Cost of Living in the USA: A Guide for Expats

Published on May 1, 2026 and written by Cyril Jarnias

Expatriating to the United States is a dream for many French people, drawn by professional opportunities and the American lifestyle. However, before taking the plunge, it is crucial to fully understand the cost of living in this vast country. Between the high rents in big cities, substantial healthcare costs, and expensive education system, living in the USA can quickly become a financial challenge for unprepared expats. In this article, we will break down in detail the budget needed to live comfortably in the United States and give you all the tools to plan your expatriation with peace of mind.

The American Cost of Living: Marked Regional Disparities

When discussing the cost of living in the United States, the first thing to understand is the immense diversity between the country’s different regions. Indeed, the budget needed to live in New York or San Francisco will be radically different from what is required to settle in a small Midwestern town.

According to Numbeo data for 2025, the cost of living in the United States is on average 12.5% higher than in France. However, this figure hides significant disparities. For example, consumer prices (excluding rent) in New York are 28% higher than in Paris, while in Houston, they are 16% cheaper than in Paris.

To illustrate these differences, let’s take the example of rent. In 2025, the average monthly rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center is:

• $4,364 in San Francisco
• $3,918 in New York
• $2,395 in Miami
• $1,443 in Houston

These figures show just how much the choice of city can impact an expat’s budget. It is therefore crucial to research local costs thoroughly before making your choice.

Housing: The Biggest Expense

For most expats, housing represents the largest portion of the monthly budget. In the United States, real estate prices have seen a sharp increase in recent years, especially in major metropolitan areas.

In 2025, the average price per square meter to buy an apartment in the city center is:

• $10,742 in New York
• $9,687 in San Francisco
• $5,382 in Miami
• $2,691 in Houston

For renters, additional costs like utilities, which are generally not included in the rent, must also be considered. On average, an expat should budget between $100 and $200 per month for electricity, gas, and water.

It is important to note that in many American cities, it is common to have to pay a security deposit equivalent to two or three months’ rent, as well as paying the first month’s rent in advance. This represents a significant amount to pay upfront upon arrival.

Food: Prices Vary by Habits

The food budget in the United States can vary considerably depending on consumption habits. Generally speaking, grocery shopping at American supermarkets is slightly cheaper than in France, especially if you opt for local brands.

Here are some examples of average prices in 2025:

• 1 liter of milk: $1.10
• 1 kg of apples: $4.50
• 1 kg of chicken: $8.80
• 1 bottle of mid-range wine: $12

On the other hand, fresh fruits and vegetables, as well as organic products, can be significantly more expensive than in France. Similarly, products imported from Europe (cheeses, wines, etc.) are often sold at high prices.

As for dining out, prices vary enormously depending on the type of establishment and location. On average, a meal at a mid-range restaurant costs between $15 and $25 per person. Fast food remains an economical option, with meals around $8 to $10.

It is important to note that the tipping culture is deeply ingrained in the United States. It is customary to leave 15 to 20% of the bill at restaurants, which significantly increases the cost of eating out.

Transportation: The Car, a Necessity

In most American cities, owning a car is almost essential. The public transportation network is often limited, with the exception of a few major metropolises like New York or Chicago.

The cost of buying a new mid-range car is around $25,000 to $30,000 in 2025. Added to this are insurance costs, which can be high, especially for newcomers with no driving history in the USA. On average, expect to pay between $1,000 and $2,000 per year for full auto insurance.

Gasoline remains relatively cheaper than in France, with an average price of $0.88 per liter in 2025. However, distances traveled are often greater, which can balance out the difference.

For those living in large cities with good public transportation networks, here are some examples of fares:

• New York: Unlimited monthly pass for subway and bus: $127
• San Francisco: Monthly pass for public transit: $98
• Chicago: Monthly pass for subway and bus: $105

Healthcare: An Expensive System Not to Be Overlooked

The American healthcare system is known to be one of the most expensive in the world. For expats, taking out health insurance is absolutely essential to avoid astronomical bills in case of a medical issue.

