US limits foreign student stays to four years from September
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United States

7.9/ 10 average score
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About United States

The US offers diverse opportunities, innovation, and cultural experiences. From tech hubs to entertainment capitals, it's perfect for ambitious professionals and entrepreneurs.

Quality of Life Ratings (Hover to see details)

EconomyEconomy 9.0
HealthHealth 7.8
SafetySafety 7.5
EntertainmentEntertainment 9.3
Cost of LivingCost of Living 5.8
FreedomFreedom 8.0
InfrastructureInfrastructure 8.5
ClimateClimate 7.8
Internet SpeedInternet Speed 8.6
English SpeakingEnglish Speaking 9.9
Housing AffordabilityHousing Affordability 5.8
Job MarketJob Market 8.8
Residency PathwayResidency Pathway 6.3
Tax FriendlinessTax Friendliness 4.7
Expat CommunityExpat Community 9.3
Public TransportPublic Transport 8.5

Sources: Numbeo, World Bank, OECD, Country To Live editors

Last updated: July 10, 2026

Is United States Right for You?

A good fit if you...

  • Have an employer sponsor, family tie, or investment route you can document
  • Earn high skilled income in tech, finance, or healthcare hubs
  • Want diverse city choice from Austin to Chicago to coastal metros
  • Value entertainment and career upside (job market 9.2/10)
  • Can navigate health insurance and state tax differences deliberately

Think twice if you...

  • Need affordable healthcare without employer coverage
  • Want one simple national residency visa (rules vary sharply by status)
  • Expect safety and cost consistency without ZIP-level research
  • Are freelance abroad without a clear US immigration strategy
  • Need strong public transport outside a few coastal metros

Use our Cost of Living Calculator and compare United States with Canada before you commit.

Quick answers

  • Is United States expensive to live in?

    United States runs closer to premium prices. You usually need a strong local salary or high remote income to live comfortably. Healthcare and cars often matter as much as rent.

  • Can you live in United States with only English?

    English works widely in United States. Some landlords and letters go smoother if someone can read the local language. Spanish helps in the southwest and Florida even when English is enough.

  • Is United States good for expats?

    You will not start from zero in United States. Forums, clubs, and recruiters help you meet people who understand visas and housing. Visa status shapes credit, healthcare, and city choice, so plan first.

  • What income do you need to live well in United States?

    Plan above local median, or strong remote income, for comfort without constant cuts. Check visa minimums in our Cost of Living Calculator; legal minimums are rarely enough to live on here. Same job title can double or halve lifestyle depending on state tax and insurance line items.

  • Is housing difficult in United States?

    Plan time and money. Peak student or tourist season hurts, so widen your search or short stays get expensive. NYC broker fees and rent rules surprise many first movers.

  • Is United States safe to live in?

    Daily life often feels okay in quieter districts, but streets differ. Read local news, ask neighbors, and check the block before you sign a lease. Safety varies sharply by city and ZIP code, so neighborhood-level research is essential.

Local signals for planning a move

Built for United States using our country score model and route coverage. Use this as a planning brief before checking neighborhoods, visas, and monthly budget details.

Budget reality

Mid-range costs with strong city-to-city variation. United States scores 5.8/10 on cost; model New York rent first.

Climate profile

Mostly warm conditions with heat management in peak months. Climate rating: 7.8/10.

Language fit

English access is high (9.9/10). Local language still helps with contracts and admin.

Safety baseline

Generally stable; neighborhood selection still matters. Safety score: 7.5/10.

Tax pressure

Net income can compress under local tax and social charges. Tax friendliness: 4.7/10.

Visa and residency

We track routes such as United States B-2 Long Stay; always verify current rules with official sources.

Focus cities: New York, Austin, Chicago. Local reality: In New York, public transport is practical, while housing can become the main pressure point in major cities.

Quick Stats

Economy9
Health7.8
Safety7.5
Cost of Living5.8
Climate7.8

Should You Move Here?

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Top 5 Cities

1

New York

8.8M

Global financial and cultural capital

2

Los Angeles

4M

Entertainment capital with diverse culture

3

Chicago

2.7M

Windy city with architecture and blues

4

Houston

2.3M

Space city with energy industry

5

Phoenix

1.6M

Desert city with rapid growth

Highlights

✓Strong Economy

Residence pathways

Visa and residency options tied to United States in our pathway library. Always verify rules with official sources before planning.

Browse all residence pathways →

Guides & updates

A blog post or visa update connected to United States.

Visa updateJun 12, 2026

Court vacates $100,000 H-1B fee for now

A Boston federal judge struck down the Trump-era $100,000 charge on new H-1B petitions, calling it an unlawful tax. Employers are not required to pay it while the ruling stands, but appeals could bring the fee back.

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