Living expenses in the United States - A detailed analysis of costs

Living expenses in the United States - A detailed analysis of costs

When planning to settle in the United States, understanding the cost of living here is extremely important. According to the latest reports, the average cost of living in the United States is around 20,800 - 26,000 USD per year, equivalent to 1,733 - 2,167 USD per month. Let’s take a closer look at each expense to prepare as best as possible for your settlement journey.

Overview of living expenses in the United States today

The average cost of living in the United States, about 20,800 - 26,000 USD per year, includes housing rent, transportation, internet, electricity, and many other expenses. This figure can vary significantly depending on the state, city, and personal lifestyle.

Chi phí sinh hoạt tại Mỹ trung bình khoảng 20.800 - 26.000 USD mỗi năm

The average cost of living in the United States is around 20,800 - 26,000 USD per year

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the average annual salary in the United States in 2023 was about 60,000 USD. This indicates that living expenses account for roughly 35-43% of income, leaving a considerable amount for savings.

Detailed analysis of major expenses

1. Housing costs - the largest part of the budget

Rent by type of housing

  • Studio/1-bedroom apartment: $800 - $2,500/month

  • 2-bedroom apartment: $1,200 - $3,500/month

  • Family house: $1,500 - $5,000/month

  • Shared housing: $400 - $1,200/month

Buying a house

  • Average home price: $350,000 - $500,000

  • Mortgage term: 15-30 years

  • Interest rate: 6-8% in 2025

Chi phí nhà ở là khoản lớn nhất trong ngân sách

Housing costs are the largest expense in the budget"

2. Monthly food expenses

On average, a person in the United States spends about 300-470 USD per month on food. Details are as follows:

Cooking at home:

  • Rice (1kg): $6.10

  • Beef (1kg): $15-25

  • Chicken (1kg): $8-12

  • Vegetables and fruits: $50-80/tháng

  • Milk (1 liter): $3-4

Eating out:

  • Fast food meal: $8-15

  • Mid-range restaurant: $15-30/person

  • High-end restaurant: $40-80/person

3. Transportation

Owning a car:

  • Used car: $5.000 - $15.000

  • New car: $25.000 - $45.000

  • Car insurance: $100 - $300/tháng

  • Gasoline: $150 - $250/tháng

  • Maintenance: $50 - $100/tháng

Public transportation:

  • Subway monthly pass: $80 - $150

  • Bus: $50 - $100/tháng

  • Uber/Lyft: $200 - $400/tháng

4. Monthly utilities and services

  • Electricity: $80 - $150/tháng

  • Water: $30 - $70/tháng

  • Internet: $50 - $100/tháng

  • Phone: $40 - $80/tháng

  • Cable TV: $60 - $120/tháng

5. Health insurance

  • Individual plan: $300 - $600/month

  • Family plan: $800 - $1,500/month

  • Basic doctor visit: $150 - $300/visit

  • Medication: $50 - $200/month

Living expenses by state

  • California: $28.000 - $35.000/year

  • New York: $26.000 - $32.000/year

  • Massachusetts: $25.000 - $30.000/year

  • Hawaii: $30.000 - $38.000/year

  • Texas: $18.000 - $23.000/year

  • Florida: $19.000 - $24.000/year

  • Ohio: $16.000 - $21.000/year

  • Tennessee: $17.000 - $22.000/year

Comparison of living expenses between the United States and Vietnam

Price differences:

  • Housing: 5-10 times higher in the United States

  • Food: 3-5 times higher in the United States

  • Transportation: similar or 20-30% higher in the United States

  • Healthcare: 10-15 times higher in the United States

However, income in the United States is also much higher:

  • Average salary in the United States: $60,000/year

  • Average salary in Vietnam: $3,500/year

  • Difference: about 17 times higher

Financial assistance programs

For low-income individuals:

  • SNAP (Food Stamps): Support for purchasing food

  • Medicaid: Free health insurance

  • Section 8: Housing rental assistance

  • LIHEAP: Utility cost assistance

For families with children:

  • WIC: Nutrition support for women and children

  • Child Tax Credit: Tax reduction for families with children

  • Free School Lunch: Free meals at school

Although the cost of living in the United States is high, it can still be managed with proper financial planning. On average, one needs $20,800 - $26,000/year for basic living, and $60,000 - $80,000/year for a more comfortable lifestyle.

Chi phí sinh hoạt tại Mỹ tuy cao nhưng vẫn có thể quản lý được

Living expenses in the United States may be high, but they can still be managed

Are you considering settling in the United States and need financial advice? Quoc Tich Thu Hai, with its team of experienced experts, will help you create a detailed financial plan and provide guidance on immigration programs that match your budget and goals. Contact us today at https://quoctichthuhai.com/ for free consultation and the latest updates on living costs as well as U.S. immigration opportunities..

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