What are the costs of immigrating to the USA?

Moving to the USA requires good planning, especially from a financial perspective. We provide an overview of visa fees, relocation costs, start-up capital and other expenses so that you are well-prepared.

How much money do you need to immigrate to the USA?

Want to pursue your American Dream? No problem — all you need is a Green Card, a strong will, and a little courage. But what does it really cost?

Anticipate a total cost in the 5-figure range, consisting of the following areas:

• Visa fees in the immigration process, medical fees, and travel expenses
• Deposits and/or real estate brokerage fees
• Moving expenses or purchase of household goods and vehicle
• Insurance costs Start-up funds for living expenses in the first few months

Depending on the immigration process and personal situation, there may also be “hidden” costs, e.g., for obtaining certain documents or acquiring licenses for starting work in certain professions.

Costs in the Green Card process

If you want to stay in the USA permanently, the Green Card application is one of the most important steps. But be careful: the costs can vary greatly, depending on which immigration route is suitable for you.

Are you choosing the low-cost route via the Green Card Lottery? Do you want to obtain the employment-based Green Card? Or are you even making plans to marry a US citizen? Here are the costs you can expect:

Entering the Green Card Lottery

For most USA fans, the easiest and quickest way to obtain a permanent residence and work permit for the USA is to take part in the Green Card Lottery, organized by the US government.

The USA is giving away 55,000 Green Cards to applicants from all over the world. You can apply from € 49 with the government-licensed immigration consultants from The American Dream — a very reasonable price.

It is even cheaper if you submit your application on your own, without a professional consultant. However, mistakes are so common here that lead to immediate disqualification that we advise every USA fan to seek professional help.

If you win the Green Card Lottery, you will immediately start the official immigration process including digital immigration petition, correspondence with the US authorities, medical examination, interview at the US embassy and official “activation trip” to the USA.

*Tip: Free flights after winning the Green Card Lottery with The American Dream within the SMART or VIP plan!

Cost of a Green Card through employment, family, or marriage

In contrast to the straightforward Green Card Lottery with its basic costs, employment-based and family-based immigration to the US involves additional costs, for example for the complicated presentation of evidence, which is often accompanied by affidavits.

The requirements for these immigration categories are also very high and are only attainable for close relatives of US citizens and Green Card holders or those with above-average qualifications. It is important to note that you must be sponsored by your future US employer or relative in the US.

As if these were not enough hurdles, immigration through relatives is also subject to extremely long waiting periods — up to 20 years, depending on the family relationship. The only way to immigrate immediately is through marriage — but with very high requirements, an often grueling process of providing evidence, and a two-year “probationary period” for the immigrating spouse.

Looking at these different routes to a green card, it quickly becomes clear that the easiest and cheapest route to the USA for most people is inevitably via the Green Card Lottery.

Costs for a temporary visa

If you are an entrepreneur and want to take the plunge and set up a company in the USA in order to obtain an E-2 investor visa , you will need to make an investment of around $ 80,000 to $ 100,000.

Your expenses must be clearly attributable to the US business, such as the purchase of real estate, tools or other equipment, or even the entire business.

Your E-2 visa is initially issued for five years and may be renewed upon petition for as long as the qualifying business exists. Family members of E-2 investors (spouses and children up to age 21) also receive visas that allow them to work or attend school in the US.

The service fees listed here are an example of those incurred when using the government-approved visa consultants of The American Dream US Visa Service. Theoretically, the application is possible without professional assistance, but in practice, it is hardly feasible.

Immigration attorneys, who are often consulted for their expertise, generally charge significantly higher fees, depending on the complexity of the case.

Moving costs to the USA

Once you have been granted your (immigration) visa to the United States, the next important step begins: the logistics of your move to the USA. Transporting personal belongings across the Atlantic can be particularly expensive.

Not only does the cost depend on the quantity of items to be moved (the average cost of a container is between $ 3,000 and $ 5,000), but compatibility with American standards is typically an obstacle.

Taking furniture to the USA?

You probably won't need some of your furniture, as many houses and apartments in the US come standard with a built-in kitchen and walk-in closet. It is also not necessary to bring mattresses, as most American beds have different dimensions than those in your home country.

Taking a washing machine, dryer, stove, and fridge to the USA?

The electrical system in the United States operates on 110 volts alternating current at a frequency of 60 hertz. However, most other countries use 220–240 volts and 50 hertz. Therefore, any electrical equipment you bring with you must be able to convert to 110 volts, and you will need an additional adapter and/or transformer.

