India, Oct. 21 -- For decades, Indian families chose an overseas destination by weighing a familiar set of factors: university ranking, tuition fees, scholarship prospects and post-study work rights. Accommodation was treated as a logistical matter, to be settled once the visa arrived. That sequence is changing, as rising housing costs make it increasingly important to consider the full cost of studying abroad.

In cities such as London, New York, Sydney and Paris, accommodation can account for a substantial share of a student's monthly budget. For families planning an international education, understanding these costs before committing to a university is becoming essential.

The underlying cause is not difficult to identify. Internationa...