Living in the United States: Lifestyle, Costs, and Tips for Europeans

For many Europeans, the United States represents a land of opportunity, diversity, and discovery. Moving across the Atlantic is a bold adventure, but life in the U.S. is wildly different from Europe in many ways. From cultural nuances to living costs and practical day-to-day matters, understanding what it's really like to live in the U.S. is essential for a smooth transition. This comprehensive guide provides a thorough insight into the American lifestyle, the practicalities of living, strategies for managing costs, and essential tips designed specifically for European expatriates or those considering the move.

Table of Contents

1. American Culture and Lifestyle: An Overview
2. Regional Differences: The Many Americas
3. Cost of Living in the US
4. Housing in America
5. Transportation: Getting Around in the US
6. Healthcare System: Navigating American Healthcare
7. American Education System
8. Work, Life, and Employment Culture
9. Social Life, Manners, and Integrating into the Community
10. Food and Grocery Shopping
11. Money, Banking, and Tipping
12. Taxes and Administrative Challenges
13. Tips for a Successful Transition
14. Conclusion

American Culture and Lifestyle: An Overview

Modern American culture is not monolithic. With a vast population and remarkable ethnic diversity, the United States is a patchwork of cultures, histories, and values. For Europeans, acclimatizing often means learning to balance appreciation for American optimism and individualism with an understanding of the sometimes confusing scale and informality of daily life.

The “Can-Do” Attitude and Individualism

One of the first things European newcomers notice is the pervasiveness of the “can-do” attitude. Americans are generally optimistic, open to new ideas, and quick to encourage entrepreneurship and self-starting endeavors. Individual achievement is highly valued, and there is a cultural emphasis on self-reliance, sometimes at the expense of communal or governmental support that’s common in Europe. This can be both exciting and isolating for Europeans more used to collective structures.

Social Interactions and Friendliness

In the U.S., it is not uncommon for strangers to chat in elevators, for staff to greet you enthusiastically in stores, or for neighbors to offer help when you move in. This friendliness shouldn’t be confused with instant intimacy—relationships may take time to move beyond surface-level politeness, and American definitions of “friendship” sometimes differ from the deeper bonds cultivated in Europe.

Celebrations and Holidays

• Thanksgiving: A centerpiece of American culture, marked by family gatherings and feasts, especially turkey and pumpkin pie.
• Fourth of July (Independence Day): Celebrated with fireworks, parades, and barbecues.
• Halloween: Enthusiastically celebrated with costumes and trick-or-treating.
• Christmas and Easter: Popular but often with a more commercial and community-focused flavor than many parts of Europe.

Understanding and participating in these holidays can help Europeans integrate and develop a sense of belonging in their new home.

Regional Differences: The Many Americas

The U.S. is roughly the size of Europe. As such, it’s important to remember that “American” lifestyle can mean radically different things depending on whether you settle in a hippie enclave in California, a historic town in New England, the Deep South, or the sprawling cities of the Midwest or Texas.

Weather and Landscape Diversity

From the sunny beaches of Florida and California to the snowy winters in Minneapolis and the lush forests of the Pacific Northwest, the variety in climate is astounding. Before making the move, research your target region’s typical weather as it’ll impact clothing, transportation, and home heating/cooling costs significantly.

Urban vs. Rural Lifestyles

• Urban Centers: Cities like New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, and San Francisco are vibrant, cosmopolitan, and expensive. They offer diversity, endless career opportunities, and round-the-clock life, but also high rents, and, often, more distant communities.
• Small Towns/Suburbs: The backbone of “Middle America” offers more space, friendlier neighbors, and lower costs, but can feel isolated or lacking in public transportation and international amenities.
• Rural Areas: Life slows down, amenities can be limited, and car ownership is a must. Be prepared for culture shock if you're used to dense, walkable European towns.

Regional Cultures

• Northeast: Intellectual, historic, fast-paced, and direct.
• Southeast (“the South”): Hospitable, traditional, religious—with strong culinary and musical traditions.
• Midwest: “America’s Heartland”—friendly, community-oriented, and straightforward.
• West Coast: Innovative, diverse, environmentally conscious, and casual.
• Southwest: A blend of Hispanic and Native cultures, hardy, and outdoor-focused.

Do your research: Each region offers a distinct flavour, which will impact your daily experience immeasurably.

Cost of Living in the US

Probably the biggest shock for many Europeans is the variable cost of living. The U.S. spans a tremendous spectrum: San Francisco and New York are among the world’s priciest cities, but small-town living or certain Southern and Midwestern cities can be surprisingly affordable.

