New to America: What is the Average Monthly Cost of Living in USA? (2024)

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Inflation and cost of living

The cost of living for any American is impacted by inflation. Inflation is a decrease in the purchasing power of our money, as reflected in a general increase in the prices of goods and services.

Inflation can happen when prices increase due to increased production costs like raw materials and wages or an increase in demand for products and services, which means consumers are willing to pay more for them.

At the time of writing, inflation is around 7%. That means a pencil that cost $1 in 2020 would cost $1.07 today. That’s inflation at work.

Common monthly expenses in the USA

These are some common monthly expenses in America and their average costs:

Total: $5,172

Don’t be alarmed by that number! Remember, these are averages. And some people won’t have all of these expenses. If you live in a walkable city or one with a robust public transit system, you won’t have any gas expenses, and your transportation expenses will be much lower, maybe even $0, if you walk and cycle a lot.

A combined $808 per month for food is high unless you’re a family with a few members. A single person wouldn’t need to spend nearly that much. Some employers pay all or part of their employee’s health insurance premiums, and if you don’t have children and aren’t in school yourself, you won’t have any educational expenses.

Upwardli can help

For some, the cost of living in the US is a relief! It’s much lower than it was at home. And for some, it’s an enormous change, much more costly than at home or with many new expenses. America largely does not subsidize things like health care, child care, or education as many countries do.

Whatever your situation, Upwardli can help you find the financial tools you need to succeed in the US, including credit cards, apps, savings accounts, and personal loans.

With Upwardli, you’ll get pre-approved instantly - no credit check or deposit required! Each account includes an unsecured line of credit designed to build credit fast. We report your progress to the credit bureaus to help establish your credit history.

New to America: What is the Average Monthly Cost of Living in USA? (2024)

FAQs

New to America: What is the Average Monthly Cost of Living in USA? ›

What is the average cost of living in the US? The average cost of living in the United States is estimated to be between $2,500 and $3,500 per month, depending on your location and lifestyle. This includes housing, food, transportation, health care, taxes, and other expenses.

What is the average cost of living in the US per month? ›

The average cost of living in usa can range between $2500 and $3500 per month, depending on your location and lifestyle. This covers housing, food, transportation, health care, taxes and other expenses.

How much does the average American live on per month? ›

According to the same 2022 BLS study, the average American's monthly expenses are $6,080, 1 which is about 77% of the average monthly income before taxes. This list of expenses covers everything from housing, health insurance and food to entertainment, personal care products and books.

How much do you need to live in US for a month? ›

Again, living expenses vary significantly by location, but we can use some average numbers. The average monthly living expenses for a single person in the USA are $3,189, which is $38,266 per year. The average cost for a family of four is $7,095 per month, which is $85,139 per year.

How much does it cost for 1 person to live in us? ›

Average monthly expenses in 2022 for one person were $3,693, or $44,312 annually. This represented an 8.5% increase, or $287.75 per month, from 2021. In 2021, the average monthly expenses for a single individual totaled $3,405.

Can you live on $1000 a month in the US? ›

But it is possible to live well even on a small amount of money. Surviving on $1,000 a month requires careful budgeting, prioritizing essential expenses, and finding ways to save money. Cutting down on housing costs by sharing living spaces or finding affordable options is crucial.

Is 3,000 dollars a month good in the US? ›

Can You Live on 3000 a Month? Whether $3000 a month is good for you depends on the number of family members you have and the quality of living you want to sustain. If you're single and don't have a family to take care of, $3000 is enough to get you through the month comfortably.

What is a decent salary to live in us? ›

The national median for living comfortably alone is $89,461, which suggests that a 50/30/20 budget might not be practical for most single people.

What is the average monthly grocery bill? ›

Considering the Thrifty and Liberal plan averages, the monthly grocery cost for an adult male falls between $275.63 and $434.33, while the average for an adult female ranges from $238.46 to $384.93.

What do average Americans make a month? ›

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor, the average U.S. annual salary in Q4 of 2023 was $59,384. This is up 5.4% from the same time period in 2022 when the average American was making $56,316 per year. Average weekly earnings reached $1,142, while the average American made $4,949 per month in Q4 of 2023.

Can you live in USA on $2000 a month? ›

Retiring on $2,000 per month is very possible,” said Gary Knode, president at Safe Harbor Financial. “In my practice, I've seen it work. The key is reducing expenses and eliminating any market risk that could impact your savings if there were a major market downturn.

Is $4000 a month enough to live on? ›

Bottom Line. With $800,000 in savings, you can probably cover $4,000 in monthly living costs. However, retirement accounts alone cannot safely sustain that spending for a 25- or 30-year retirement.

How much does a US citizen spend monthly? ›

The average household's monthly expenses are $6,081 ($72,967 over the entire year). That's up from $5,557 ($66,928 over the entire year) in 2022. The average annual income after taxes is $83,195, up from $78,743 in 2022. Housing is the largest average cost at $2,025 per month, making up 33% of typical spending.

What is the cheapest country to live in? ›

These Are the 10 Cheapest Countries to Move to If You're Ready to Leave the U.S.
  • Costa Rica. ...
  • Mexico. ...
  • Panama. ...
  • Vietnam. ...
  • Malaysia. ...
  • Thailand. ...
  • Greece. ...
  • Ecuador. You'll spend just $600 for a comfortable apartment in Ecuador, where you'll also get to use the U.S. dollar.
May 9, 2024

Is Canada cheaper than the US? ›

On average, living in the USA tends to be more expensive compared to Canada. However, it's vital to understand that these costs vary significantly within each country. While some expenses may be higher in Canada, such as food and real estate, the USA faces higher costs in areas like healthcare and education.

How much is rent in the US per month? ›

What is the average rent in the United States? The average rent in the United States is $1,517/month. This is 0.7% higher than this time last year. The states with the largest rent increases when compared to last year include North Dakota, Vermont, and Mississippi.

What is the monthly income to live comfortably in the US? ›

Key Findings. On average, an individual needs $96,500 for sustainable comfort in a major U.S. city. This includes being able to pay off debt and invest for the future.

How much does the average American pay per month? ›

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor, the average U.S. annual salary in Q4 of 2023 was $59,384. This is up 5.4% from the same time period in 2022 when the average American was making $56,316 per year. Average weekly earnings reached $1,142, while the average American made $4,949 per month in Q4 of 2023.

What is the average US rent per month? ›

What is the average rent in the United States? The average rent in the United States is $1,517/month. This is 0.7% higher than this time last year. The states with the largest rent increases when compared to last year include North Dakota, Vermont, and Mississippi.

How much does a month in USA cost? ›

What are the general living expenses for the USA? How much can you get by on?
Living expenses in the USA (excluding rent)New York average costSan Francisco average cost
Single person, per month$1,100$1,114
Single person, per year$13,200$13,368
University student, per month$794$852
Four person family, per month$4,045$4,118
1 more row

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