It will also be difficult to find spare parts if repairs are needed. It is therefore better to get rid of your old electrical appliances. In the end, it is cheaper to buy new (or used) appliances in the USA.

Taking your car to the USA?

Most cars can be brought into the US without major problems, as only a few types of cars (e.g., Smart or certain diesel cars) are not allowed. However, you will need to bring your car up to US standards within the first year. This is usually only worthwhile if your car is new or an expensive collector's item.

Converting a vehicle is relatively expensive, costing up to $ 4,000. There are also transportation and customs costs (about $ 2,000), and there may be a shortage of parts for “exotic” models on the US market.

What is the shipment volume of my move?

A 20-foot container has a volume of around 33 cubic meters and normally holds the contents of a 2 to 3-room apartment. The best way to calculate your freight volume is to use a special online calculator (e.g., the Volume Calculator from Schumacher Cargo Logistics).

Typically, you will need to obtain individual quotes before you can determine the exact cost of transportation. Contact several moving companies, such as Henk International, ALLIED Forwarding Group, Compas International Movers, Global Van Lines, BR Logistics, DB Schenker, AGS Worldwide Movers or Interdean, to get the best quote for your personal move to the USA. It's worth comparing prices carefully.

Tip: Some movers offer free storage for a few weeks.

Moving to the USA: by sea or air freight?

Air freight is significantly more expensive than ocean freight, the price increases with the weight, and it is only worthwhile if you are shipping small quantities to the USA. The advantage over ocean containers is of course the faster delivery time. With an expensive express service, you can receive your shipment in as little as 2–3 days. With standard air freight, you can expect a delivery time of 10 to 12 days.

Start-up capital and living costs

In addition to relocation and travel costs, newcomers to the US need to plan for start-up funds for deposits and initial purchases, as well as ongoing living expenses for the first few months.

If you are invited to your Green Card interview at the US embassy, you will normally need to have between $ 7,000 and $ 10,000 in your bank account. If you are emigrating together with your spouse and/or children, then $ 1,500 should be added per additional person.

However, these amounts are only recommendations. Depending on your lifestyle and the area you live in, it may be better to start with $ 20,000. In top cities like New York or Los Angeles, renting an apartment for the whole family can cost up to $ 3,000.

For this reason, many new expatriates opt for cheaper states such as Texas, where the cost of living is significantly lower. According to Statista, the average rental price for a two-bedroom apartment in the US was $ 1,317 in November 2023.

Rent deposit in the USA

In expensive cities, a security deposit can burn a hole in your budget. For this reason, about half of the states in the US have caps on security deposits. Typically, you will pay between one and three and a half months' rent before you get your new apartment in the USA.

Cost of living in the USA

The website Expatisan provides a rough breakdown of average prices for everyday purchases in the USA. Even if we cannot assume daily bargain purchases here, the survey offers a fascinating insight into the US consumer world:

Food costs in the USA

• Lunch menu (including drink) in the business district: $20
• Combo meal at a fast food restaurant: $11
• 500 g chicken breast filet: $5.45
• 1 liter whole milk: $1.05
• 12 eggs, large: $4.40
• 1 kg tomatoes: $4.45
• 500 g domestic cheese: $7
• 1 kg apples: $4.01
• 1 kg potatoes: $2.12
• 0.5 l domestic beer in the supermarket: $3.68
• 1 bottle of red wine, good quality: $17
• 2 liter Coca-Cola: $2.84
• Bread for 2 people for 1 day: $2.65

Housing costs in the USA

• Monthly rent for 85 m² (furnished) in expensive neighborhood: $2,837
• Monthly rent for 85 m² (furnished) in a normal neighborhood: $2,127
• Service charges 1 month for 2 persons in 85 m² apartment: $220
• Monthly rent for 45 m² (furnished) in expensive neighborhood: $1,984
• Monthly rent for 45 m² (furnished) in a normal neighborhood: $1,488
• Service charges 1 month for 1 person in 45 m² apartment: $161
• Internet 8 Mbps (1 month): $61
• 40-inch flat screen TV: $266
• Microwave (800/900 Watt, Bosch, Panasonic, LG, Sharp): $139
• Detergent (3 l): $14

Clothing costs in the USA

• 1 pair of jeans (Levis 501 or similar): $56
• 1 summer dress in a store (e.g., Zara, H&M): $55
• 1 pair of sports shoes (Nike, Adidas, or similar): $100
• 1 pair of men's leather shoes for business: $136