Typical Costs

• Rent:
  • NYC/San Francisco: $2,500–$5,000/month for a 1-bedroom in the city center.
  • Boston, DC, Seattle: $2,000–$3,800/month.
  • Mid-sized cities: $1,200–$2,000/month.
  • Small towns: As low as $600–$900/month.
• Utilities: $100–$350/month, heavily dependent on climate (heating/cooling).
• Groceries: Average $300–$600/month per person, depending on diet and region.
• Healthcare Insurance: $300–$900/month for private plans; can be higher if not subsidized by employer.
• Public Transport: $80–$130/month (if available).
• Car Expenses: $400–$800/month (including payment, insurance, gas, maintenance).
• Internet/Phone: Internet ($50–$85/month); Phone ($30–$90/month).

Urban areas near universities or corporate hubs, or in tech cities, will command higher prices; small towns and rural regions are much cheaper overall. Unlike in many European nations, the “list price” often isn’t the final price—be mindful of extra taxes, fees, and tipping customs when budgeting.

Price Levels Compared to Europe

While some staple goods can be cheaper in the U.S.—notably gasoline, electronics, and some bulk groceries—services and imported products (especially European foods, alcohol, and cheese) can be more expensive. Eating out, depending on location, is similar or a bit more expensive than Western Europe, especially when tipping is included.

Housing in America

Finding a place to live in the U.S. presents both opportunities and unique challenges for Europeans. The housing market can be competitive and varies wildly between regions.

Renting an Apartment or House

Most Americans rent through established apartment complexes, private landlords, or agents. Long-term leases (12 months) are standard, though shorter options do exist.

• Expect to pay a security deposit (often one month’s rent) and sometimes the first and last month’s rent upfront.
• Credit checks are routine. For Europeans with no U.S. credit history, landlords may request extra deposits or a co-signer.
• Furnished apartments are rare outside of major cities or student housing. Most rentals are unfurnished.

Types of Housing

• Apartment complex: Managed units with amenities like gyms, pools, and laundries.
• Duplex or townhouse: Shared or attached homes; more common in suburbs.
• Single-family home: Detached property, usually with a garden/yard—standard in suburbs and rural areas.
• Condominium (“Condo”): Privately owned apartment within a building with communal facilities.

Homeownership

The “American Dream” still often includes homeownership, especially as families grow. However, for newcomers without credit history or established income, buying can be difficult within the first few years.

Transportation: Getting Around in the US

The U.S. is built for cars. While European cities are famous for excellent public transit and walkability, most American cities (with few exceptions) prioritize private vehicle ownership, which can be an eye-opener for new arrivals.

Car Culture

Public transportation outside of major metropolitan areas (NYC, San Francisco Bay Area, Boston, DC, Chicago) is limited. Suburban and rural residents almost always need a personal vehicle.

• Driver’s License: You'll need to obtain a state-issued driver’s license. Most states accept foreign licenses (sometimes with an international driver’s permit) for a limited time, but permanent residents must switch to a US one.
• Car Costs: Vehicles, insurance (which can be expensive for new residents), fuel, and tolls should be carefully budgeted.
• Parking: Urban parking can be scarce and expensive (sometimes $300/month or more in city centers).

Public Transportation

• A few cities have reliable subway or metro systems (NYC, DC, Boston, Chicago, San Francisco).
• Many cities offer city buses, but routes and schedules can be irregular.
• Amtrak connects many major cities by rail, but journeys are slow and routes limited compared to European trains.
• Uber, Lyft, and similar rideshare apps are widely available and more affordable for city dwellers without a car.

Cycling and Walking

Biking infrastructure is growing, especially in cities like Portland, Seattle, and San Francisco, but American cities are generally less walkable and cycle-friendly than their European counterparts.

Domestic Air Travel

The sheer size of the U.S. makes flying common, especially between coasts or major hubs. Budget carriers (Southwest, Spirit, Frontier) offer affordable fares, but services aren’t always comparable to European low-cost airlines.

Healthcare System: Navigating American Healthcare

The American healthcare system is a shock for most Europeans accustomed to universal healthcare. It is expensive and complex, insurance-driven, and varies state by state.

Health Insurance

• Employer-Provided: Most Americans get coverage through their jobs.
• Private Plans: Essential for self-employed or those without employer coverage. The cost and quality of coverage depend hugely on personal circumstances and location.
• Public Options: Medicare (for seniors), Medicaid (for low-income residents), and CHIP (for children) exist but are limited by eligibility.

