Ready to start a new adventure in the United States? The USA remains one of the world's top destinations for expats, offering diverse landscapes, career opportunities, and cultural experiences unlike anywhere else. Whether you're moving for work, study, or a fresh start, this guide covers everything you need for a smooth relocation in 2026.
The United States at a Glance
Why Move to the United States in 2026
- Career opportunities: The world's largest economy with the highest salaries in many industries — tech, finance, healthcare, and engineering offer exceptional compensation.
- Entrepreneurial culture: The USA is the global leader in startups and innovation. E-2 investor visas make it accessible for entrepreneurs.
- Diverse landscapes: From New York's skyline to California's beaches, Colorado's mountains to Florida's sunshine — choose your climate and lifestyle.
- World-class education: Home to the most prestigious universities globally. K-12 public education is free for residents.
- Cultural diversity: A true melting pot — every culture, cuisine, and community exists somewhere in America.
- No language barrier for English speakers: Daily life, bureaucracy, and business are all in English.
- Innovation hub: Silicon Valley, Boston biotech, Austin tech, NYC finance — cutting-edge industries everywhere.
Moving Costs to the United States
Costs by Origin Region
Component Costs Explained
- Transportation: $1,000 - $5,000 depending on distance and volume
- Insurance: $100 - $400
- Customs clearance: $200 - $600 (for international moves)
- Packing materials: $100 - $300
- Storage: $50 - $200/month
Real-life case: "I relocated to New York City in April 2025 with about 15 cubic meters of belongings using a shared 20-ft container. The total cost, including customs clearance and delivery, was around $3,200. The shipment arrived in about four weeks." — Simon C., moved in April 2025
Visa & Residency Requirements
Finding Housing in the United States
The US housing market varies enormously by city and region.
Average Rents by Major City (2025-2026)
How to Find Housing
Online Platforms:
- Zillow.com: Largest US property portal
- Apartments.com: Apartment-focused listings
- Craigslist: Direct-from-owner listings (watch for scams)
- Facebook Marketplace: Increasingly popular for rentals
Required Documents for Renting
- Valid ID/passport
- SSN or ITIN
- Proof of income (pay stubs, offer letter — typically 3x rent required)
- Credit report (FICO score — see below)
- References from previous landlords
- Application fee: $25-$75 per application
Credit Score (FICO) — Critical for Renting
The US credit score system is unlike anything in Europe. Your FICO score (300-850) determines your ability to rent apartments, get loans, and even affects some job applications.
- As a newcomer: You likely have NO credit history, which makes renting harder
- Building credit: Get a secured credit card, use it responsibly, pay in full monthly
- Alternatives for newcomers: Some landlords accept international credit reports, larger deposits, or co-signers
- Services: Nova Credit can translate international credit histories for US landlords
Tips for Foreigners
- Have proof of income ready — landlords want to see 3x the monthly rent in income
- Be prepared to pay first month + last month + security deposit upfront
- In competitive markets (NYC, SF), apartments go within hours — be ready to decide
- Consider short-term furnished rentals (Furnished Finder, Airbnb) while you build credit
Healthcare & Insurance
The US has NO universal healthcare. Insurance is essential and can be very expensive.
How Healthcare Works
- Employer-sponsored: Most working Americans get health insurance through their employer (typically covers employee + family)
- ACA Marketplace (Obamacare): For self-employed, unemployed, or those without employer coverage — subsidies available based on income
- Medicaid: Free/low-cost coverage for low-income individuals (varies by state)
- Medicare: For 65+ and certain disabled individuals
- COBRA: Temporary continuation of employer coverage after leaving a job (expensive — you pay full premium)
Health Insurance Costs
- Employer-sponsored: $100-$500/month (employee share; employer pays remainder)
- ACA Marketplace: $200-$700/month (without subsidies)
- Deductibles: $1,000-$8,000/year before insurance kicks in
- Out-of-pocket maximum: $10,600 individual / $21,200 family (2026 ACA limits)
Critical Warning
Medical costs in the US without insurance are astronomical:
- ER visit: $1,000-$5,000+
- Hospital stay: $2,000-$10,000+/day
- Ambulance ride: $500-$2,000
- Prescription medications: Often much more expensive than other countries
Always have health insurance in the USA.
Banking & Finance
Opening a Bank Account
Required documents:
- Valid passport
- Visa or proof of legal status
- Proof of US address (utility bill, lease)
- SSN or ITIN (some banks allow opening without)
- Initial deposit ($25-$100)
Top banks:
- Chase: Largest US bank, extensive ATM network
- Bank of America: Nationwide presence, good for newcomers
- Wells Fargo: Large branch network
- Citibank: Good for international transfers
- Capital One: Good online banking, no-fee accounts
Credit Card and Building Credit
Get a credit card immediately to start building your FICO score:
- Secured credit card: Deposit-based, guaranteed approval — best for newcomers
- Discover it Secured: Popular starter card
- Capital One Platinum: Good for limited credit history
- Always pay in full each month — this builds credit without paying interest
Tax System
- Federal income tax: Progressive rates from 10% to 37%
- State income tax: 0% (Texas, Florida, Nevada, etc.) to 13.3% (California)
- Social Security: 6.2% of gross income (employee share)
- Medicare: 1.45% of gross income (employee share)
- No VAT: Sales tax varies by state (0% in Oregon to ~10% in some areas)
- April 15: Tax filing deadline every year — even if you leave the US, you may owe taxes
Important: The US taxes citizens and residents on worldwide income. Consult a tax professional.
