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🇺🇸 The expat guide · 2026
United States.
The world's largest economy - endless opportunity, cultural diversity, and global career mobility
Federal Minimum Wage
$7.25/hr
Many states higher (CA $16.90, NYC $17.00); unchanged since 2009
EB-5 Investor Visa
$800K–$1.05M
$800K TEA / $1.05M standard; 10 US jobs required
Manhattan 1BR Rent
$4,000–$5,000/mo
Avg $4,890 (Mar 2026)
H-1B Annual Cap
85,000/yr
The $100K petition fee is NOT currently collectable - vacated Jun 2026, enjoined again Sep 2026
Global Peace Index
#134
2026 GPI, down from #128; a 4% deterioration, driven by political instability and violent demonstrations
Standard Deduction 2026
$16.1K / $32.2K
Single / Married joint; head-of-household $24,150; tax brackets 10/12/22/24/32/35/37% (OBBBA)
Verified October 20, 2026
All figures, with the law each one comes fromCan you actually move to United States?
We research your nationality, income and timeline against United States's current rules, and tell you whether you qualify and what it actually costs.
Why move to United States?
The United States remains the world's top destination for ambitious expats, with a $30.6 trillion GDP, over 348 million people, and an unmatched ecosystem of tech hubs, financial centers, and world-class universities. From New York's global finance scene to Miami's booming Latin American gateway, the US offers extraordinary career opportunities, cultural diversity, and a standard of living that - while expensive - delivers access to innovation, entertainment, and professional networks found nowhere else on Earth.
Where the United States numbers come from
Most relocation figures online carry no source and no date, which is why so many are quietly out of order. Each of these was read from the instrument that sets it. Last full pass: 19 October 2026.
| Figure | Set by |
|---|---|
| H-1B $100,000 petition feeNot currently collectableThe timeline matters because the fee flickered. The vacatur was briefly stayed in mid-June, putting the proclamation back in force, before the First Circuit declined to stay it pending appeal on 24 Jul 2026. A September 2026 extension proclamation was preliminarily enjoined on 30 Sep 2026 in Global Nurse Force v. Trump, N.D. Cal. No. 4:25-cv-08454, which bars enforcement of the implementing guidance but does not invalidate the proclamations themselves. Fewer than 100 employers ever paid. Appeals are live and DHS has separately proposed a new fee of $103,265, so this is contested rather than settled. | Proclamation of 19 Sep 2025, vacated in its entirety by D. Mass. (Sorokin) on 8 Jun 2026 as an unauthorized tax and an APA violation |
| H-1B wage-weighted lotteryEffective 27 February 2026FY2027 was the first season run under it. Entries scale with the DOL prevailing wage level, four for Level IV down to one for Level I, which means an entry-level offer is not merely less competitive, it is weighted against four times over. | DHS final rule published 29 December 2025, adopted unchanged from the proposal |
| Standard deduction, tax year 2026$16,100 single, $32,200 married joint, $24,150 head of householdApplies to returns filed in 2027, not to the return you file in 2026. Brackets top out at 37% above $640,600 for single filers; calculators citing Rev. Proc. 2025-28 and a $626,350 threshold are using superseded figures. | Rev. Proc. 2025-32 |
| Global Peace Index#134 of 163Down from #128, a 4% deterioration attributed to political instability and violent demonstrations; 85% of Americans surveyed said they believe politically motivated violence is increasing. No raw score is given here: the figures circulating for it are inconsistent, and some describe an improvement, which contradicts the deterioration the rank reflects. | 2026 Global Peace Index, Institute for Economics and Peace |
| Federal minimum wage$7.25/hourAlmost never the operative figure. State and city floors govern in practice: California $16.90 and New York City, Long Island and Westchester $17.00 in 2026, against $16.00 for the rest of New York State. Washington is the highest state at $17.13. | Fair Labor Standards Act, unchanged since 24 July 2009 |
| SALT Cap (OBBBA)$40,400 (was $10K) | Raised under OBBBA from 2025; phase-out MAGI >$505K; reverts to $10K in 2030 |
| H-1B Weighted LotteryFrom 27 Feb 2026 | DHS final rule published 29 Dec 2025, unchanged from the proposal. Replaces random lottery; DOL wage Level IV gets 4 entries → Level I gets 1; FY27 first season |
| DOL Prevailing Wage NPRM+21-33% floor | Mar 2026 DOL proposed rule raises PERM/H-1B prevailing wage minimums by 21-33% depending on experience level; avg minimum wage requirement lift ~$14K/yr; hits entry-level roles hardest |
| H-1B Aug 2026 ReformsCap exemptions + placements | Trump admin proposals: revised cap exemptions, tightened rules for third-party H-1B placements, greater scrutiny of employers with violation history; layered on top of Feb 2026 wage-weighted lottery |
Every figure names the law that sets it, so you can check it rather than take our word for it. That is the only honest way to publish a number that changes.
