Have you decided to move to the USA? It will be something between a big explosion of changes and a marathon of bureaucracy. Huge prospects, a new start, unique opportunities - all this awaits you, but first... You need to go through a series of tests.
Basic expenses: what do you need to know?
Before you start packing your bags, it's important to understand the financial side of the issue:
- Document processing. You will have to spend a considerable amount on a visa, document legalization, translations, customs duties and other bureaucratic pleasures.
- Plane tickets. The cost of tickets depends on the season, airline, route, and also on how much luggage you are allowed to take with you.
- Housing. Renting an apartment often requires a deposit of several months in advance.
- Mobile communication and Internet.
- Transportation costs. In large cities (New York, Chicago, San Francisco) you can use public transportation, but if you settle somewhere in the suburbs, a car is a must-have!
If you really dream of living in the USA, all these difficulties are only temporary! The main thing is careful planning, a financial cushion, and a little courage.
Immigration procedure and document costs
Before applying, prospective immigrants must prove their financial ability. Applicants may be asked to provide bank statements, income statements, or documents proving ownership of real estate, stocks, or other assets. This is to prove that the individual will be able to support themselves in the United States without relying on government assistance.
Mandatory medical examination
One of the key requirements for obtaining an immigrant visa is to undergo a medical examination at a certified clinic approved by the US Consulate. The cost of the examination for an adult can reach $273. In addition, you should consider the costs of vaccinations, other medical procedures, translation and copying of documents.
Visa fees and related costs
The consular fee varies depending on the type of immigrant visa. For example, K visa applicants (for marriage) and Green Card lottery winners must pay between $160 and $265.
In addition, the following costs must be taken into account:
- USCIS (United States Citizenship and Immigration Services) service fee is $200.
- Immigration petition fee – from $500 to $700.
- Biometric data (fingerprints) – $85.
Do you need the services of a lawyer?
Often, future immigrants seek help from lawyers who specialize in immigration law. Their services are not cheap - from $3,000 and more. The cost of legal support can increase depending on the complexity of the case.
Alternative option – sponsorship
In the case of immigration through family reunification, the applicant's financial guarantor may be his relative who is a citizen or permanent resident of the United States. The sponsor is obliged to prove his solvency and guarantee the support of the immigrant until he obtains citizenship or has worked in the United States for at least 10 years. The sponsor's minimum annual income must be at least 125% of the US subsistence minimum, and the exact amount depends on the number of family members and the state of residence.
Transportation costs
Transporting furniture, household appliances, or cars can be quite expensive, so it's worth thinking in advance about what you really need to take with you.
Many American homes already have built-in kitchens, wardrobes, and sometimes basic furniture. Therefore, it does not always make sense to transport large items. It is also worth considering the difference in standard furniture sizes. For example, mattresses and beds in the USA often have different parameters than in European or post-Soviet countries. This means that even familiar bedroom furniture may be incompatible with American counterparts.
Estimated costs for transporting property:
- 20-foot container (33 m³, holds furniture for 2-3 rooms) – from $3,000 to $4,000.
- 40-foot container or with a raised roof (67-78 m³, accommodates 3-4 rooms) - from $4,000 to $5,000.
- Transformers for electrical appliances – $80-200.
- Car transportation, including customs duties and adaptation, is up to $6,000.
A flight for one person in the most budget format will cost from $2,000. Considering the cost of transportation and possible difficulties with adapting things to American standards, in many cases it is more profitable to sell old property and purchase new ones upon arrival.
Costs of adaptation and living in the USA
Living in the United States of America has its own unique characteristics, and one of the main factors is its cost. Average costs vary greatly depending on region, lifestyle, and individual needs. Below are some key figures that reflect the overall cost of living in the United States.
Basic living expenses in the USA:
- $3 189 – average monthly expenses for one person ($38 268 per year).
- $7 095 – average monthly expenses for a family of four ($85 140 per year).
- $429 – average cost of utilities per month.
- $6 228 – average salary in the US before taxes.
- $4 632 – average salary after taxes.
Monthly spending breakdown of an American family:
- Rental housing – $1 784.
- Utilities – $300.
- Transport – $819.
- Products - $610.
- Restaurants and cafes – $198.
- Medical care – $431.
- Medical insurance – $306.
- Entertainment – $243.
- Fuel – $131.
- Clothing – $120.
- Cleaning products – $70.
- Personal hygiene products – $54.
- Education – $106.
In total, this amounts to $5 172 per month. However, the costs per family member are reduced in larger families due to the sharing of resources.
Medical care
Healthcare in the US is one of the most expensive in the world. For example:
- An ambulance call costs $400.
