Is America a good place to live? A guide for UK expats
Is America a good place to live? For many British expats the answer is yes, thanks to higher salaries, more living space and huge variety from one state to the next. For others, the cost of healthcare, the reliance on cars and fewer paid holidays tip the balance the other way. This guide gives you a balanced view of life in the USA for UK expats in 2026, so you can decide whether it suits you.
| 50 states with very different costs and laws |
11 federal public holidays a year |
5 to 9 weeks sea freight to the USA |
from £180 one suitcase by sea |
Checked October 2026. Figures below use 2026 data from US government sources such as the Bureau of Labor Statistics and the Census Bureau where available. Costs and rules vary widely by state, so check local sources for the area you are considering.
Is America a good place to live? The short answer
America is a good place to live if you value career opportunities, higher pay in skilled roles and a wide choice of climates and lifestyles. It is less suited to you if you want guaranteed paid leave, low cost healthcare without an employer plan, or a life without a car. The right state makes a big difference.
Pros and cons of living in America
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Higher salaries in tech, healthcare, finance and engineering | Healthcare is tied to employment and can be expensive |
| Larger homes and more space for your money in many states | No legal right to paid annual leave; 10 to 15 days is common |
| Lower fuel prices and cheaper cars | Most areas need a car, often two per household |
| Huge variety of climates, landscapes and cities | Visas for UK citizens can be hard to get |
| Strong university and research sector | Tipping and sales tax add to everyday costs |
| English speaking, with familiar culture and media | Gun laws and safety concerns in some areas |
Healthcare in the USA
There is no equivalent of the NHS. Most working age people get health insurance through their employer, with the employer paying a large share of the premium. You still pay deductibles, co-pays and co-insurance when you use care. If you are self employed or your employer does not offer cover, you can buy a plan through the federal or state Health Insurance Marketplace.
| Cost | Typical 2026 range |
|---|---|
| Employee share of employer plan (single) | Around $100 to $200 a month |
| Employee share of employer plan (family) | Around $500 to $700 a month |
| Annual deductible (single) | Around $1,500 to $3,000 |
| GP visit with insurance | Around $20 to $50 co-pay |
| Emergency room visit without insurance | Often $1,500 or more |
Before you accept a job offer, compare health plans as carefully as the salary. Check HealthCare.gov for the official Marketplace rules.
Cost of living and salaries
Costs vary more between US states than between UK regions. A one bedroom flat in Manhattan can cost over $4,000 a month, while the same flat in parts of Texas or the Midwest may cost $1,100 to $1,400.
| Area | One bed rent per month | Typical household income |
|---|---|---|
| New York City | $3,500 to $4,500 | High, with very high costs |
| San Francisco Bay Area | $3,000 to $3,600 | Very high in tech |
| Austin, Texas | $1,400 to $1,700 | Above average, no state income tax |
| Raleigh, North Carolina | $1,400 to $1,600 | Above average |
| Columbus, Ohio | $1,100 to $1,350 | Close to the national median |
| UK comparison: London | £1,900 to £2,300 | UK median full time pay around £39,000 |
US salaries are generally higher than UK pay for the same role. The US median household income is around $80,000 a year. Professionals such as software engineers, nurses and pharmacists often earn far more than UK equivalents, but you pay more for healthcare, childcare and university.
Culture, work and lifestyle
American culture will feel familiar in many ways, but there are differences that take adjustment.
- Work culture: longer hours and fewer paid holidays are common. Annual leave is set by your employer, not by law.
- Customer service and tipping: tipping 18% to 20% in restaurants is expected, and sales tax is added at the till.
- Community: neighbourhoods, schools, sports and local groups are central to social life, which helps newcomers settle.
- Diversity: outlooks, politics and customs differ greatly between regions, cities and rural areas.
- Driving: you can usually drive on your UK licence for a short time, then you need a state licence.
