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 or live in the US.
The cost of living in the country is a significant variable that can change dramatically depending on the region and lifestyle.
While cities like New York and San Francisco are known for their high housing costs and overheads, other areas of the country offer more affordable living, but still with access to excellent services and amenities.
This information not only helps you to plan your move financially, but also to choose the location that best suits your needs and budget.
So let’s take a look at the main information on the subject.
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 making this dream a reality.
The cost of living in the USA varies significantly depending on the city and lifestyle, but here is a detailed analysis of the most common expenses:
Rent
O rent in the United States is undoubtedly one of the main expenses in the USA.
In big cities like New York or San Francisco, a one-bedroom apartment can cost $2,000 to $4,000 a month, while in smaller cities or in the countryside, this figure can be halved or even more.
The choice of neighborhood also has a significant impact on the cost.
Food
Food costs are also a considerable factor. On average, a person can spend around $500 a month on groceries, depending on their eating habits.
Dining out in restaurants adds an extra 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 own a car or need public transport. Gasoline in the USA is generally cheaper than in many other countries, but keeping a car includes insurance, maintenance and parking costs.
There is also the registration of the car, which is similar to the IPVA (Imposto sobre a Propriedade de Veículos Automotores) in Brazil.
Public transportation in big cities is efficient and a cheaper alternative, costing around $90 to $150 a month.
Household bills
Household bills, including electricity, water, gas and internet, range from $300 to $500 per month, depending on the size of the house and consumption.
In some regions, climatic variations lead to an increase in energy consumption, impacting on 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 a month, and more comprehensive plans cost even more – that’s without some kind 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 according to your lifestyle and leisure choices.
When planning your move to the USA, it is crucial to take all these aspects into account to ensure a smooth transition and a comfortable life. By analyzing all these factors, you can better understand the cost of living in the United States.
Check out the content on: Living in the United States: everything you need to know
What will the minimum wage be in the United States in 2024?
O minimum wage in the US is $7.25 per hour – according to information from the US Department of Labor website. Contudo, alguns estados pagam um valor diferente, um pouco maior do que o mínimo.
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 pay exactly the federal rate:
- Texas;
- Tennessee;
- Pennsylvania;
- North Carolina;
- Mississippi.
Check out the content on: How much does IT earn in the USA? Find out more about the profession
Examples of the cost of living in the United States in different cities (2023)
The geographical and economic diversity of the United States is clearly reflected in the cost of living, which changes dramatically depending on the state and city in which you live.
Let’s explore some examples to illustrate these differences, using the Cost of Living Calculator from Forbes.
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 live in the city.
Expenditure on food, transportation and entertainment is also significant, with many residents spending more than $1,000 a month on these categories.
San Francisco
San Francisco is another city known for its high living costs, especially when it comes to housing. The average rental price can exceed $3,000 a month, and house prices are among the highest in the country.
Daily expenses, including food and transportation, are also high, although higher salaries in the region help to offset these costs.
Compared to New York (Manhattan), however, the cost of living in San Francisco is around 23% lower, with housing costs being 36% lower. However, transportation and health 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 and $3,000, with daily expenses comparable to those in other big cities.
However, of these cities, LA tends to be one of the cheapest.
Compared to San Francisco, Los Angeles has 24% lower rent and housing costs, as well as 16% lower healthcare costs. Overall, the cost of living is 14% lower.
As for New York, the cost of housing tends to fall by 104%, while the cost of goods and services is 14% lower. New York is 34% more expensive overall.
Miami
Miami, Florida, is one of the most common destinations for Brazilians, mainly because of the climate. Renting an apartment costs around $2,900 a month, while a gallon of gasoline costs $3.69. A visit to the doctor costs around $120.
When you compare it with other cities, you realize that Florida is an advantageous place: it’s 45% cheaper to live there than in San Francisco, with much lower housing, transport and health costs.
Miami is also a more economical option than Los Angeles, with costs 26% lower. The biggest difference is precisely in housing costs.
Salt Lake City
Salt Lake City in 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’s one of the cheapest cities in the USA to live in.
Tulsa
Tulsa, in Oklahoma, is an example of a city with an even lower cost of living. Here, you can find rents for less than $1,000, and daily expenses are significantly lower than in the big cities.
Thinking of living in the United States?
Now that you know more about the cost of living in the United States, D4U Immigration can help you!
Count on us to make your dream come true!