The Global Expat Hub
United States of America
The world's biggest job market and fifty very different states; getting a visa and paying for healthcare are the hard parts.
Your plan for United States of America checklist · timeline · cost breakdown
Estimates for one adult before ongoing rent and living costs; couples and families scale up. Tap a plan for the full breakdown.
Top cities for expats in United States of America
Costs and character vary significantly within United States of America. Here are the cities our readers compare most.
The global city — expensive but unmatched for energy and opportunity
Tech hub with music, warmth and lower costs than coastal cities
International gateway with Latin culture, beaches and no state income tax
Underrated world-class city with great food, architecture and lower costs
United States of America by the numbers editorial estimates in US dollars
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🌤️ Climate
Every climate from Alaska to Hawaii. Chicago has hard winters and hot summers; Miami is tropical; California Mediterranean; the Southwest desert.
Mean temperatures for New York.
🌧️ Rain & snow
Rainfall about 770 mm (30 in) a year.
Snow Heavy in the north and mountains; none in the south.
⚖️ The law
Official legislationU.S. Code (Cornell LII) — state laws vary ↗
OverviewLaw of United States of America on Wikipedia ↗
Driving On the right. Licence rules →
🏛️ Taxes
Property tax 0.3–2.5% of market value by state (Texas, NJ, IL highest).
Local & regional income tax State income tax 0–13.3% (nine states have none) plus local in some cities.
🎓 University
Not free; in-state public ~$11k/yr, out-of-state $30k, private $45–65k/yr.
📱 Phone & eSIM
Carriers Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile (and Mint, Visible).
Average cost Local SIM or eSIM with generous data about $50/month; a 30-day travel eSIM (Airalo, Holafly, Saily and similar) around $30 for 10 GB.
Sponsored
🎁 Schemes to attract expats
- No federal wealth or VAT taxes
- Nine states with no income tax
- EB-5 investor green card
- O-1 and NIW routes for talent; H-1B lottery for employer-sponsored
Figures are national averages for planning, not quotes; big cities run higher. Tax schemes change often and carry conditions. Verify before you rely on them.
Official sources for United States of America embassies, warnings, law and reference
Government, intergovernmental and reference sites only; no reviews or opinion. Links open in a new tab.
Ratings & warnings independent
Follows your Mid-range tier partner listings match your budget
Services & daily life one labelled partner per page
Life in United States of America faith, wellbeing, shopping and play
Holidays & festivalsNational holidays, closures and the festivals worth planning aroundSearch for jobs for free, or post a job — free.
Roles open to foreigners in United States of America: remote work you can do from New York, and in-person jobs with employers who hire from abroad. Searching for and posting expat jobs is always free, for job seekers and employers alike. Every listing stays live for 60 days.
Latest listings. Example listings shown until the first real posts go live.
See all jobs in United States of America and post a job →
In the meantime, search these trusted remote job boards
Free to use. These are independent sites we like; opening in a new tab. Come back to post your own role here — posting is always free.
Frequently asked questions
Is the United States safe for expats?
The United States scores 56 out of 100 for safety on The Global Expat Hub, and 58 out of 100 for liveability — #52 of the 52 countries we cover. The full breakdown, including official warnings and regional differences, is on the safety page linked from this page.
What is the cost of living in the United States?
The Global Expat Hub estimates a mid-range lifestyle in the United States from around $2,500 per month. The figures are national averages for planning, not quotes — big cities run higher — and this page breaks costs down by tier and city.
What are the main visa routes for moving to the United States?
The routes and features The Global Expat Hub lists for the United States include: No federal wealth or VAT taxes; nine states with no income tax; EB-5 investor green card; O-1 and NIW routes for talent; H-1B lottery for employer-sponsored. Step-by-step visa detail is on the visa pages linked from this page.
What is the best city in the United States for expats?
The top cities for expats in the United States profiled on this page are New York City, Austin and Miami. Washington, D.C. is the capital. Each city profile includes typical rent and character to help you compare.