Moving to the United States is many people’s dream — but before packing your bags, it’s necessary to understand the impact on your wallet. The cost of living in the USA in 2025 can vary greatly depending on the location, lifestyle, and your goals there.
Those going alone, as a couple, or with children need to consider more than just rent. Housing, food, transportation, healthcare, and even the region’s climate influence monthly expenses. Having a clear understanding from the start makes all the difference in avoiding financial strain or frustrations.
In this content, we’ve gathered the most up-to-date information on expenses in the United States, with comparisons between cities, salary ranges, and practical tips for those who want to organize themselves better. Come with us to understand how to plan — and decide if this is the right time for you to take this step.
What Can Influence the Cost of Living in the USA?
Before thinking about numbers, it’s worth understanding why expenses vary so much from person to person. There’s no exact formula: everything changes depending on where you plan to live, whether you’re going alone or with family, your lifestyle, and even the type of visa you have.
In cities like New York, San Francisco, and Los Angeles, prices are quite high — rent usually weighs heavily on the budget. In places like Orlando, Houston, or Atlanta, life tends to be more affordable, which can make all the difference for those starting from scratch.
Living alone is also more expensive than sharing a house with others — something common among students or newly arrived immigrants.
Additionally, other factors come into play, such as healthcare (which is private in the USA), transportation, food, education, and even the climate. In cold regions, for example, heating costs can significantly increase the electricity bill.
Knowing this in advance helps you create a more down-to-earth plan — and avoids surprises when you’re already there.
Basic Costs by Category (Values Updated for 2025)
When we think about living in the United States, one of the first questions is: “What will I spend the most on?” The answer is: it depends on your lifestyle, but some categories always weigh on the wallet. Below, you’ll find the main daily costs, with average values for 2025.
Housing
Rent is usually the biggest expense for those living in the USA. If it’s in a more central area, be prepared to shell out around $2,100 for a 1-bedroom apartment.
Outside the center, this value can drop to $1,500. For those who need more space, like a 2-bedroom apartment, you might pay over $3,000, especially in big cities.
Food
Grocery shopping for one person costs between $300 and $500 per month, depending on the region and habits. And if you like eating out, it’s good to know that a simple meal can easily cost $15 to $25.
Transportation
Having a car in the USA is common, but it also brings extra costs: insurance, fuel, maintenance… it all adds up. If the idea is to use public transportation, the monthly pass varies between $70 and $130, depending on the city.
Healthcare
Here’s an important point: healthcare in the United States is paid. Having a plan is essential — and an individual one can cost between $400 and $700 per month. Consultations and emergencies without coverage are much more expensive, so it’s something to put at the top of your priority list.
Education
Public education in the United States is free and of good quality, which represents a great saving for those moving with children. However, if the choice is for a private institution, it’s important to prepare financially: tuition fees often exceed $1,000 per month.
When we talk about technical education or exchange programs, costs start at around $3,000 per semester, varying greatly according to the institution, course, and state.
A very relevant point is that in the American educational system, children can only study at the public school in the district where the family resides. This means that the choice of neighborhood, and even the property, directly impacts the quality of education your children will receive.
Therefore, it’s crucial to plan this stage well. Evaluating local school ratings, neighborhood structure, and housing options makes all the difference in ensuring a good educational experience for the whole family.
Basic Utilities and Internet
When considering the cost of living in the United States, it’s essential to include basic expenses. Water, electricity, gas, garbage collection, and internet bills usually range from $150 to $300 per month, depending on the state, city, and size of the property.
A cell phone plan with unlimited internet costs around $50 to $80 monthly, according to the carrier and region.
If all this seems complex — and it really can be at first — it’s worth remembering that those who are part of the D4U Club have a complete support network. The program offers real estate advice, financial planning, assistance in contracting insurance, support in choosing schools, among other essential services for those starting a life in the United States.
Everything is designed so that you don’t have to face this journey alone and have much more security in every decision.
Are you unsure about which city to choose? Talk to those who understand the subject. D4U helps you identify the best place to live in the United States, according to your reality and goals.
Minimum Wage and Average Salary in the USA in 2025
To truly understand the cost of living in the USA in 2025, we need to talk about salaries too. After all, it’s not just about knowing how much you spend — it’s important to know how much you can earn.
The federal minimum wage in the United States remains at $7.25 per hour. This value hasn’t changed since 2009. But the reality is different in many states, which set their own minimums.
In California, for example, it has already reached $16. In New York, it’s around $15. In Florida, the current value is $13, with increases planned year by year.
But in practice, many people receive above that. The average salary in the country in 2025 is around $60,000 per year — that is, something around $5,000 per month. Of course, this number changes a lot according to the profession and state.
To give you a more concrete idea, here are some examples:
Those who work in technology usually earn between $85,000 and $130,000 per year.
Registered nurses receive, on average, from $75,000 to $100,000.
Engineers are between $80,000 and $110,000.
Operational positions, such as store or fast-food attendants, usually pay from $25,000 to $35,000 per year.
Another thing that makes a difference: where you’re going to live. In states like Texas or Georgia, the cost of living is lower, so a median salary ends up going further. In cities like San Francisco or New York, expenses are high — and the same salary might seem tight.
In other words, the paycheck value is only part of the equation. It’s worth looking at the whole picture: how much you’ll spend per month, what lifestyle you intend to lead, and how to balance all of this from the start.
Remember that values can vary greatly depending on the state, city, company, and, of course, your professional experience.
This data was extracted from official U.S. employment platforms, such as the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), Glassdoor, and Indeed, which are references in disclosing salary averages in the country.
Tips for Saving Money while Living in the USA
Even with a high cost of living in some regions, it’s possible to live well in the United States without compromising your budget — as long as you adopt some smart strategies from the start.
Choose the City Wisely
You don’t always need to start in New York or Los Angeles. Cities like Dallas, Houston, Tampa, or Atlanta offer good cost-benefit, with more affordable housing and good job opportunities.
Consider Sharing Housing at First
Renting a room instead of a whole apartment helps a lot with initial savings. It’s a common practice among immigrants and students, and can be a good way to adapt.
Use Coupons, Apps, and Cashback
The discount culture in the USA is strong. Supermarkets, pharmacies, restaurants, and even online stores offer coupons and cashback programs. Apps like Rakuten, Honey, and Ibotta help save on daily expenses.
Plan your Monthly Budget with Discipline
Put everything on paper. Set spending goals by category and avoid impulse purchases, especially with credit cards. Financial organization is the key to living well.
Use Public Transportation when Possible
In cities with good infrastructure, like Boston, Chicago, and Washington D.C., public transportation works well and can easily replace cars — which represents good savings on fuel and maintenance.
The cost of living in the USA in 2025 may seem challenging at first glance, but with planning and information, the dream of living outside Brazil becomes much more viable.
The key is to understand your goals, adapt your lifestyle to the local reality, and have the right support for each stage of the journey.
Whether for studying, working, or building a new family life, it is indeed possible to live with quality, security, and financial stability on American soil.
If you’re thinking about moving to the USA and want to better understand how to plan your journey with security and strategy, talk to the D4U team.