See this applied to one person →The United States basics
12 essentials every expat should know - from the practical to the political.
Is United States actually your best option?
This page tells you what United States is like. It cannot tell you whether it beats the four other countries you should be looking at, because that answer changes with your passport. Income thresholds, tax treaties and citizenship timelines are all nationality specific, and the general rule is often not the rule that applies to you.
A Personal Relocation Assessment answers it for your case. You tell us your nationality, income, household and timeline, and we our expert researches it against the law as it stands: which countries you actually qualify for, the route, the current threshold with the instrument it comes from, and what is most likely to go wrong in a position like yours.
Food culture
Hot chicken, Texas brisket, NY slice, San Diego fish tacos - America's regional food map
Explore
Festivals & traditions
Broadway, jazz, Hollywood, hip-hop - the cultural exports that shape global pop
Explore
Coast & nature
California PCH, Florida Keys, Maine lighthouses - three coasts, every climate
Explore
Heritage & landmarks
Statue of Liberty, Golden Gate, Grand Canyon - the icons that define America
Explore
9 reasons people stay longer than they planned
The pull of United States isn't one big thing - it's a stack of small ones, each compounding the others.
Unmatched Career Opportunities
Home to Silicon Valley, Wall Street, Hollywood, and the world's top universities. The US offers salaries 2–5× higher than most developed nations and unmatched professional mobility across 50 states.
Incredible Cultural Diversity
Over 45 million foreign-born residents make the US the most diverse country on Earth. Every major city has thriving international communities, cuisines, and cultural institutions from every corner of the globe.
World-Class Education
17 of the world's top 20 universities are American. From K-12 to PhD programs, the US education system attracts 1.1 million international students annually and opens doors to global careers.
Innovation & Entrepreneurship
The US leads globally in venture capital ($170B+ annually), startup ecosystems, and patent filings. Visa categories like the O-1 and EB-5 are specifically designed for entrepreneurs and exceptional talent.
Geographic Variety
From tropical beaches in Hawaii and Florida to Rocky Mountain ski resorts, Pacific Northwest forests, and New England autumn - the US offers every climate and landscape within one country's borders.
High Earning Potential
US median household income is $80,610/year. Tech workers earn $120K–$250K+ in major hubs. Even adjusted for cost of living, American salaries provide more disposable income than most OECD countries.
Cutting-Edge Healthcare
The US leads the world in medical research, pharmaceutical innovation, and specialist care. While expensive without insurance, employer-sponsored plans cover 155 million Americans with access to the planet's most advanced treatments.
Entertainment & Culture Capital
Broadway, Hollywood, Nashville, the Smithsonian, NBA, NFL, MLS - the US produces and hosts more entertainment, sports, and cultural events than any other country. There is always something happening.
Global Connectivity
Major US airports offer direct flights to virtually every global destination. The US passport ranks among the world's most powerful, and the dollar is the world's reserve currency, simplifying international finance.
11 cities, 11 different lives
Pick the rhythm that fits - capital buzz, beach mornings, or a slow-living escape.
