Your life in The United States starts here
Make your move to The United States
Enormous variety, from coast to mountains to desert, plus excellent healthcare, draw people to the US. Its scale and opportunity make it one of the world's most compelling destinations.
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Photo: Tyler Clemmensen / Pexels
At a glance
The United States, in brief.
How The United States compares with the 80+ destinations we cover. The United States ranks among the best for english-friendliness (14th of 81) and healthcare (15th of 78) and size of expat community (38th of 81).
Compare destinations- Cost of living
- Very high
- Property
- Expensive
- Healthcare
- Excellent
- Safety
- Some concerns
- Climate
- Mild (~12°C)
- English
- Native / official
- Expat community
- Established
H-1B lottery/green-card backlogs; no retiree visa
Worldwide + citizenship-based tax
Life in The United States
Read an interview with Abhisikta Bhowmick about her life as an expat in Texas, USA.
Health insurance in The United States
Covered from day one.
The dream is the easy part. Compare tailored expat health insurance quotes from trusted international insurers, in minutes and with no obligation.
Get health insurance quotes In partnership with Moving your belongings too? Get up to five free quotes from international moversSending money abroad? Use a currency specialist
Your move plan
The United States, one step at a time.
Thirteen steps, in the order most people tackle them. Each one links to the guide that walks you through it.
- 01Check which visa fits your moveRead the guide : Check which visa fits your move
- 02Work out your monthly budgetRead the guide : Work out your monthly budget
- 03Arrange health cover for your moveRead the guide : Arrange health cover for your move
- 04Understand how the health system worksRead the guide : Understand how the health system works
- 05Bring your pet, if you have oneRead the guide : Bring your pet, if you have one
- 06Find somewhere to rentRead the guide : Find somewhere to rent
- 07Open a local bank accountRead the guide : Open a local bank account
- 08Know your residency steps after you arriveRead the guide : Know your residency steps after you arrive
- 09Find a doctorRead the guide : Find a doctor
- 10Understand your tax positionRead the guide : Understand your tax position
- 11Sort out your driving licenceRead the guide : Sort out your driving licence
- 12Set up a phone and internetRead the guide : Set up a phone and internet
- 13Plan schools, if you're moving with childrenRead the guide : Plan schools, if you're moving with children
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Plan your move
Answers for your move.
Free tools that turn big questions about The United States into clear answers.
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- Compare cost of livingWhat your money is worth in The United States.01
- Check retirement affordabilityWhere your pension clears the requirement.02
- Find visa optionsEvery route you could qualify for.03
- Get moving quotesUp to five free quotes from international movers.04
- Move money abroadTransfers with a currency specialist.05
The complete picture
The The United States moving guide.
55 guides, from your visa to finding a vet. Start with the three most people need first.
Moving guide sponsored by- Start here · 01
Visas
Which visa fits your move, and how to apply.
- Start here · 02
Residency
Your residence permit, from first stay to long term.
- Start here · 03
Banking
Opening an account and moving money.
Visas, residency and work
6
Healthcare
7
Buying property
5
Health and wellbeing
8
Travel and transport
5
Driving and cars
5
You won't be the first
Real people who made the move.
People who built a life in The United States share what surprised them, what helped and what they'd do again. All The United States stories
- Tampa Bay, Florida
Anjali Nair
I’m Anjali Nair, a Marketing Planner and Program Specialist living in the Sunshine State of Florida, USA. Where, when and why did…
- Chicago
Kate
My name is Kate! I am 31 and live together with my husband in beautiful Chicago.I have a background in Online Marketing…
- New York
Evelyne Fallows
I am a French Personal Trainer living in New York, where I run my own business and I just self-published my first…
Fresh from The United States
Latest articles.
A Comprehensive Guide To Healthcare For Expats In The USA
Read our healthcare guide for expats in the USA.
Insurance Considerations And Solutions For US Expats In 2024 – 2024 US Expat Finance Conference
David Tompkins from Expat Financial discusses what expats should be aware of when considering international insurance, as well as what types of insurance are…
The Most Popular And Affordable US Cities For Expatriate Homebuyers In 2024
Read about the most popular and most affordable places to buy property in the USA.
Hear it first hand
The podcast on The United States.
Conversations with people who've made the move, and the experts who help them. All The United States episodes
Need an international mover?
Boxes, shipping, the lot. Get up to five free quotes from movers who know the route to The United States, and compare them side by side.
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