Cost of Living in the United States

Written by Rebeka Meszaros Moderated by Oleksandra Dosii

Rebeka Meszaros

Rebeka is a professional content writer who specializes in marketing, business, travel, and expat tips. She enjoys sharing practical, down-to-earth advice, whether it's helping businesses better their marketing strategy or providing insights about living overseas. Rebeka adds a personal touch to her writing, ensuring that every piece connects with readers.

Oleksandra Dosii

Oleksandra is a dedicated marketer with a passion for growing HR-tech products. She believes content marketing is about delivering high-quality content that provides value—not just generating leads. Since 2016, Oleksandra has been involved in tech talent relocation.

Last update: September 14, 2024

Next update: Scheduled for February 1, 2025

On average, a single person in the United States can expect to spend about $2,924 (roughly €2,630) per month for their total cost of living, while a family of four would face around $7,101 (around €6,400) in monthly expenses (Source: Numbeo, all prices in USD).

Let’s break down the cost of living in the United States, we’ll look at the basics like food, transportation, utilities, leisure, and childcare to help you manage your budget effectively.

How expensive is it to live in the United States?

The United States, ranked as the 9th most expensive country in the world, has a high cost of living. A family of four can expect to pay around $7,101 per month, including rent, while a single person faces a total monthly cost of approximately $2,924.

In comparison, Germany is more affordable, with a family of four spending about $5,544 monthly and a single person paying $2,068. The Netherlands cost of living falls in the middle, with costs for a family totaling $6,160 and $2,588 for a single person. While the United States cost of living is the priciest of the three, Germany offers the most budget-friendly option (Source: Numbeo).

Most expensive city to live in the United States?

New York is the most expensive U.S. city, where a single person can expect to spend around $5,748 per month. San Francisco follows closely, with average monthly costs of $4,676, while Honolulu's combined housing and living expenses can surpass $3,700 (Source: Numbeo).

Cheapest city in the United States

Decatur, Illinois, is the most affordable city, with a single person's monthly expenses around $1,559. Other budget-friendly cities include Harlingen, Texas, at $1,801, and Edinburg, Texas, at $1,614 (Source: Livingcost.org).

The most expensive states to live in

Living in the U.S. can be costly, but some states are especially expensive due to high housing prices, insurance premiums, and energy costs. Whether it’s California’s housing shortage or Hawaii’s reliance on imports, the price of living in these states continues to rise. Below are the top five most expensive states to live in for 2024, with a breakdown of the cost of living in each.

Top 5 most expensive states to live in (Source: CNBC):

1. California
   • Average home price (San Jose): $1,708
   • Monthly energy bill: $295
   • Annual homeowners insurance: $2,124
2. Hawaii
   • Average home price (Honolulu): $1,674
   • Monthly energy bill: $360
   • Annual homeowners insurance: $1,883
3. Massachusetts
   • Average home price (Boston): $961
   • Monthly energy bill: $303
   • Annual homeowners insurance: $2,226
4. Montana
   • Average home price (Bozeman): $792
   • Monthly energy bill: $177
   • Annual homeowners insurance: $1,755
5. Colorado
   • Average home price (Denver): $651
   • Monthly energy bill: $145
   • Annual homeowners insurance: $2,650

Cost of living in the United States vs the UK

As for the cost of living in the United States, a family of four can expect to spend about $7,101 per month, while a single person’s costs average $2,924. In the UK, those numbers are lower, with a family of four paying around $5,873 and a single person about $2,434. The U.S. tends to be more expensive, particularly in big cities, but the UK offers a more balanced cost of living overall — though urban areas in both countries can be pricey.

(London is a separate case, with living costs that far exceed the national average.)

Comparing the cost of some everyday groceries (Source: Numbeo):

Cost of living in the United States vs Canada

In the U.S., a family of four typically spends around $7,101 per month, while a single person averages $2,924. In Canada, those costs are much lower, with a family spending about $6,052 and a single person around $2,448 per month. This means that the United States cost of living is much higher, especially when we also look at rent, and Canada offers a more affordable lifestyle overall.