Getting around the USA

• VW Golf 1.4 TSI 150 CV (or similar), new: $29,170
• 1 liter gasoline: $0.96
• Monthly ticket for public transportation: $77
• Health and Body Care in the USA Cold medicine for 6 days (e.g., Tylenol): $9
• 1 pack of antibiotics (12 doses): $24
• Short visit to private doctor (15 minutes): $162
• 1 pack of tampons (32 pieces): $9
• Deodorant (50 ml): $4.93
• Shampoo (2-in-1, 400 ml): $6
• 4 rolls of toilet paper: $4.77
• Toothpaste (tube): $2.42
• Standard haircut for men: $30

Leisure and entertainment in the USA

• Simple dinner for two at the pub: $59
• 2 movie tickets: $29
• 2 theater tickets (best seats): $220
• Dinner for two at an Italian restaurant (incl. wine, dessert): $101
• 1 cocktail in a bar: $14
• Cappuccino in the business district: $5.76
• 1 beer in a pub (500 ml): $7
• iPad Wi-Fi 128 GB: $509
• 1 minute prepaid cell phone plan: $0.55
• 1 month gym membership in the business district: $64

Of course, these averages can vary widely if you look at individual regions instead of the entire United States. You can find out where it is particularly expensive (e.g., California and Hawaii) or particularly cheap (e.g., West Virginia and Oklahoma) in the current “Cost of Living Index”.

Cost of Living Index in the USA

The American Cost of Living Index shows how much the cost of living in a region differs from the national average. The average is represented by the number 100. States above 100 are considered expensive or very expensive, while states below 95 are considered cheap.

If you would like to take a look behind the scenes of this graphic, you will find what you are looking for at https://meric.mo.gov/data/cost-living-data-series.

Healthcare costs in the USA

Most Americans get their health insurance through their employer or buy it on the private market. This means that competition and pricing is in the hands of private insurance companies and healthcare providers, not the government.

According to the Kaiser Family Foundation's Employer Health Benefits Survey, the average annual premium cost for health insurance for an employee in the US in 2023 was $ 8,431 for single coverage and $ 23,968 for family coverage.

Please note that in addition to the annual premiums, there may be additional expenses from deductibles and co-payments. Annual deductibles can be around $ 2,000 or more, depending on the insurance package you choose.

It is advisable for future immigrants to take out travel health insurance that covers the first few months in the United States. This will allow you to browse the US government's Health Insurance Marketplace at your leisure.

Registering for health insurance in the USA

The enrollment process for your health insurance in the USA requires extensive documentation. Make sure you have your Green Card (or equivalent proof of residency status) and personal and financial information such as Social Security Number, current health insurance details, and information about your employer and income.

Create an account at www.healthcare.gov/create-account. Based on the information you provide, the Marketplace will show you the plans you qualify for, including possible subsidies.

Before you apply, make sure you understand who you need to include in your household and how to estimate your income. Compare different plans in terms of monthly premiums, deductibles, co-pays, and coverage for drugs and services, and make sure your preferred doctors and hospitals are included in the networks of the plans you're considering.

After you enroll and pay your first premium, you will receive a confirmation letter and later your policy documents, including your insurance card, in the mail.

How can I live on my salary in the USA?

Visa and relocation costs, rent deposits, and living expenses in the first few months can quickly run into five figures when immigrating to the USA. At the same time, however, the American labor market, especially in in-demand professions, offers attractive salaries that justify the financial outlay in the long term.

Competition for labor in the US is fierce, and many companies offer attractive benefits such as health insurance and generous “perks” to attract and retain qualified employees.

Here are some examples of typical annual salaries for high-demand professions in the US:

• Speech therapist: $ 92,630
• Data Scientist: $ 119,040
• Information Security Analyst: $ 124,740
• Nurse Practitioner: $ 128,490
• Physician Assistant: $ 130,490
• Actuary: $ 132,500
• Medical and Health Services Manager: $ 134,440
• Software Developer: $ 138,110
• Finance Manager: $ 174,820
• IT Manager: $ 180,720

Your profession is not listed? Then find out about your expected salary in the USA from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Our advice to you: Carefully plan the financial aspects of your move to the USA and seek advice from an expert if you are unsure. This will enable you to successfully take the step into your new life as a Resident in America.

Do you have further questions about immigrating to the USA? Then you are sure to find what you are looking for in the following articles.

• Green Card Lottery Participation Requirements
• Green Card Lottery Instructions
• Moving to the USA
• Living in the USA
• Working in the USA