Healthcare Costs

• Doctor visit (without insurance): $100–$350
• Specialist consultation: $250–$700
• Emergency room: $1,000–$3,000 (not including treatment or follow-up care!)
• Prescription drugs: Prices can be high; generic drugs are often much cheaper

What to Prepare For

• ALWAYS have insurance—even a basic policy is better than nothing.
• Ask for “in-network” providers to avoid surprise bills.
• Expect forms and paperwork—bring all international vaccination/medical records when you arrive.
• In emergencies, 911 is the universal emergency number.

Americans learn to “shop around” for healthcare—a very different mindset than in much of Europe. Be proactive in seeking care and understanding your policy.

American Education System

The U.S. has a huge array of public and private educational choices, from preschool through postgraduate study. School quality and style vary by region and even individual town.

Public vs. Private Schools

• Public schools: Free to attend; funded by local taxes and administered locally. School quality can be radically different from one neighborhood to another. Where you live often determines where your children go to school.
• Private schools: Require tuition and often religiously affiliated.
• Charter and Magnet schools: Public but specialized (science, arts, etc.), often requiring an application or lottery.

Higher Education

American universities are prestigious but expensive. Tuition can exceed $30,000/year for private colleges, though scholarships and state schools help offset costs. Foreign credentials are generally accepted; TOEFL or IELTS may be required for non-native speakers.

• Community colleges: 2-year schools offering affordable education and pathways to 4-year colleges.
• Internships: Common in college and sometimes high school—helping transition to the workforce.

Differences with European Schools

• School day often begins earlier (7-8am) and ends in the mid-afternoon.
• Strong emphasis on extracurricular activities (sports, music, drama).
• Grading is generally on an A-F scale; progression is usually by age, not by national exam.

Work, Life, and Employment Culture

American work culture is shaped by ambition, productivity, and a relatively “at-will” employment structure. This section highlights key differences Europeans should keep in mind.

Job Search and Hiring

• Resumes: Standardized (no photos, concise, focused on achievement).
• Networking: Essential—LinkedIn and in-person introductions key to career progression.
• Work Visas: Most Europeans need a visa (such as H-1B for professional jobs, L-1 for internal transfers, or various other and more restrictive statuses).

Workplace Norms

• Hours: Standard is 40 hours/week, but unpaid overtime can be common, especially in salaried positions.
• Paid Vacation: Typically 10-15 days per year (much less than most European countries), with 5-6 paid holidays. Seniority increases vacation time.
• Sick Leave: Fewer days than European countries; policies vary by employer.
• Workplace Hierarchy: Relatively flat compared to Europe, but managers expect “can-do” attitudes and initiative.
• Dress Code: Varies—business in finance/law, casual in tech and creative fields. “Business casual” is very common.

Work-Life Balance

While Americans take pride in hard work, there is growing awareness of burnout and a cultural shift (in some industries and locations) toward better work-life balance.

Social Life, Manners, and Integrating into the Community

Building a social life as an expat can be challenging but ultimately rewarding. Americans are generally open and welcoming, and communities are often happy to include newcomers.

Making Friends and Socializing

• Clubs and Organizations: Join local groups, sports teams, volunteer projects, or professional organizations.
• Parent Associations: Schools are a natural hub for family connections.
• Faith Communities: Religious organizations play a significant social role in many areas.

It may take time to build deeper connections, but persistent friendliness pays off.

General Manners/Politeness

• Personal Space: Americans value physical space; avoid standing too close or touching unless invited.
• Punctuality: Especially for business, being on time is important.
• Small Talk: Common in all interactions; sports, weather, and recent events are safe topics.

Family and Parenting Norms

• Parenting styles are quite varied but often more “hands-off” (fostering independence from an early age).
• Public childcare is expensive and not guaranteed; many rely on private daycare or nannies until school age.

Food and Grocery Shopping

The U.S. is a melting pot, and that applies to cuisine, too. European expats quickly notice differences in ingredients, shopping habits, and restaurant culture.

Supermarket Shopping

• Large Chains: Walmart, Kroger, Safeway, Costco, and regional brands.
• Specialty/Organic Stores: Whole Foods, Trader Joe’s, Sprouts.
• Ethnic Groceries: Nearly every urban area offers specialty stores for European, Asian, Latin, Kosher, and Halal products.

Bulk purchases are standard, with larger pack sizes and fewer daily trips than most Europeans are used to.

Farmers Markets and Local Produce

These are popular in certain areas, especially for organic/bio shoppers. CSAs (Community Supported Agriculture) allow you to subscribe to a local farm’s weekly box of produce.

Restaurant Culture

• Casual Dining: American diners, fast-food chains, and “family restaurants” are everywhere.
• Tipping is mandatory: 15-20% of the bill is standard for table service; not tipping is considered very rude.
• Variety: Big cities offer global cuisine; rural areas tend toward American staples (burgers, fried foods, barbecue).

