Can you live on a PhD stipend in United States?
Estimated student living costs and stipend affordability based on Eurostat/OECD price level data.
Adequate (score 1.05)
A PhD stipend of €2,000/month (est. net €1,700) is adequate in United States relative to estimated student living costs (score 1.05).
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Frequently asked questions
Is a PhD stipend enough to live in United States?
It depends on your net monthly stipend. Based on Eurostat/OECD price levels and typical student living costs, funded PhD institutes in United States (median stipend on this site: €2000/month) fall in the Adequate range at that level.
What is the cost of living for PhD students in United States?
We estimate student living costs using price level indices (EU27=100). For United States, the relative index implies monthly living costs of roughly €1,614 at our baseline budget, before city adjustments.
How is the affordability score calculated for United States?
We divide estimated net stipend by estimated living cost. At the median institute stipend on this site (€2000/month gross), the score is about 1.05 — rated Adequate. You can try other amounts with the calculator on this page.
Are PhD stipends taxable in United States?
For this estimate we apply the configured effective tax rate for United States (see tax notes on this page). Contract type, residency, and fellowship vs employment can change real tax — not tax advice.
Affordability is indicative only, based on public price level indices and estimated student living costs. Not tax or financial advice.