How much does it cost to live in the USA?

Rent is the biggest cost almost everywhere in the US, and it varies more between cities than it does in the UK. Health insurance and childcare are the costs that surprise British families most.

Rent by city

US rents are quoted by the month. These are Zillow’s average asking rents for each city in October 2026 (market data, not an official figure). Suburbs are often cheaper, but you may then need a car.

Zillow puts the national average at $2,000 a month. Averages for larger homes swing a lot because few are listed, so check listings for the size you need. You’ll usually also pay a security deposit and fees up front. See Choosing a city and Renting.

Bills

In most rentals you pay your own electricity and internet; ask whether heat, gas and water are included. In 2024 the average Texas or Florida home used about 1,100 kWh of electricity a month, nearly twice as much as a home in New York or Massachusetts.

Home internet averaged $81.16 a month nationally in a March 2026 survey. Mobile plans vary widely by carrier and number of lines; see Phones and internet.

Food

The US Department of Agriculture publishes monthly food budgets. These use its moderate-cost plan for August 2026, including its own adjustment for household size.

Sales tax, tipping and where to shop are in Food shopping.

Getting around

See Getting around without a car and Driving.

Health insurance and childcare

• Employer health cover: in 2025 the average worker paid $1,440 a year for single cover and $6,850 for family cover, on top of deductibles and copays. See Healthcare and insurance
• Childcare: the national average price was $13,184 a year in 2025 (about £9,990). Ask local centres for their rates
• School: public schools are free, but many families choose where to live by school district. See Schools

A sample monthly budget in Chicago

This adds up the figures above for Chicago, a mid-priced city in our table; rents are Zillow’s average asking rents for October 2026. The family health figure is the KFF average for family cover; couples often pay a little less. It leaves out state and federal tax, phones, a car, eating out, childcare and holidays.

Renting a one-bedroom in New York instead would add about $1,675 a month; in Austin it would save about $600. Try your own numbers in the cost of living calculator. It uses Zillow median asking rents (6 October 2026), so its figures differ slightly from these averages.