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If moving to the United States is among your plans, but you don't know how much money you need to make the move, here we share everything you need to know before taking the leap: check what the monthly budget for rent, food, transportation, and the cost of other services you will need to cover is.
How much money do you need to live in the United States in 2026? The answer depends, above all, on where you live. Renting an apartment in New York or Los Angeles is not the same as sharing a home in a lower-cost city in Texas or Ohio.
How much money is needed to go live in the United States?
According to the report by the financial portal Wise, published in February 2026, the rent for an apartment in downtown Los Angeles, California, is approximately 2,776 dollars (that is, around 51,805 Mexican pesos).
To that amount, you must add food, transportation, electricity, internet, phone, and other essential expenses. Also, it is necessary to consider health insurance, which can represent a significant item for those who do not have coverage through their employment.
Adding all of this up, Wise points out that the monthly expenses for a person living in the United States amount to 2,126 dollars per month (excluding rent); with these figures presented, it is estimated that living in the American Union could cost you more than 4,900 dollars per month (91,000 Mexican pesos).
How much does rent cost in the United States in 2026?
The cost of rent will depend on the place where you want to live; for example, Wise points out the following rates:
- Dallas (Texas): 1,758 dólares
- Chicago (Illinois): 2,317 dólares
- Houston (Texas): $1,545 dólares
- San Bernardino (California)$1,533 dólares.
The final price depends on factors such as location, number of bedrooms, proximity to work, and access to public transportation.
Estas son las carreras con más oportunidades para trabajar y vivir en Estados Unidos; ¿está la tuya?
How much is spent on food per month in the United States?
Eating out regularly at restaurants, ordering food for delivery, or buying prepared products can increase the budget; for example, a fast-food meal costs you 12 dollars, while dinner for two at an inexpensive restaurant could cost you 60 dollars.
How much does transportation cost in the United States?
The cost of transportation depends on whether you live in a city with an efficient bus and train network or if you need to drive to get to work: an initial budget of 70 to 150 dollars per month can be used to plan frequent travel.
Which cities are the most expensive to live in in the United States?
New York, San Francisco, and Los Angeles are usually recognized as the most expensive cities to live in, according to reports.
How much must you earn to live comfortably in the United States?
There is no single salary that guarantees a comfortable life throughout the United States. The amount needed depends on rent, taxes, health coverage, the number of people who depend on your income, and lifestyle.
As a first approximation, a person who lives alone and allocates between 2,500 and 3,500 dollars per month for their basic expenses would need enough net income to cover that budget and set aside money for emergencies and savings.
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