New York City
The world's capital - finance, culture, and opportunity at the highest level
$4,500–$6,500 /mo
Finance professionals, creatives, tech workers
Miami
Latin America's gateway to the US - sun, business, and no state income tax
$3,200–$5,000 /mo
Finance, tech, Latin America business
Los Angeles
Entertainment capital of the world - creative careers, year-round sunshine, and global diversity
$3,500–$5,500 /mo
Creatives, tech workers, entrepreneurs
San Francisco
The world's tech capital - AI boom, iconic hills, and the highest salaries on Earth
$4,500–$7,000 /mo
Tech workers, AI engineers, startup founders
Chicago
America's most livable big city - world-class culture, lakefront living, and Midwest affordability
$2,800–$4,500 /mo
Professionals, families, international workers
Austin
America's #1 tech boomtown - no state income tax, live music capital, and startup paradise
$2,400–$3,800 /mo
Tech workers, startup founders, digital nomads
San Diego
America's finest city - perfect climate, biotech powerhouse, and beach lifestyle
$3,200–$5,000 /mo
Biotech workers, military families, outdoor lovers
Denver
The Mile High City - tech boom, outdoor paradise, and Rocky Mountain quality of life
$2,600–$4,200 /mo
Tech workers, outdoor enthusiasts, remote workers
Seattle
The Emerald City - Amazon/Microsoft HQ, coffee culture, and Pacific Northwest outdoor paradise
$3,500–$5,500 /mo
Tech workers, outdoor enthusiasts, coffee lovers
Boston
America's brain capital - Harvard, MIT, world-class biotech, and 400 years of history
$4,000–$6,000 /mo
Biotech/pharma, academics, healthcare professionals
Nashville
Music City USA - country music capital, booming healthcare hub, and no state income tax
$2,500–$4,000 /mo
Healthcare workers, musicians, entrepreneurs, remote workers
Everything, in plain words
Visa rules, healthcare, schools, taxes - written like a friend would explain it, not like a brochure.
Visa & Residency
The US immigration system is among the most complex in the world, with over 180 visa categories spanning work, family, investment, and humanitarian paths. For most expats, the key routes are employment-based visas (H-1B, L-1, O-1), family sponsorship, or the Diversity Visa Lottery. **MAJOR 2026 POLICY CHANGES:** the Trump administration imposed a $100,000 H-1B petition fee by proclamation in September 2025, but courts have blocked it: the District of Massachusetts vacated it on 8 June 2026, the First Circuit refused to stay that on 24 July 2026, and a September 2026 extension was preliminarily enjoined on 30 September 2026, so the fee is not currently being collected. Separately the administration raised H-1B denial rates to ~28% via wage-floor enforcement, expanded the travel ban Jan 1 2026 (now affects 19 countries fully or partially), and ended in-country adjustment of status for most temporary visa holders (May 2026) - most now must apply for Green Cards from their home country consulate. Consular wait times can exceed one year. Verify the latest USCIS policy before committing to a US move.
Read 🏥Healthcare
The US healthcare system is the most expensive in the world but also offers cutting-edge medical technology and specialist care. Unlike most developed countries, there is no universal public healthcare - most residents rely on employer-sponsored insurance, marketplace plans, or government programs (Medicare/Medicaid). For expats, understanding insurance options is critical before arriving. **2026 cost shift:** ACA Marketplace premiums increased an average of 26% for 2026 (17% in state-run marketplaces, 30% on Healthcare.gov), driven by hospital cost growth, GLP-1 medication utilisation, and tariff threats. Enhanced premium tax credits introduced during COVID expired at end of 2025 - if Congress does not extend them, average out-of-pocket marketplace premiums roughly double (from ~$888 to ~$1,904 per year).
Read 💰Cost of Living
The US offers high salaries but also high costs - particularly for housing, healthcare, and education. A single expat in a major city needs $2,900–$6,500/month depending on location. Understanding banking, taxes, and the true cost structure is critical for making your US move financially successful.