Comparison of everyday groceries (Source: Numbeo):

Rent per month

The average monthly rent in the United States varies significantly depending on the size of the home and its location (Source: ):

• Apartment (1 bedroom) in city center: $1,754
• Apartment (1 bedroom) outside of center: $1,443
• Apartment (3 bedrooms) in city center: $2,937
• Apartment (3 bedrooms) outside of center: $2,394

For expats renting in the U.S., the market can vary widely based on location, with major cities being more expensive than smaller towns. Rent prices have been steadily increasing, with a 3% rise in the past year, and many renters are spending a larger portion of their income on housing. It's important to expect competition in popular areas and plan ahead, as demand for rentals continues to grow (Source: Forbes).

How to find an apartment in the United States

Finding a rental apartment in the U.S. can be a lot easier if you plan ahead and use the right tools. First, figure out your budget — ideally, rent should take up around 30% of your income. Then decide on key details, like whether you want a furnished or unfurnished place, and if utilities should be included. Websites like Apartments.com, Zillow, and Trulia offer plenty of listings that you can filter by price, location, and apartment size. Many of these platforms also have virtual tours and reviews to help you get a better sense of the property before visiting in person.

Start your search at least 60 days before your move, especially in busy cities like New York or Los Angeles. If you’re open to alternatives, Craigslist and HotPads can sometimes have listings not found on the bigger sites. For expats, be ready to provide extra paperwork like proof of income, international credit score (if available), and references, as U.S. landlords often ask for these to assess financial stability. If you don’t have a U.S. credit score yet, you might be asked to pay a higher security deposit — anywhere from two to twelve months' rent upfront. Finally, avoid rental scams by never wiring money before signing a lease and verifying that the landlord or property manager is legitimate.

If you need help with your housing search in the U.S., we're here to assist you. We can offer a personalized quote or connect you with our trusted partners, who have successfully helped many others find rental options in the city. Let us guide you to make your search easier and more efficient.

Utilities

A big part of the cost of living in the United States goes for utilities (Source: Numbeo):

• Basic utilities (electricity, heating, cooling, water, garbage) for an 85m2 apartment: $207
• Mobile phone plan with calls and 10GB+ data: $54
• Internet (60 Mbps or more, unlimited data): $71

You can cut down on your utility bills with these easy tips and tools:

• Seal your windows and doors with weather stripping or caulking to stop drafts and reduce heating and cooling costs. Check out Energy.gov for simple insulation tips that work for any climate.
• Switch to energy-efficient appliances like LED bulbs and smart thermostats. You can find deals and rebates on energy-saving products at Energy Star or through your local utility provider.
• Track your energy use with apps like Sense — you need to install a monitor and download the app, and start saving. And, with EnergyHub you can see where you’re using the most power to help you find ways to cut back.
• Shop for better energy rates with platforms like Arcadia or Power to Choose (for states like Texas). You can switch to renewable energy or find lower-cost plans in your area.
• Join demand response programs like OhmConnect, which pays you to use less electricity during peak times, essentially helping you save while keeping your home energy-efficient.

Public transport

Public transportation in the U.S. can be hit or miss depending on where you live. Cities like New York, San Francisco, and Washington, D.C. have solid bus, subway, and train systems, but smaller cities and rural areas might not offer much. Use apps like Google Maps or CityMapper to help plan your routes. If you're in a big city, consider getting a monthly or multi-ride pass to save money. Check out the New York MTA or San Francisco BART for fare info. For travel between cities, Amtrak trains or Greyhound buses are good options. In less connected areas, having a car might be your best bet.

Here’s a general overview of public transport prices in the United States (Source: Numbeo):

• One-way ticket for local transport: $2.50
• Regular monthly pass: $68
• Starting fare for a taxi ride: $3.55
• An hour of waiting time in a taxi: $30
• Gasoline: $0.96 per liter

Food

Grocery shopping in the U.S. can be easy once you know where to go. Stores like Walmart and Trader Joe's are great for affordable options, with Trader Joe's being a favorite for organic and unique items. If you're buying in bulk, Costco is a solid choice, while Publix, Krogers and H-E-B are popular in the Southeast and Texas. These stores can really help you with the high cost of living in the United States. And, you can save more with apps like Ibotta and Rakuten, which offer cash back on groceries. If you prefer shopping from home, services like Instacart and Amazon Fresh can deliver right to your door.

