Transportation cost is easily manageable, and it will not affect your living expenses in the USA. Most students take monthly passes, which help them cut a lot in the living cost in the USA per month and also helps them reach faster since the traffic at cities like NYC can be a lot taxing for you. Also, you can use bicycles for the local commute that will help you maintain fitness and save some extra bucks.
The rate of monthly passes varies from one state to another. In some states, the cost can be as high as $100, while in some, it can go as low as 50 or even lower. So it solely depends on you as to how you will let the transportation cost affect your cost of living in the USA. Some students also take second-hand cars, and the gasoline prices vary across states.