United States
Cost of living, salaries, tax rates & quality of life
Quick Facts
Key stats and figures for United States
Capital
Washington, D.C.
Languages
English
Currency
US Dollar (USD)
Cost of Living
Same as US
Avg. Salary
$ 52k/yr
Timezone
UTC-5 to -10
Population
335 million
Expats
51.6 million
Quality of Life
Based on Numbeo Quality of Life Index
Cost of Living & Salary Benchmarks
Compare expenses and earning potential across major cities
| City | Rent | Total |
|---|---|---|
| New York | $4,478 | $5,306 |
| San Francisco | $3,200 | $3,950 |
| Austin | $1,800 | $2,430 |
Rent based on 1-bedroom apartment in city center. All values in USD/month.
Professions selected based on global skilled worker visa demand, international shortage occupation lists, and career mobility potential for relocating professionals.
| Profession | Min | Max | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Technology | |||
| Software Engineer | $100,000 | $200,000 | |
| Data Scientist | $95,000 | $180,000 | |
| Product Manager | $110,000 | $190,000 | |
| Healthcare | |||
| Registered Nurse | $60,000 | $110,000 | |
| Medical Doctor (GP) | $180,000 | $320,000 | |
| Engineering | |||
| Mechanical Engineer | $70,000 | $130,000 | |
| Civil Engineer | $65,000 | $120,000 | |
| Marketing | |||
| Marketing Manager | $75,000 | $140,000 | |
| Digital Marketing Specialist | $50,000 | $85,000 | |
| Finance | |||
| Financial Analyst | $65,000 | $120,000 | |
| Legal | |||
| Lawyer | $80,000 | $220,000 | |
Salaries are annual gross estimates. Actual compensation may vary based on experience, company, and location.
Tax Rates
Key tax information for United States
Personal Income Tax
10%-37% (federal) + state
Corporate Tax
21% (federal)
Capital Gains Tax
0%-20% (long-term) + 3.8% NIIT
VAT / Sales Tax
No federal VAT; state sales tax 0%-10.25%
Good to Know
Worldwide taxation for citizens and residents
Language & Culture
What to expect when living in United States
Official Languages
English Proficiency
HighLanguage Requirements
English proficiency required for most visas
Good to Know
No official language, but English is de facto standard
Popular Visa Pathways to United States
United StatesH-1B — Specialty Occupation Worker
The H-1B is a US specialty-occupation visa administered by USCIS for foreign professionals in roles requiring at least a bachelor's degree in a specific field. The employer must obtain a certified Labor Condition Application from DOL and pay at least the prevailing wage. Annual cap is 85,000 (65,000 general + 20,000 US master's) selected by lottery; cap-exempt employers face no limit. Initial stay is 3 years, extendable to 6 - with longer extensions if a green card petition is pending. Standard I-129 filing fee is $780 ($460 for small employers/nonprofits), with optional $2,965 premium processing for a 15-business-day decision. Standard adjudication runs 5-8+ months. H-1B allows dual intent and a green-card pathway; spouses join on H-4 and may work with an approved I-140. This visa is ideal for foreign professionals with a US specialty job offer in tech, engineering, or medicine seeking a renewable work pathway toward permanent residence.
United StatesO-1A — Extraordinary Ability - Sciences/Business/Education/Athletics
The O-1A is a US nonimmigrant visa for individuals with extraordinary ability in sciences, business, education, or athletics. No annual cap applies and no specific degree is required — applicants must show sustained national or international acclaim by meeting at least 3 of 8 evidentiary criteria. Initial stay is up to 3 years, with extensions in 1-year increments and no maximum total duration. Dual intent is permitted, making it a common precursor to EB-1 permanent residence. Spouses and unmarried children under 21 qualify for O-3 status but may not work. This visa is ideal for top scientists, executives, academics, or athletes who can document sustained international acclaim and have a US employer or agent to file on their behalf.
United StatesEB-2 — Employment Second Preference - Advanced Degree
The EB-2 is a US employment-based green card for professionals with an advanced degree (master's or higher, or a bachelor's plus five years of progressive experience) or individuals of exceptional ability in the sciences, arts, or business. Around 40,040 visas are available per year, each granting permanent residence directly. Most applicants need employer sponsorship and PERM labor certification; the National Interest Waiver (NIW) lets qualifying individuals self-petition without a job offer. Spouses and children join as dependents and may work. This visa is ideal for advanced-degree professionals and high-ability experts seeking US permanent residence, particularly those qualifying for the NIW.
Latest News
The United States in the News
Recent coverage on visas, policy changes and life in the United States
No Family Abroad? Here's How People Actually Get Permanent Residence
Nearly half of all new permanent residents in OECD countries qualify through family. Without that route, the options are an employer, a government nomination, a points test, a fast-track permit or capital — and the biggest routes in the biggest destinations are not always the best-known ones.
Why Americans Are Looking at New Zealand — and the Visa Changes Behind It
Americans are now the largest group applying for New Zealand's investor visa, and remote workers, investors and skilled migrants alike are benefiting from a year and a half of rule changes. Here's what actually changed, and which pathway fits which kind of applicant.
What Is a Transit Visa? Rules by Country
A transit visa lets you pass through a country on your way to another one — it is not a tourist visa and does not let you stay. Here is what it actually covers, when you need one, and how the rules differ across the US, UK, Canada, Australia, the Schengen Area, Japan and Singapore.
Data Sources
Last updated: July 2026
Disclaimer: The information on this page is for general guidance only and should not be considered legal or financial advice. Cost of living, salary, and quality of life data are estimates based on third-party sources and may vary. Always verify current information with official government sources before making immigration decisions.