Read 🏠Housing
The US rental market is competitive, fast-moving, and varies dramatically by city. Most expats rent for their first 1–2 years before considering buying. Understanding credit checks, broker fees, lease terms, and the application process will save you time and thousands of dollars.
Read 💼Work & Business
The US job market is the largest and most dynamic in the world, with 160+ million employed workers across every industry. For expats, the key challenge is securing visa sponsorship - but once you're in, the career mobility, salary levels, and professional development opportunities are unmatched globally.
Read 🌆Daily Life
Daily life in the US offers extraordinary convenience, diversity, and choice - from 24/7 grocery delivery to world-class dining in every cuisine imaginable. Understanding American customs, tipping, transportation, and social norms will help you feel at home faster.
Read ✈️Moving Guide
Moving to the US requires careful planning across visas, housing, finances, healthcare, and logistics. This guide covers the practical steps from decision to settling in - including what to do before you leave, your first week in the US, and the critical tasks for your first 90 days.
Read 📚Education
The US education system spans free public schools (K-12), elite private schools, and the world's most prestigious universities. For expat families, understanding school zones, the college application process, and the dramatic quality differences between districts is essential.
Read 🌅Lifestyle
The US offers an unparalleled range of lifestyle options - from outdoor adventures across 63 national parks to world-class arts, sports, dining, and entertainment. Whether you're a beach lover in Miami, a culture enthusiast in New York, or an outdoor adventurer in Colorado, the US has something for everyone.
Read 📈Investing
Everything expats need to know about investing in United States - from property and stocks to tax-efficient strategies, brokerage access, and building wealth abroad.
ReadTools to plan your move to United States
Practical tools to turn an idea into a real plan - pick a season, time your visa, build a budget, even live a day before you go.
Best time to move to United States
Season-by-season - weather, visa timing, rental markets, and expert tips
New York City cost of living
Full monthly budget breakdown - rent, food, transport, utilities
Country match quiz
Eight quick questions, AI-matched country shortlist for your lifestyle
Visa finder
Search visa options by nationality, budget, and stay length
A day in United States
Live a perfect day with AI - real cafés, costs, and routes
Relocation plan
Step-by-step AI moving timeline tailored to your situation
United States vs the rest
See how United States stacks up against other popular expat destinations.
Where United States ranks
See where United States sits in our independent expat rankings - cost, safety, healthcare, and more.
Cheapest Countries for Expats
Ranked list of the most affordable countries for expats in 2026. Monthly budget, cost of living, internet speed, and city guides for each destination.
Countries Under $1,500/Month Cost of Living
Complete list of countries where a single expat can live comfortably on under $1,500 per month. Budget breakdowns, internet speeds, and city guides included.
Countries Where $2,000/Month Is Enough
All countries where a single expat can live well on $2,000 per month or less. Ranked by cost of living with budget details, internet, and English proficiency.
Best Countries for Remote Workers
Top countries for remote workers ranked by internet speed, cost of living, and English proficiency. Find your ideal work-from-anywhere destination in 2026.
Countries With the Fastest Internet
Ranked list of countries with the fastest broadband internet speeds for expats. Average Mbps, cost of living, and city guides for each destination.
Best Countries for Retirement Abroad
Warm-climate countries where one person can live on $2,500/month, ranked safest first by Global Peace Index. Portugal leads, then Malaysia and the Maldives. 2026.
Honest answers
The questions everyone asks before they pack a single box.
How much does it cost to live in United States as an expat?
What visa do I need to move to United States?
What is healthcare like in United States for expats?
What are the best cities to live in United States as an expat?
Is United States a good place to live as an expat in 2026?
Personal Relocation Assessment
Can you actually move to United States?
This page is general. Your case is not. Our relocation expert researches your nationality, income and timeline against the law as it stands, names the instrument behind every figure, and tells you where you actually qualify.
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Visa updates, cost-of-living shifts, and real expat stories from United States - straight to your inbox.
Which country is right for you?
Answer 6 quick questions about your budget, lifestyle, and priorities. Our AI ranks 122 countries and builds a personalised relocation plan.