Budget
Students
Review the estimated costs provided by Caltech for undergraduate and graduate students for tuition, room and board, and living expenses. These estimates are for basic expenses and do not include items such as travel, hobbies, or car ownership.
Scholars
Below is a sample of monthly fixed expenses for a postdoctoral scholar at Caltech or JPL. The sample budget listed below is for reference only, and will change according to market conditions. Similary, for dependents, expect higher living expenses, in particular in housing, unless you opt for shared housing. This does NOT include childcare, personal travel, U.S. immigration expenses, medical expenses (insurance copays and deductibles), and other costs. This list is non-exhaustive; additionally, individual costs may vary based on individual needs or choices.
| Type | Single Person | |
|---|---|---|
| Taxes | Varies by length of stay, tax residency country, and immigration status | ~25% Salary |
| Rent | 1 bedroom apartment | $2,000+ |
| 1 bedroom in a shared apartment/house | $1,800+ | |
| Transportation | Public transportation | $125+ |
| Car insurance, Caltech parking, gas | $430+ | |
| Food | Groceries, basic supplies | $750+ |
| Utilities | Electricity, water, gas, trash | $200+ |
| Insurance | Health, Dental | $185 - $205 |
| Communication | Internet, cable, cell phone | $250+ |
| Miscellaneous | Restaurants, entertainment, clothes | $180+ |
General Resources for Budgeting, Finance, and Cost of Living in the United States
We provide some helpful information about Social Security Number (SSN) and U.S. federal and state taxes on our website.
DISCLAIMER: The information provided on this website is for general information only. Caltech does not endorse or recommend any of the organizations listed.