United States
Avg. Rent (1BR)
$1668.61
-2% vs US Avg
Safety Index
50.8
COL Index
100
You already live here, so there's no visa to navigate, no foreign bank account to open, and no residency permit to renew every year — but that convenience comes at a cost most Americans don't fully appreciate until they price out what the same lifestyle runs in Portugal or Mexico. Healthcare without employer coverage can easily hit $800 to $1,500 a month for a couple in their sixties, even before you use it, and long-term care that might cost $30,000 a year in Thailand will run you $100,000 or more stateside if you need a nursing facility. Your Social Security and pension income won't be taxed by a foreign government, true, but depending on where you settle, state and local taxes can still bite hard — and property taxes in suburbs of Boston or Austin can match what you'd pay in annual rent in parts of Southern Europe.
The real friction isn't legal or logistical, it's financial: staying put means accepting American price levels on everything from groceries to prescriptions, and the healthcare system remains the single largest wildcard in any retirement budget. A couple planning to live on $4,000 a month will find that comfortable in Tulsa or Knoxville but nearly impossible in Seattle or San Diego, and unlike retiring abroad, there's no exchange rate working in your favor when inflation ticks up. This works for Americans who value proximity to family, familiarity with the system, and zero language barrier enough to pay the premium — or those whose income is high enough that the cost difference just doesn't matter.
Recommended Destinations in United States
Best for Retirees
Best for Geoarbitrage
Best for Remote Workers
- Capital
- Washington, D.C.
- Official Language
- English
- Time Zone
- UTC-12:00
- Region
- Americas
- Healthcare Index
- 67.8
- Internet Speed
- 203 Mbps
View on Interactive Map
Explore data visually
🏙️ Top Cities in United States
Explore cost of living, walkability scores, and expat ratings for individual cities in United States.
CoL Index: 84
Est. Total: ~$3,900/mo
CoL Index: 100
Est. Total: ~$4,482/mo
CoL Index: 92
Est. Total: ~$4,650/mo
CoL Index: 87
Est. Total: ~$3,750/mo
CoL Index: 88
Est. Total: ~$4,100/mo
CoL Index: 87
Est. Total: ~$3,950/mo
CoL Index: 100
Est. Total: ~$2,602/mo
CoL Index: 94
Est. Total: ~$3,750/mo
CoL Index: 68
Est. Total: ~$2,400/mo
CoL Index: 80
Est. Total: ~$3,350/mo
CoL Index: 67
Est. Total: ~$2,470/mo
CoL Index: 91
Est. Total: ~$3,800/mo
CoL Index: 100
Est. Total: ~$2,459/mo
CoL Index: 69
Est. Total: ~$2,470/mo
CoL Index: 82
Est. Total: ~$3,300/mo
CoL Index: 85
Est. Total: ~$3,680/mo
CoL Index: 92
Est. Total: ~$4,250/mo
CoL Index: 83
Est. Total: ~$3,400/mo
CoL Index: 95
Est. Total: ~$4,550/mo
CoL Index: 65
Est. Total: ~$2,130/mo
How far does $2,500 go in United States?
With a monthly budget of $2,500, you can live comfortably in United States. After accounting for an average rent of $1668.61, you have approximately $831.39 remaining for daily expenses.
Calculate your FIRE timeline with these costs →💰 Cost of Living in United States
Relative to New York City (NYC = 100). A lower number means it's cheaper.
Relative to New York City (NYC = 100). A lower number means rent is cheaper.
Relative to New York City (NYC = 100). A lower number means groceries are cheaper.
Relative to New York City (NYC = 100). A lower number means eating out is cheaper.
Cost Comparison Notes:
Summary of cost of living in United States: The estimated monthly costs for a family of four are 21,871.7R$ ($4,241.2), excluding rent. The estimated monthly costs for a single person are 6,068.5R$ ($1,176.8), excluding rent. Cost of living in United States is, on average, 112.9% higher than in Brazil. Rent in United States is, on average, 330.7% higher than in Brazil.
Can I afford to live in United States?
United States
You could save
155/mo
Monthly Costs
Attractiveness Scores
Based on national averages. City-level costs may vary. Browse cities in United States →
⚕️ Healthcare System
An estimation of the overall quality of the health care system. Higher is better.
Quality & Affordability:
Excellent standard of care, highly trained doctors, cutting-edge facilities. However, system is notoriously expensive and lacks universal coverage. Affordability and surprise billing are major concerns.
Insurance Insights:
Primarily relies on private insurance (often employer-sponsored). Government programs (Medicare/Medicaid) exist but don't cover everyone. Expat insurance is essential and very expensive (avg. ~$15,300/year). ACA Marketplace offers options for lawfully present immigrants.
