Facts About The United States

Cost of Living in the United States (2025)

Cost of Living in the United States (2025): A Practical Guide

Key takeaways
  • Housing and healthcare are the two biggest variables across the U.S.
  • Coasts and superstar metros (NYC, SF Bay Area, LA, Boston, DC, Seattle
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) are highest; many Midwestern and Southern cities are lower.

  • Visitors and some non-residents should secure private medical coverage; citizens/residents typically choose employer plans or ACA marketplace plans.

What “cost of living” includes

Typical monthly outlays for renters: housing, utilities, internet/mobile, food, transport, healthcare/insurance, and daily essentials. Amounts are realistic national ranges; local conditions vary.

At a glance: typical monthly ranges (USD)

Category Smaller markets (lower) Mid-size city (typical) Large metro (higher)
1-bedroom rent $800–$1,200 $1,300–$1,900 $2,300–$3,300+
Utilities (power/heat/water) $110–$170 $140–$210 $180–$260
Internet (home) $50–$70 $60–$80 $60–$90
Mobile phone (per line) $25–$45 $35–$60 $40–$70
Groceries (per adult) $300–$420 $350–$500 $450–$600
Transit pass (monthly) $50–$90 $70–$120 $90–$150
Car ownership (insurance + fuel + maint.; no car payment) $180–$280 $240–$380 $320–$480

Housing

Typical rent range (unfurnished)
Type Smaller markets Mid-size city Large metro
Studio / 1-bed $800–$1,200 $1,300–$1,900 $2,300–$3,300+
2-bed $1,100–$1,700 $1,800–$2,500 $3,000–$4,200+
  • Security deposits and credit checks are standard. Renters insurance is inexpensive ($10–$20/month) and often required.

Utilities & Internet

  • Climate, home size, and HVAC drive utility swings. In many apartments, $140–$210/month is typical for electricity, heating, water, and trash.
  • Internet service (cable/fiber) frequently ranges $60–$80/month for mainstream speeds.

Mobile plans

  • Expect $35–$60/month per line on major carriers; MVNOs/discount brands can be $25–$40 with ample data.

Food: groceries vs. eating out

  • Groceries per adult commonly run $350–$500/month.
  • Dine-in entrées in mid-priced restaurants often range $13–$22 before tax/tip.

Transportation

  • Public transit passes typically cost $70–$150 in large metros; many smaller cities rely on car travel.
  • Car ownership (excluding loan/lease) often totals $240–$380/month (insurance, fuel, routine maintenance). Costs vary by state, driving record, and commute length.

Healthcare & insurance

  • Employer plans and ACA marketplace policies are common. Premiums and deductibles vary; some households qualify for subsidies.
  • Visitors and short-term stays should consider travel medical insurance.

State & local taxes and other recurring costs

  • Federal income tax applies nationwide; state income tax varies (some states have none). Sales-tax rates differ by state/city/county.
  • Recurring items: renters insurance ($10–$20), streaming/services ($10–$40), household items ($50–$150).

Regional differences (quick notes)

Sample monthly budgets (illustrative)

Profile (renter) Housing Utilities/Internet Mobile Food Transport Healthcare/Insurance Other Estimated total
Single (frugal, small city + transit) $950 $250 $40 $350 $80 $200 $170 $2,040
Couple (average, mid-size city + one car) $1,600 $290 $80 $700 $360 $400 $320 $3,750
Family of 3 (comfortable, large metro, 1 car + some transit) $2,800 $330 $90 $1,000 $470 $700 $625 $7,115

Notes: transport for car owners includes insurance/fuel/maintenance only (no car payment). “Other” groups renters insurance and everyday essentials.

How to lower your costs

  • Look at neighborhoods one or two transit stops from the core; compare older well-insulated buildings vs. new builds with higher amenity fees.
  • Use MVNO mobile carriers; renegotiate internet annually.
  • Cook most meals; shop sales/warehouse clubs; plan staples around seasonal produce.
  • If driving, reduce commuting distance and maintain your vehicle to save fuel and repairs.

FAQs

Is $2,000/month realistic for a single person?

It can work in lower-cost cities with a modest rent and transit lifestyle. In high-cost metros, it is difficult.

Do I need health insurance to visit the U.S.?

Strongly recommended. Emergency care can be very expensive without coverage.

Why do budgets differ so much between states?

Housing, healthcare premiums, insurance, fuel, and taxes vary widely by location and personal choices.

See also

External links (official)

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