A Guide to the Cost of Living in the USA in 2025

The USA, one of the most influential destinations in the world, offers an array of reasons for everyone to live a dream life. It is blessed with a number of picturesque locations that attract a horde of people from various places to relocate. One can easily lead a laid-back life in any of the corners of the country. The crazy lifestyle is enviable without any doubt. One great reason to migrate to this country is the standards of living it possesses, apart from the educational and professional opportunities.

There are many reasons people find utmost peace while dwelling in the New World, the USA. There are some cities that offer a sheer opulence, and the rest caters to a pacific modus vivendi. Here is a list you should have a glimpse at before deciding where to travel with your US visa.

New York:

Known for its opulent lifestyle, it is widely regarded as the Economic Capital of the World. For instance, renting a 2BHK apartment comes at a staggering cost of $1,600. However, dining at a local restaurant is sure to strain your budget, with meals ranging from $15 to $75. Furthermore, monthly grocery expenses can easily reach around $250. Additionally, a public transportation pass costs approximately $120 per month. On the other hand, if you think owning a private car will help you save money, you might want to reconsider. In fact, just parking alone costs about $500, while fuel, insurance, and other expenses add even more to the total.

Washington DC:

The US state is another luxurious destination. The city is dotted with many housing options at soothing locations Seattle-Bellevue, Tacoma, Olympia and many more. Having a spacious home can charge from $2100 to $2700 monthly, excluding utility charges that cost $170. A normal home can be afforded at $1500 to $2000 with other utilities costing up to $100 monthly. A dinner at any local pub will cost somewhat $50. The use of public transportation will make you spend $160 at Washington.

San Francisco:

Known for its appealing climate, San Francisco is a wonderful choice for souls who are seeking the utmost nirvana while traveling to this country. The Victorian architecture adds more charm to the city. People with a US tourist visa can stay in a budget-friendly hotel or hostel like Nob Hill Inn, Grant Plaza Hotel, San Francisco Fishermen’s Wharf Hostel or Sam Remo Hotel. Traveling by local transport will cost you $2.25 for one way, whereas hiring a cab will cost you $1.70/km. A meal for two will be for $15. Budget-friendly options for day trips from San Francisco, such as visiting Muir Woods or Napa Valley, can provide affordable escapes.

Chicago:

The Windy City, Chicago, also earns a spot on this list for its incredible lifestyle. Even though renting a one-bedroom apartment costs between $1,000 and $1,700 per month, a larger apartment may range from $1,900 to $3,000. Furthermore, you can grab a McMeal for just $7, while a meal for two at a mid-range restaurant typically costs between $60 and $80. Additionally, for tourists seeking an affordable stay, budget-friendly accommodation options include Chicago Getaway Hostel, Hotel Chicago, and Days Inn Chicago. Moreover, a one-way ticket for public transportation is for $2.25, the other option is to hire a car on rent or a taxi.

Los Angeles:

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LA, a popular city in the US, is one of the favorites among the globetrotters. An amalgamation of verdant environment and skyscrapers, it is home to the glamorous Hollywood. The Getty Centre, Universal Hollywood Studios, Griffith Park, and Santa Monica Bay are some of the best places to hang out with your kith and kin. Even though, staying at a fully furnished spacious apartment will make you pay an amount from $1800 to $2500, whereas $1200 to $1700 for a furnished studio. Hiring a personal car on rent is available for a monthly charge of $24000. So, if you plan for a dinner and a movie, then be ready to pay around $80 for a special date.

San Diego:

One of the best tourist destinations, San Diego receives a horde of travellers praising its alluring views. San Diego Safari Park, Balboa Park, and Sunset Cliffs National Park are a few awesome places to roam around to enjoy laid-back moments. Sipping a beer at any local pub will cost $5 to $7. A three-course meal for two is for $60 at San Diego. The city is filled with a number of entertainment spots for young and old. Plan weekends at SeaWorld San Diego for $38, USS Midway Museum for $17 or Tequila, Tacos and Tombstones Culinary Walking Tour for $50.

Austin:

Texas as popularly known, Austin is the second largest capital of the US and is known for its immense cultural and economic values. The monthly housing rent in this city varies from $966 to $1500 for 1 bedroom apartment. A meal in an expensive restaurant can cost you up to $12 for one. The city has a lot of places to hang out like the Texas Memorial Museum, Hippie Hollow Park, Deep Eddy Pool and theaters for catching up on new flicks on weekends. With the help of your travel agent, you can check in into a hotel or hostel according to your budget and convenience.

Philadelphia:

Being the largest city in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, the metropolis offers the best opportunity for business and job seekers. A 1-bedroom apartment can cost from $950 to $1500 depending on the location, posh and normal area, rent varies. Traveling within the city is affordable with cabs charging you $1.43 per km. A person owning a car can make it more economical with a gasoline costing just $0.63 per litre. Additionally, due to its great historical background, the city is home to grand monuments that are 100 years old. Notably, places worth visiting are Walnut Street Theatre, the Philadelphia Museum of Arts, Independence Hall and the First Bank of the US.