Based on shopping habits, dietary needs, and location, the average spend for groceries in the United States varies widely (Source: Reddit):

• For a single person: $200-$500
• For a couple: $400-$700
• For a family of four: $800-$1,300

Here are some average prices for eating out (Source: Numbeo):

• Meal at an inexpensive restaurant: $20
• Meal for two people at a mid-range restaurant (three-course): $75
• McMeal at McDonald's (or equivalent combo meal): $11
• Domestic beer (0.5 liter draught): $6
• Cappuccino (regular): $5.15
• Coke/Pepsi (0.33 liter bottle): $2.52
• Water (0.33 liter bottle): $2

Mobile phone plan

When setting up a mobile phone in the US, you can choose between prepaid SIM cards or mobile contracts. Prepaid plans are ideal for newcomers because they don’t require a US credit score, while contracts usually need an ID and a credit check. You can find prepaid SIMs at major stores or online.

Main providers:

• Verizon: Great coverage, especially in rural areas. Plans range from $35 to $80 a month with unlimited data, calls, and texts.
• AT&T: Reliable service, with plans from $30 to $75 a month. Offers both prepaid and contract options.
• T-Mobile: Known for affordable pricing. Prepaid plans start at $30, and unlimited data is available for up to $70 a month.

Cheaper options:

• Mint Mobile: Budget-friendly with plans starting at $15 a month for 4GB of data, no long-term contracts required.
• Visible: Runs on Verizon’s network and offers unlimited data and calls for $30 a month.

eSIMs:

• T-Mobile, AT&T, and Verizon all offer eSIMs for compatible phones, with low or no activation fees.

Childcare

If you are moving to the US and need childcare, there are a few common options: daycare centers, home-based care, and hiring a nanny. If you’re concerned about costs, you might qualify for assistance through programs like the Child Care and Development Block Grant (CCDBG) — these can be very helpful with the high United States cost of living. Some states also offer childcare subsidies, so it's worth checking your state’s options. For more information, check out the National Head Start Association for early childhood programs that could help.

Types of childcare and monthly costs (Source: Expat.com):

• Daycare centers: These provide structured care and activities for infants to preschoolers. They’re usually licensed by the state, offering a safe environment for kids to learn and play. Costs typically range from $200 to $400 per week depending on your location.
• Home-based daycare: If you prefer a smaller, more personal setting, some caregivers run daycares from their homes. These are often more affordable, between $150 to $300 per week, but licensing requirements vary by state. Make sure to check if they’re licensed.
• Nannies: For more personalized care, you can hire a nanny to come to your home. This option is more expensive, averaging $600 to $800 per week, but it’s great for families with demanding work schedules. You can find nannies on sites like Care.com or Sittercity.
• Preschools: For kids aged 3-5, preschools focus on preparing them for kindergarten with a mix of social and educational activities.

On average for a year (Source: Numbeo):

• Preschool (or kindergarten), full day, private, monthly for 1 child: $1,377 (roughly €1,240)
• International primary school, yearly for 1 child: $22,582 (around €20,300)

Gym

Gyms in the US typically offer flexible memberships, like monthly, yearly, or no-contract options. Some might charge a sign-up fee, so it’s good to ask before you join. Also, be sure to check the cancellation policy to avoid any headaches later. Many gyms offer free trials or guest passes, so you can try them out first. If you travel a lot, look for a gym with multiple locations — it’ll make things way more convenient.

Major gym brands and their monthly prices:

• Planet Fitness: from $15
• 24 Hour Fitness: from $9.99-$64.99
• LA Fitness: from $39.99
• Gold's Gym: from $29.99
• Equinox: from $200
• Anytime Fitness: $41
• Crunch Fitness: from $67
• Fitness club, monthly fee for 1 adult (average): $46.60 (roughly €42)