401(k) and Retirement
- 401(k): Employer-sponsored retirement savings — employer often matches contributions (free money!)
- IRA/Roth IRA: Individual retirement accounts — tax-advantaged savings
- No mandatory pension: Unlike Europe, retirement savings are largely your responsibility
Cost of Living in the United States
Monthly Budget Breakdown by City
Detailed Cost Breakdown
Housing:
- 1-bedroom (city center): $1,500 - $4,000/month (varies enormously)
- 1-bedroom (outside center): $900 - $2,500/month
- Utilities: $100 - $300/month
- Internet: $30 - $80/month
Groceries & Food:
- Monthly groceries (1 person): $300 - $600
- Restaurant meal (inexpensive): $12 - $20
- Mid-range restaurant for 2: $50 - $100
- Coffee (Starbucks): $3 - $6
Transportation:
- Monthly transit pass: $60 - $130 (NYC uses OMNY tap-and-ride, base fare $3/ride; many cities: no good transit)
- Car payment: $300 - $700/month (almost essential outside major cities)
- Car insurance: $100 - $300/month
- Gas: $3 - $4/gallon (varies by state)
Comparison with Other Countries
- vs UK: USA is 10-20% more expensive overall; salaries are higher but healthcare costs can be enormous
- vs Germany: USA is 15-25% more expensive; healthcare, education, and childcare are dramatically more costly
- vs Australia: Comparable in many aspects; USA has higher salary ceiling but less social safety net
Language & Culture Tips
Although most official business is conducted in English, the Census Bureau estimates that more than 350 languages are spoken in the United States.
Common Non-English Languages
- Spanish: One of the fastest-growing languages. Hispanic communities in every state. Essential in Miami, LA, and much of the Southwest.
- Chinese: Large communities in California, New York, and Texas.
- Tagalog (Filipino): Concentrated in California.
Cultural Norms
Tipping culture:
- Restaurants: 18-22% of the bill (expected — servers depend on tips)
- Bars: $1-2 per drink or 15-20% of tab
- Taxis/Uber: 15-20%
- Haircuts: 15-20%
- Delivery: $3-5 minimum
- Not tipping is considered very rude
Social norms:
- Americans are generally friendly and outgoing — small talk is common
- Personal space is respected — arm's length in conversations
- Diversity is celebrated — people from every background
- Work culture can be intense — limited vacation (often only 10-15 days/year)
Regional differences:
- East Coast: Faster pace, more formal (NYC, Boston)
- West Coast: Relaxed, outdoor-oriented (LA, Seattle, Portland)
- South: Warm, hospitable, slower pace (Atlanta, Nashville, Houston)
- Midwest: Friendly, down-to-earth (Chicago, Minneapolis)
- Texas: Independent, proud, everything is bigger
Job Market and Salaries
When looking for jobs, consider the living costs of your target city. The most in-demand jobs include:
- Software Engineer: $90,000 - $200,000+/year
- Data Scientist: $85,000 - $170,000/year
- Nurse Practitioner: $110,000 - $140,000/year
- Product Manager: $100,000 - $180,000/year
- Financial Analyst: $70,000 - $130,000/year
Education System
K-12 Education
- Public Schools: Free for residents, funded by local property taxes. Quality varies by district.
- Private Schools: $10,000 - $40,000+/year
- Charter Schools: Publicly funded, independently operated
Higher Education
- Community Colleges: $3,000 - $10,000/year (2-year programs)
- Public Universities: $10,000 - $25,000/year (in-state); $25,000 - $50,000 (out-of-state)
- Private Universities: $35,000 - $60,000+/year
Student Visas (F-1)
- Can work on-campus up to 20 hours/week during term
- OPT allows 12 months work after graduation (36 months for STEM)
Internet, TV, and Mobile Services
Internet Providers
- Comcast Xfinity: Available in 39 states
- AT&T Fiber: Available in 21 states
- Spectrum: Available in 41 states
- Cost: $30-$150/month depending on speed
Mobile Phone
- Major carriers: Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile
- Budget options: Mint Mobile, Visible, Cricket
- Cost: $25-$90/month
TV Services
- Streaming dominant: Netflix, Hulu, YouTube TV, Disney+
- Cable declining but still available: Comcast, Spectrum
- Cost: $25-$100/month for streaming bundles
Where to Find Tools and Resources
ReloAdvisor Tools:
- Volume calculator
- Video survey
- Moving cost calculator
Official US Resources:
- USCIS — Immigration and citizenship
- USA.gov — Official government portal
- Social Security Administration — SSN applications
Expat Communities:
- Expat.com USA
- Internations USA
- InterNations — Global expat network
Related Guides:
- Moving to Canada
- Moving to the UK