Thinking of moving to the United States? We look at the advantages and disadvantages of living in the US for expats

Have you been fortunate enough to have been offered the chance to move to the United States and wondered if it’s right for you? Do the pros outweigh the cons of living in the US? On the one hand, you have seen the glossy images of the rich and famous, living the American Dream, but on the other, you may have been put off by all the news stories and politics in the media. So what is the reality of living in the US?

Previously we have written about the many great reasons to move the USA. Now we take a closer look at the pros and cons of moving to America so you can decide for yourself. The grass is not always greener and we need to be careful of looking at the world through rose-tinted glasses.

Like any country, the United States is far from perfect, but it does offer unparalleled opportunities. As long as you are aware of both the good and bad, you can be realistic about your expectations and you can be prepared for any downsides. Overall, the vast majority of our customers that move to the States have no regrets and most say it was one of the best decisions they ever made.

So what are the Pros of living in the United States?

If you live in America, you will always have something to do. Much of what we see on TV is real; the US has sandy beaches, picturesque mountains, chic city life and highly respected universities. However, before we start packing up our homes and start uprooting our families, let us look at some of the pros and benefits of living in the USA, and later, the cons.

Pro: America is beautiful in every way

The song “America the Beautiful” might be a bit of a cliché but it is certainly true. The United States is blessed by a huge range of stunning landscapes of every description. With vistas including the Grand Canyon, Florida Everglades, the Colorado Rockies, Utah’s Monument Valley to name just a few, you’ll never be far from stepping into a movie set! The Glacier National Park in Montana is perfect for those who are looking for an adventure as you can explore historical chalets, lodges and lakes.

You also have the Acadia National Park, famous for its stunning fall foliage and landscapes. If you love beaches, you have states such as California and Florida, which are home to the famous Santa Monica and Miami beaches. They are perfect if you are looking to take photos at sunset, and you have lots of restaurants and entertainment nearby.

Pro: Americans enjoy the highest average household income in the world

If you are looking for a better lifestyle for you and your family, America is perfect. The United States boasts an impressive income per capita measure of $54,854, and has the highest average income in the world. The key sectors in America include financial services, technology, professional and business services, manufacturing and health care. Furthermore, no matter what industry you are working in, America provides unrivalled opportunities to progress in your career.

Pro: America is so large you are guaranteed to find your perfect climate

The top-rated three states for the perfect climate are Florida, California and Hawaii but there are other great options. If you like good weather but prefer it slightly cooler, Georgia, Louisiana and Pennsylvania are all ideal. If you prefer the cold, Minnesota and Maine are some of the colder states in the USA but they also have many great attractions such as the Grand Teton and the Devils Tower National Monument.

Pro: Large, spacious and beautiful homes at very affordable prices

Americans enjoy more than twice the average living space of EU residents as land prices are much lower compared to other countries in the world. In addition, as most houses are constructed with wood, they are generally much larger and more spacious inside. It may be possible for you to swap your two bedroom terrace for a four bedroom detached family dwelling, as America provides good value for money properties. If you’re lucky, you may also have additional features such as a cellar, double garage and even a swimming pool!

Pro: Exceptionally friendly staff make every experience a good

The friendly, positive and outgoing nature of Americans is the foundation of their outstanding reputation for customer service. You really do feel that ‘the customer is always right and nothing is too much trouble. In the United States you’ll be greeted with smiles and ‘How may I help you?” and ‘Have a nice day!’ ending every interaction.

Cons of living in the USA for expats

It is evident that America is one of the most astounding countries in the world. but of course, it’s not perfect. However, knowing the disadvantages and downsides means that you can be better prepared. Here are a few of the cons or disadvantages and living in America that may be worth considering:

Con: Getting a work visa or green card is hard

The biggest obstacle to living in the United States is getting a work permit or green card. This dashes the hopes of many looking to pursue the American dream. However, there are still many opportunities if you have the right qualifications, or can transfer from an international company.

There are some good immigration agents that can help or you could try for a short-term work visa or a holiday home. If you are very committed, you may end up falling in love and marrying an American citizen!

Con: The dollar is a very strong currency

Whilst the dollar being the world’s leading currency is a great thing once you move there and start earning, the current strength of the dollar can be a disadvantage when you are transferring your money to the US. Fortunately using a specialist foreign exchange broker can help you get the most from your currency transfer. Also, as property and many consumer goods are cheaper stateside, you are less likely to notice it.

Con: A car is vital to get around

The United States is so huge and there is long distance between towns and cities. As most towns are laid out in blocks, owning a car is very useful for getting around. On the positive side, cars are cheap to buy and run, especially with lower gas prices. If you cannot drive, try to find somewhere to live with good public transport connections.

Con: There is no free health service

The US does not have a national health service so you will need to have private medical insurance. Fortunately, many big employers offer this as part of your benefits package and this is likely to be the case if you are moving as an expat. However, as long as you budget for health care when you plan your move to the United States, it should not be a big problem.

Con: Hidden sales taxes

Unlike in the UK and other countries, sales taxes (VAT) are not displayed on the shelf price, which can be annoying when you first arrive and get a nasty surprise at the checkout! However, once you get used to the system, you will soon be able to work prices out and take satisfaction that consumer goods are often cheaper in the USA than elsewhere. Another compensation though is that income tax tends to be a lot lower in the US.