- Appointment with a specialist doctor – $250.
Most medications are sold by prescription. Only basic medications, such as antipyretics or painkillers, can be purchased without a prescription.
Medical insurance is paid, and its cost depends on age and other factors. On average, a couple spends $1,200-2,500 per month on it. Some Americans take out additional insurance in case of hospitalization.
Transport
The United States has the longest highway network in the world, so personal transportation is prevalent. American families typically own several cars.
- A used car can be purchased for $3,000 – 7,000.
- Long-term car rental costs $200-300 per month (includes insurance and maintenance).
- The cost of gasoline is $1.06 per liter ($4.04 per gallon).
Public transport is well developed only in megacities. For example, in New York it operates 24 hours a day, while in smaller cities buses run several times a day.
- Public transport ticket – $2.36.
- The average taxi fare is $15.19.
- Monthly pass – $150.
Dwelling
Renting real estate in the USA is a significant expense item:
- $2 500 – the average rental price for a one-bedroom apartment in large cities.
- $1 500 – average rent in less developed regions.
- $76 per night – double room in a budget hostel.
- $95 per day – short-term apartment rental.
The deposit for long-term rentals is 50-100% of the cost of the apartment. It may be partially refunded after deducting the costs of cleaning and painting the walls.
Americans often sell furniture when moving, so you can find quality items at a reasonable price.
Food products
Food costs vary by state, but on average a couple spends $1,400 per month on groceries. Approximate prices:
- Water (0.5 l) – $1.20.
- Coca-Cola (0.5 l) – $1.69.
- Milk (1 liter) – $2.06.
- Bread (0.5 kg) – $2.13.
- Tomatoes (1 kg) – $3.15.
- Potatoes (1 kg) – $1.56.
- Chicken (1 kg) – $4.14.
- Pork (1 kg) – $6.84.
- Cheese (1 kg) - $7.67.
- Eggs (10 pcs.) – $2.46.
For comparison: a combo set at McDonald's costs $8.64, and dinner at a restaurant costs $15-25.
The first month of living in the US will cost you $1,400-$5,000, including insurance, rent, deposit, utilities, and groceries. Starting from the second month, the costs decrease because the deposit has already been paid.
Ways to save on moving and adaptation
The United States is no exception to the general tourist trends: the peak of airfare prices falls on July-August, while the most favorable rates can be found in February-March and from September to November. However, there is another important nuance - the periods of national holidays. Tickets become especially expensive on Christmas Eve, when millions of Americans go to their families. At the same time, New Year's Eve in the USA is not considered such a significant event, so prices for flights on December 30-31 and in the first days of January remain relatively low.
In addition to seasonality, the day of the week also matters. The cheapest tickets are usually available from Monday to Thursday, while Friday, Saturday and Sunday are traditionally the busiest times.
How to choose a state for travel?
The United States is a patchwork of individual states, each with its own standard of living and pricing. For example, a gallon of gasoline (4.5 liters) in California can cost as much as $1.4T4.2, while in South Carolina it is just over $1.5T4.
Cheap transport: how to travel profitably?
The most convenient option for traveling between cities is to rent a car. If there are two or three people traveling, this option will also be economical.
But what if a tourist is traveling alone or does not have a driver's license? In this case, you should pay attention to flights and buses. Domestic aviation in the USA is so well developed that you can find tickets for even $50 for long routes.
How to save on food?
Many travelers consider dining experiences to be an essential part of their trip. But if you're on a budget, it's best to skip restaurants. The average check per person in an American establishment is around $1.45 (and that's without drinks).
It is much cheaper to buy food in large supermarket chains. The most affordable are Aldi, Lidl, Walmart and Costco. The latter is a real find for a thrifty tourist: here you can find ready-made meals at minimal prices. For example, a hot dog costs only $1.5, and a large pizza will cost $10.
Public transport: how to pay less?
To avoid spending extra money on travel in big cities, it is worth using travel tickets.
For example, in Washington, a single ride on public transportation costs between $2 and $6, depending on traffic. Day passes are sold for $13, making them much more affordable than single tickets.
Moving to the United States is a major step that requires not only careful planning but also a significant financial investment. On average, the cost of such a process ranges from $5,000 to $10,000, but the exact amount depends on many factors.
First of all, the program under which a person moves plays a significant role. It can be an immigration visa, a work contract, training, or a family reunification program. Each option involves its own nuances of costs.
The state you are moving to is also important. For example, New York and California are considered the most expensive regions. In general, the final cost depends on many variables, so each case is individual. However, proper preparation, awareness, and a flexible approach will help minimize costs and make moving to the USA more comfortable.
