.
Least Affordable:
No. 1: London
Affordability ranking: 28.0/100
Unsurprisingly, the notoriously pricey British capital tops the list of costliest study-abroad destinations. London rents are some of the highest in the world, while an increasing influx of wealth has driven up living costs all over Greater London. The city itself is home to nearly a dozen prestigious educational institutions, including University College London, King’s College London, the London School of Economics and most of Britain’s highest-ranked medical schools.
No. 2: Stockholm, Sweden
Affordability ranking: 31.0/100
Sweden’s capital is considered one of the best places to live in Europe, as well as one of the most expensive. The city is home to numerous banks and European corporate headquarters, as well as many tech companies like IBM and Ericcson. Expect to pay a lot for apartment prices though — they don’t come cheap.
No. 3: Copenhagen, Denmark
Affordability ranking: 33.0/100
There are many reasons why so many social scientists compare their countries to Denmark, but cheap rent is not one of them. The Danish capital boasts one of the highest standards of living in the world, but is still lagging in affordability. Copenhagen is home to hundreds of world-class museums and restaurants, as well as an active football club, while its large financial district places it among Europe’s economic powerhouses.
No. 4: Auckland, New Zealand
Affordability ranking: 36.0/100
The capital of New Zealand is considered by various rankings as one of the most livable cities in the world. It is also one of the most expensive, with Auckland office space and housing among the priciest in the South Pacific. Many international corporations have regional offices in downtown Auckland, making it an excellent place for students to simultaneously pursue international internships.
No. 4: Sydney, Australia
Affordability ranking: 36.0/100
Situated on the Pacific coast, Sydney is easily one of the most expensive cities in the world. It makes up for it, though, with some of the Southern Hemisphere’s most recognizable tourist attractions, such as the Sydney Opera House and Bondi Beach. Rugby, sailing and soccer are all popular pastimes. Two of Australia’s elite Group of Eight universities, the University of New South Wales and the University of Sydney, are also in the city.
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