In 2025, the average cost of health insurance for a family of four in the United States is around $21,000 per year, or $1,750 per month. This amount can vary considerably depending on the coverage chosen, the state of residence, and the age of the insured.

It is important to understand that even with insurance, medical costs can remain high. Most plans include a deductible and a copayment for each consultation or medical procedure.

Here are some examples of average medical costs in the USA in 2025:

• Visit to a general practitioner: $100 to $200
• Visit to a specialist: $150 to $300
• Emergency room visit: $1,000 to $2,000
• Uncomplicated childbirth: $10,000 to $15,000

These figures underscore the importance of choosing your health insurance wisely and budgeting a significant amount for this expense.

Education: Between Public and Private Schools

For expats with children, education is a crucial aspect to consider. The American education system offers several options, each with its advantages and costs.

Public schools are free for residents of the school district. However, the quality of education can vary considerably from one district to another. In some areas, particularly in affluent suburbs of large cities, public schools are excellent. In others, the level may be lower.

Private schools often offer quality education, but at a high cost. In 2025, the average tuition for a private school in the United States is:

• Elementary school: $12,000 per year
• Secondary school: $16,000 per year

There are also international schools, which often follow the French curriculum or the International Baccalaureate. These schools are particularly popular with expats, but their tuition fees are generally even higher, potentially reaching $30,000 to $40,000 per year in some large cities.

For higher education, costs are also very high. In 2025, the average annual tuition at a public university is around $25,000 for out-of-state students, and can exceed $50,000 per year at prestigious private universities.

Leisure and Culture: Options for Every Budget

The United States offers a wide variety of options for leisure and culture, with costs varying depending on the activity and region.

Gym memberships cost on average between $40 and $80 per month. Movie theaters offer tickets around $12 to $15 for an evening show. Museums often have admission fees between $15 and $25 for an adult, with many discount options or even free days.

For sports fans, tickets to major sporting events can be expensive. For example, a ticket to an NBA game can cost between $50 and $200 depending on the team and seating.

Subscriptions to streaming services are generally cheaper than in France. In 2025, Netflix offers its standard plan at $15.49 per month, while Amazon Prime Video is included in the Prime subscription at $139 per year.

It is important to note that many outdoor activities, such as hiking in national parks or visiting beaches, are free or inexpensive. This can allow you to fully enjoy the diversity of American landscapes without spending too much.

Overall Budget: How Much to Plan for Living in the USA?

The budget needed to live comfortably in the United States varies considerably depending on the city of residence and lifestyle. However, we can give some general estimates for a single person in 2025:

• In a large city like New York or San Francisco: $4,500 to $6,000 per month
• In a mid-sized city like Miami or Chicago: $3,500 to $4,500 per month
• In a small town or rural area: $2,500 to $3,500 per month

For a family of four, these amounts generally need to be multiplied by 2 or 2.5.

These budgets include rent, food, transportation, health insurance, and a reasonable amount for leisure. They do not include tuition for private schools or international travel.

It is important to note that these figures are averages and many factors can cause them to vary. For example, the choice between renting and buying a home can have a significant impact on the long-term budget.

Additionally, you should budget extra for the first few months of settling in, which may include significant expenses such as the housing security deposit, furniture purchases, or international moving costs.

Conclusion: An Expatriation to Prepare Carefully

Expatriating to the United States is an exciting adventure, but one that requires careful preparation, especially financially. The cost of living, generally higher than in France, can vary considerably depending on the region and lifestyle choices.

The most important expense items to consider are housing, healthcare, and, for families, education. It is crucial to thoroughly research the local costs of your chosen city and plan a realistic budget.

Despite these financial challenges, many French expats find that the quality of life and professional opportunities in the United States far outweigh the higher cost of living. With good preparation and careful budget management, expatriation to the USA can be a rewarding and successful experience.