🛂 Visa & Residency Pathways
General Overview
Process & Requirements:
The United States immigration system is notoriously 'complex', expensive, and has very long processing times. There is no visa category for retirement or passive income. The primary pathways to long-term residency (a Green Card) are through family sponsorship or employment. Employment-based routes, like the H-1B visa for skilled workers, are subject to annual caps and a lottery system, making them highly competitive and uncertain. The process requires a sponsoring employer to navigate a significant legal and administrative burden. Other routes, like the EB-5 investor visa, require a minimum investment of $800,000 in a new commercial enterprise.
The lack of a simple residency option for retirees or self-sufficient individuals, combined with the lottery-based and high-cost nature of the main pathways, makes the US system one of the most difficult to access for long-term stays. The entire process is managed by multiple agencies, including the Department of State and U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) (URL: https://www.uscis.gov/).
Residency & Citizenship Notes:
The pathway to a Green Card is 'complex' and can take many years. Once a person has been a Lawful Permanent Resident for five years (or three years if married to a US citizen), they are eligible to apply for citizenship. The pathway from Green Card holder to citizen is relatively 'clear'. The applicant must demonstrate continuous residence, good moral character, and pass a test on English language and US history and civics. The US fully permits dual citizenship, so renunciation of a previous nationality is not required. The main difficulty lies in the long and arduous journey to obtain the Green Card in the first place (URL: https://www.uscis.gov/citizenship).
Detailed Visa Options
🛡️ Safety & Stability
An estimation of overall safety level. Higher is better.
An estimation of the overall level of crime. Lower is better.
Reflects perceptions of political stability. Higher is better.
Safety Notes:
Crime Rate: Varies regionally. Urban areas experience higher violent crime.
Types of Crime: Theft, gun violence, and cybercrime.
Kidnapping Risk: Low; most cases involve domestic disputes.
🏦 Taxation & Finance
Tax Treaties Notes:
The United States has income tax treaties with numerous countries to prevent double taxation and fiscal evasion. [Source: IRS](https://www.irs.gov/businesses/international-businesses/united-states-income-tax-treaties-a-to-z)
Retiree Tax Benefits:
The United States provides various tax benefits for retirees, including tax-deferred retirement accounts. U.S. citizens must comply with U.S. tax obligations on their global income.
Cost Savings vs. U.S.:
The cost of living in the United States varies widely depending on the region and city, with some areas being more affordable than others.
☀️ Climate & Environment
Our proprietary index for drinking water quality and sanitation. Higher is better.
Seasonal Variations:
The United States spans multiple climate zones, including arctic in Alaska, tropical in Hawaii and southern Florida, arid in the southwest, and continental in the northeast and Midwest. Seasonal variations are significant across the country.
😊 Quality of Life
Cultural Amenities:
Museums & Galleries
Vast array of museums and galleries across the country.
Key institutions: Smithsonian Institution, Metropolitan Museum of Art, Art Institute of Chicago.
Performing Arts
Broadway in New York City as a hub for theater.
Vibrant scenes in cities like Los Angeles, Chicago, and San Francisco.
Cultural Festivals
Diverse festivals celebrating the multicultural population.
Major events: Mardi Gras, Sundance Film Festival, South by Southwest (SXSW).
Culinary Diversity
Cuisine reflecting a multicultural society.
Regional specialties and international cuisines prevalent in urban centers.
🌐 Infrastructure & Connectivity
Our proprietary ranking of public transit accessibility and reliability.
Internet Reliability:
The United States offers excellent internet infrastructure with high speeds and extensive coverage, ideal for remote work.
Speed & Quality: Fixed broadband averages 200+ Mbps with widespread fiber, cable, and 5G networks providing excellent speeds.
Availability: Nearly universal urban coverage with good rural connectivity, though some remote areas still face challenges.
Cost: Moderate to high pricing, typically $40-100/month for high-speed residential plans depending on location and provider.
Reliability for Remote Work: Excellent reliability with minimal downtime, extensive business-grade options, and robust infrastructure supporting the digital economy.
Transportation Network:
United States has one of the world's most extensive transportation networks with comprehensive infrastructure across all modes.
Roads: Extensive interstate highway system and local road networks connecting all areas.
Rail: Comprehensive freight rail network; passenger rail more limited outside Northeast corridor.
Domestic Travel: Extensive domestic airline network with major hubs; excellent road and limited passenger rail options.
Frequently Asked Questions about United States
Click any question to expand the answer.