Safety by region
Safety in the USA depends heavily on the neighbourhood. FBI national data show violent crime has fallen in recent years, and many suburbs and smaller cities have low crime rates. Natural hazards also differ by region, so factor them into your choice.
| Region | What to know |
|---|---|
| Northeast (New England, New York) | Many low crime suburbs and small towns; harsh winters |
| Midwest | Affordable and family friendly; crime concentrated in some city districts; tornado risk |
| South | Fast growing, lower costs; hurricane risk on the Gulf and Atlantic coasts |
| Mountain West (Utah, Idaho, Colorado) | Generally low crime; wildfire risk in summer |
| West Coast | Mixed by city; earthquake and wildfire risk |
Look up local crime maps and school ratings for the exact area before you sign a lease.
Best states for UK expats
| State | Why expats choose it | Watch out for |
|---|---|---|
| North Carolina | Research Triangle jobs, mild climate, good value | Hurricanes on the coast |
| Texas | No state income tax, strong job growth | Hot summers, car dependency |
| Florida | No state income tax, sunshine, large British community | Home insurance costs, hurricanes |
| Massachusetts | Healthcare, education and biotech jobs | High rents and winters |
| Colorado | Outdoor lifestyle, tech jobs | Rising housing costs |
| Washington | Tech salaries, no state income tax | High costs in Seattle |
For more detail, see our guide to the best places to live in the USA.
America rewards careful planning: pick your state, your job and your health plan together, and the move makes far more sense.
Visas and moving your belongings
UK citizens cannot simply move to the USA to live and work. You will need a visa such as an H-1B, L-1, E-2 or O-1, or a green card through family or employment. Our guide to the work visa options for UK citizens explains each route. Always check the U.S. Department of State and USCIS for current requirements. This is general guidance and not legal advice.
Sea freight to the USA takes around 5 to 9 weeks door to door and air freight around 5 to 10 days. Book sea freight 4 to 8 weeks before your move. Household goods are cleared by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), and Anglo Pacific prepares the customs paperwork with you.
Ten tips before you decide
- Visit your shortlisted city in more than one season.
- Compare salary offers after health insurance costs.
- Check state income tax and property tax, not only rent.
- Research school districts if you have children.
- Budget for a car and US car insurance from day one.
- Get a letter of no claims history from your UK insurer.
- Start building a US credit history as soon as you arrive.
- Keep your UK pension and tax affairs in order with professional advice.
- Ship only what suits your new home; US electrical items use 110V.
- Book shipping early so your belongings arrive soon after you do.
Frequently asked questions
1. Is America a good place to live for British people?
It can be, especially if you have a skilled job offer. Higher pay and more space appeal to many expats, but healthcare costs and limited paid leave are common drawbacks.
2. Is it cheaper to live in the USA or the UK?
It depends on the state. Rent and fuel are cheaper in much of the South and Midwest, while healthcare, childcare and coastal cities can cost more than in the UK.
3. Do I get free healthcare in the USA?
No. Most people use employer health insurance. You can buy cover through the Health Insurance Marketplace if your employer does not provide it.
4. How much holiday will I get in America?
There is no legal minimum. Many employers offer 10 to 15 days of paid leave plus federal public holidays.
5. Which US state is best for UK expats?
Popular choices include North Carolina, Texas, Florida, Massachusetts, Colorado and Washington, depending on your job and lifestyle.
6. Is America safe to live in?
Most suburbs and smaller cities are safe, and national violent crime has fallen. Safety varies by neighbourhood, so research local data.
7. Can I use my UK driving licence in the USA?
Usually for a short period as a visitor. Once you are resident, you need a licence from your state.
8. Do I need a visa to live in America?
Yes. You need an immigrant or non-immigrant visa, such as an H-1B, L-1, E-2 or O-1, or a green card.
9. How long does it take to ship my belongings to the USA?
Sea freight takes around 5 to 9 weeks and air freight around 5 to 10 days door to door.
10. Where can I find official information about moving to the USA?
Use the U.S. Department of State for visas, USCIS for green cards and CBP for customs rules.
Ready to move to America?
Read our complete guide to moving to America from the UK and our guide to ESTA and US entry. Compare removals to the USA, luggage shipping to the USA and shipping boxes to the USA, then get a free quote.