Alcohol

• Legal drinking age is 21, much higher than in most of Europe.
• Wine and beer are widely available, but in many states, spirits are sold only in specialized stores and sometimes only on specific days/hours.

Dietary Considerations

Portion sizes are larger, processed foods more prevalent, and organic/wholefood choices can be more expensive than in many European countries. However, awareness of vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free diets is increasing.

Money, Banking, and Tipping

Setting up your finances in the U.S. involves navigating a different system of banking and an omnipresent culture of tipping—both of which can be confusing at first.

Bank Accounts

• Opening a bank account as a newcomer requires your passport, immigration documents, proof of address, and sometimes a Social Security Number (SSN) or equivalent.
• The U.S. has both “national” and community banks; many newcomers opt for national banks (Chase, Bank of America, Wells Fargo) due to convenient locations.
• Checks are still used for some transactions—rent, utilities—though online banking is now widespread.

Credit Cards and Credit History

Building good credit is vital for renting apartments, getting loans, and even securing certain jobs:

• Start with a secured credit card if you have no U.S. credit history.
• Pay bills in full and on time to establish positive credit.

Tipping Etiquette

Tipping is a major difference:

• Restaurants: 15–20% of pre-tax bill.
• Bar staff: $1–$2 per drink.
• Taxis/Ride share: 10–20%.
• Hotel staff: $1–$2 per bag (bellhop), $2–$5 per day (housekeeping).
• Hairdressers/spas: 15–20% of the service cost.

Unlike in many European countries, employees in these roles rely on tips as a substantial portion of their income.

Taxes and Administrative Challenges

The U.S. bureaucracy can be daunting. Knowing the basics helps to prevent surprises.

Understanding Taxes

• Income tax is levied at federal, state, and sometimes city levels. There is no “pay as you earn” tax (like PAYE in the UK); instead, you file an annual return and may owe additional taxes or receive a refund.
• Sales tax (added at the register, not included in the price-tag): Ranges from 0% (some states) up to 10%+ in others. Different items (like groceries, medicine, clothing) may have different rates or exemptions.
• Property tax: Significant part of local government funding; expect to pay annually if you own property.

Administrative Matters

• Social Security Number (SSN): Essential for employment, opening bank accounts, credit, and even phone contracts.
• Driver’s License/State ID: Often doubles as a primary ID.
• Immigration paperwork: Keep meticulous records and copies of all visas, permits, and supporting documentation.

Expect to fill out many forms; patience and attention to detail are rewarded!

Tips for a Successful Transition

Your transition to American life will be smoother and more enjoyable if you pay attention to the following:

Before You Move

• Research your destination region thoroughly: climate, cost, culture, public services.
• Prepare international, bilingual versions of important documents: degrees, medical records, driver’s licenses, vaccination, and police records.
• Save an ample “landing fund” to cover initial housing, deposits, and unforeseen expenses.
• If you have children, research local schools and look for parent forums on expat websites or Facebook groups.

When You Arrive

• Pace yourself—culture shock is real and can last several months.
• Take time to explore local amenities, parks, museums, and meet neighbors.
• Join community groups, language exchanges, or sports clubs to meet people.
• Initiate conversations: Americans are generally happy to chat and welcome newcomers—ask questions!
• Try local foods and participate in local events and celebrations.
• Don’t be afraid to ask for help—most Americans remember what it was like to be new, and many are willing to assist.

Long-Term Success

• Take a proactive approach to your healthcare, finances, and legal paperwork.
• Explore different regions—the U.S. is vast and varied, and travel allows for a deeper understanding of what “America” means.
• Maintain connections to your European heritage—find clubs, festivals, or communities of fellow expats which can help with homesickness.
• Be ready to adapt—American life rewards flexibility and open-mindedness.
• Keep up with your language skills; while most Americans speak only English, speaking an additional language can be an asset professionally and socially.

Conclusion

Living in the United States as a European is a profound adventure. The journey involves adapting to a new culture, navigating unique systems of housing, transportation, and healthcare, and learning the unwritten rules of American life. While challenges—especially around cost of living, healthcare, and bureaucracy—are significant, the rewards of experiencing America’s dynamism and diversity are equally great.

By preparing thoroughly, budgeting wisely, engaging with the local community, and maintaining a flexible, open-minded attitude, Europeans can thrive in the U.S., enjoying all the possibilities that American life has to offer. Whether you stay for a short period or build a lifelong home, your transatlantic leap will offer lessons, friendships, and opportunities you never imagined. Welcome to the American adventure!