Understanding the different aspects that make up the cost of living in the United States — including housing, food, transportation and healthcare — is crucial for anyone planning to move to or live in the US.
The cost of living in the country is a significant variable that can change drastically depending on the region and lifestyle.
While cities like New York and San Francisco are known for their high housing costs and overhead, other areas of the country offer more affordable living but still have access to excellent services and amenities.
This information not only helps you financially plan your move, but also helps you choose the location that best suits your needs and budget.
So, let's check out the main information on the topic.
Main costs of living in the United States
Living in the USA is a dream for many, but it is essential to understand the costs involved in turning this dream into reality.
The cost of living in the United States varies significantly depending on the city and lifestyle, but here's a detailed breakdown of the most common expenses:
Rent
O rent It is, without a doubt, one of the main expenses in the USA.
In large cities like New York or San Francisco, a one-bedroom apartment can cost from $2,000 to $4,000 per month, while in smaller cities or in the countryside, this amount can be reduced by half or even more.
The choice of neighborhood also significantly impacts the cost.
Food
Food expenses are also a considerable factor. On average, a person can spend around $500 per month on grocery shopping, depending on eating habits.
Dining out at restaurants adds an additional cost, ranging from $10 to $50 per meal, depending on the type of restaurant.
Public transport or fuel
The cost of transportation varies depending on whether you have a car or need public transportation. Gasoline in the US is generally cheaper than in many other countries, but maintaining a car includes insurance, maintenance, and parking costs.
There is also car registration, which is similar to IPVA (Motor Vehicle Property Tax) in Brazil.
Public transport in large cities is efficient and a more economical alternative, costing around $90 to $150 per month.
home bills
Household bills, including electricity, water, gas and internet, vary from $300 to $500 per month, depending on the size of the house and consumption.
In some regions, climate variations lead to an increase in energy consumption, impacting these costs.
Health insurance
Health insurance is one of the most critical expenses and also one of the most expensive.
Even basic plans can cost from $300 to $500 per month, and more comprehensive plans cost even more — that is, without some type of government-subsidized program.
This is an expense that cannot be overlooked considering the high costs of medical care in the US.
Entertainment
Finally, entertainment costs, such as cinema, theater, restaurants and other activities, add another few hundred dollars to the monthly budget — which changes depending on your lifestyle and leisure choices.
When planning your move to the US, it is crucial to take all of these aspects into account to ensure a smooth transition and a comfortable life. Analyzing all these factors makes it possible to better understand the cost of living in the United States.
💡Also read: Living in the United States: everything you need to know
What is the minimum wage in the United States in 2023?
O minimum wage in the USA is $7.25 per hour — according to information on the US Department of Labor website. However, some states pay a different amount, slightly higher than the minimum.
Some of those who pay extra:
- Arizona: $13.85;
- California: $15.50;
- Connecticut: $ 15.00;
- Florida: $12.00;
- Hawaii: $12.00;
- Maine: $13.80;
- Minnesota: $10.59;
- New York: $14.20 and $15.00 (Long Island, Westchester and NYC)
- New Jersey: $14.13.
Some states that pay exactly the federal amount:
- Texas;
- Tennessee;
- Pennsylvania;
- North Carolina;
- Mississippi.
Read too: How much does an IT earn in the US?
Examples of cost of living in the United States in different cities (2023)
The geographic and economic diversity of the United States is clearly reflected in the cost of living, which presents drastic changes depending on the state and city in which one lives.
Let's explore some examples to illustrate these differences, using as a basis Forbes' Cost of Living Calculator.
New York
Known as one of the most expensive cities in the world, New York requires a hefty budget. It is estimated that a person spends around $5,000 to stay in the city.
Expenses for food, transport and entertainment are also significant, with many residents spending more than $1,000 per month in these categories.
San Francisco
San Francisco is another city known for its high costs of living, especially when it comes to housing. The average rental price can exceed $3,000 per month, and house prices are among the highest in the country.
Daily expenses, including food and transportation, are also high, although higher wages in the region help offset these costs.
Compared to New York (Manhattan), however, the cost of living in San Francisco is about 23% lower, with housing costs being 36% lower. However, transportation and healthcare costs are more expensive.
Los Angeles
Los Angeles presents a wider range of cost of living options depending on the neighborhood. While areas like Beverly Hills and Santa Monica are extremely expensive, there are more affordable neighborhoods in the city.
On average, rent is between $1,500 to $3,000, with daily expenses comparable to other major cities.
However, of the cities we mentioned, LA tends to be one of the cheapest.
Compared to San Francisco, Los Angeles brings 24% lower rent and housing costs, as well as 16% lower healthcare costs. Overall, the cost of living is 14% lower.
In relation to New York, the cost of housing tends to fall by 104%, while the costs of goods and services are 14% lower. New York is 34% more expensive, in the general analysis.
Miami
Miami, Florida, is one of the most common destinations for Brazilians, mainly due to the climate. The rent for an apartment is in the range of $2,900 per month, while a gallon of gasoline costs $3.69. A visit to the doctor costs around $120.
When we compare it with other cities, we realize that Florida is an advantageous place: it is 45% cheaper to live there than in San Francisco, with much lower housing, transportation and healthcare costs.
Miami is also a more economical option than Los Angeles, having 26% lower costs. The biggest difference is precisely in housing costs.
Salt Lake City
Salt Lake City, Utah offers a more affordable cost of living, with average rents ranging from $1,000 to $1,500. Food, transportation, and entertainment expenses are also reasonable, making it an attractive option for many.
It is one of the cheapest cities in the USA to live in.
Tulsa
Tulsa, Oklahoma, is an example of a city with an even lower cost of living. Here, you can find rentals for less than $1,000, and daily expenses are significantly lower than in large cities.
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