People who want to settle here needs to apply for a USA visa first along with the reason for the visit like work or education, etc. Getting in touch with a proper agent can help in getting a US tourist visa for souls who want to explore the beauty of the Western Hemisphere, the USA.

FAQs

Why is it important for an expat to understand the cost of living in the USA?

How much does an average American give to live?

The monthly cost of living in the USA is moderately high, though it changes depending on the state. The utmost expenditure for any average American family, coming in at roughly $1,800 per month, is housing, which accounts for about $61,334 of the annual household payments. The most luxurious cities are San Francisco, Los Angeles, New York, & Boston. Even though, there are still several famed locations with inexpensive living expenses; Cincinnati & Oklahoma City, for instance, have average expenses that are appreciably lower than other large cities. The most reasonably priced state to reside in the US is Mississippi. Naturally, if you go out of the cities totally, you will find the expected living costs are comparatively lower.

How much is rent in the US per month?

Rent prices for all apartment types within the US hiked notably in 2021. As of 2023 February, the usual monthly rent for a 2-bedroom apartment in the country rose to $1,320, a raise from $1,282 in February 2022.

Is it cheaper to reside in the UK or the USA?

The United Kingdom is frequently viewed as a more affordable place to reside. The expenses of daily life in the UK and the US is not identical and can differ depending on where individuals select to settle. It is also noteworthy to know that the usual income for somebody in the US is considerably higher than in the UK owing to taxes.

What is the cost of purchasing an apartment in the USA?

The typical initial cost to purchase a new residence in the United States is $40,559. This amount covers the down payment, closing fees, and the first month’s mortgage payment.

What about healthcare and dental costs in the USA?

It makes no difference where you live in the United States—having comprehensive health insurance is essential. The American healthcare system is excellent for those who can afford private treatment or have insurance. However, if you cannot cover the expenses, you may struggle to access proper care. Furthermore, you could face significant costs later if you require emergency services. For instance, the average costs of a family doctor checkup is about $155, antibiotic prescription is $23, and 6 days cold medicine is $9.

How much is travel and transportation in the USA?

In the United States, owning a car is commonplace, with the exception of central cities, where car ownership is relatively expensive. However,  driving in big cities can be challenging, so public transportation usually has a vast and user-friendly network.1 liter of gasoline costs about $0.98.

1. Monthly public transportation fare card – $65.80
2. Bus fare, for one ride $0.98
3. Taxi fare for one kilometer ride: $1.62
4. The Toyota Corolla automobile, brand new, costs $22,244.
5. The Volkswagen Golf is a brand-new vehicle and costs $24,000.

What is the education cost in the USA?

Getting an education in the US can be costly, depending on the school you choose to attend. For example, both public and private colleges, as well as universities, have varying tuition fees. However, most private institutions offer financial aid and scholarships, allowing students from low-income families to enroll. Therefore, researching these opportunities in advance can significantly help in making education more affordable.

1. Monthly tuition for the prekindergarten & kindergarten is $1,875.
2. Tuition for private elementary school on a yearly basis: $25,286

For that state’s residents, the standard annual tuition for students attending the public 4-year university is roughly $9,400. However, the regular annual tuition for the out-of-state students may reach about $24,930. For any 4-year private college, the normal annual tuition is just about $36,700.

Is the US a considerable place to reside?

Throughout its history, the immigrants have been drawn to America for the opportunities it gives. A favorable percentage of foreign nationals keep shifting to the US in search of a superior life. For foreigners looking to live, work, or visit the US for a year or two, the country is undoubtedly an excellent option. However, living in the US can also be expensive. Therefore, it is essential to research the cost of living in advance and identify ways to save money. In particular, one key area to focus on is minimizing banking and transfer fees when sending funds to America.

Common monthly expenses in the USA

These are some typical monthly costs people have in the United States and what they usually spend on average:

1. Rent/mortgage: $1,784
2. Electricity, gas, water, etc.: $300
3. Car payments, gas, public transport: $819
4. Groceries: $610
5. Restaurants and takeout: $198
6. Doctor visits, prescriptions, etc.: $431
7. Health insurance premiums: $306
8. Movies, concerts, sports events, etc.: $243
9. Gasoline/fuel: $131
10. Clothes and accessories: $120
11. Cleaning supplies, paper products, etc.: $70
12. Haircuts, makeup, gym, etc.: $54
13. College tuition, books, fees, etc.: $106
14. Altogether: $5,172

Do not be worried by that figure! Keep in mind, that those are just the averages. And some individuals will not have all of those costs.

The living cost in the US can be unpredictably high for immigrants. In general, the living cost in the U.S. is higher than in most other countries. Factors that affect the living cost in the U.S. comprise geographic location & lifestyle. Furthermore, the living expenses per student are comparatively higher in the big cities than in rural towns. The cost of living in New York in fact is pricier over the US average.

Note

Moreover, applying for a US tourist visa extension may add to the overall cost of living during an extended stay in the USA. Therefore, the information provided in the guide should help people make an informed decision when thinking of migrating to the United States.