Pros and cons of living in the United States (US) vs the UK

Considering a move to the US? Before taking that big step, make sure you consider all the factors. While the US offers cultural diversity and stunning landscapes, it also comes with challenges like expensive healthcare and education.

We’ve created a list of pros and cons of living in the US vs the UK to help you make an informed choice. We’ll also cover important information on safety in the US and highlight some of the top places to live.

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Pros and cons of living in the United States (US) vs the UK - An overview

Here’s a summary of the pros and cons of living in the US vs the UK:

Pros of living in the US

There are plenty of benefits to living in the US. Let’s take a look at some of the top pros.

Some states don’t have income tax

Certain US states don’t levy income taxes, including retirement income. This could help you save a lot of money in the long run, especially since some of these states also have lower property and sales taxes. However, it’s important to check the exact state laws before you move to one of them.¹

The zero income tax states are Alaska, Florida, Nevada, New Hampshire, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas and Wyoming. For example, South Dakota is also among the top five most affordable states, including cost of living. Washington also doesn’t tax income, but high earners will have to pay capital gains tax.¹

Career opportunities

The US offers a dynamic environment for professional development. Many major corporations are headquartered here, along with a large number of startups, making it an excellent place to grow professionally and perhaps launch your own business.

Moving to the US could be a great step for your career. The job market is competitive but rewarding, offering the chance to work for leading companies, gain international experience and create global connections.

Beautiful nature

One of the things that really stands out about life in the US is the incredible natural diversity. You’ll encounter both snow-covered peaks and sunny beaches, as well as nearly every landscape you can imagine.

The US national parks attract millions of visitors each year. For example, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park welcomed 12 million visitors in 2024, while Zion National Park and Grand Canyon National Park each saw around 5 million.²

Cultural diversity

The US is a melting pot of different ethnicities, cultures, religions and people from all backgrounds. This diversity is especially evident as you travel from state to state and coast, with each region reflecting its own unique influences.

In 2023, over 47 million foreigners lived in the US, making up 14.3% of the population.³ This mix of cultures has shaped everything from food and music to language, helping shape the US as we know it today.

Easy to open a bank account as a foreigner

You can easily open a bank account in the US as soon as you become a resident, but there are also options available before you reach that status.

Some banks require you to have a Social Security Number (SSN), while others accept an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN). Document requirements vary from bank to bank, but you’ll typically need to provide proof of identity, proof of address and sometimes an initial deposit.⁴

You can also check out non-bank alternatives, like the Wise account, to manage your money in the US.

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Cons of living in the US

The US can be a great place to live for many people, but it’s not without some downsides. Here are some of them.

Healthcare

The US healthcare is notoriously expensive, which is why a significant portion of the population isn’t properly covered. More than 20% of Americans are underinsured, while 9% of the population doesn’t have health insurance at all. While this may seem like a small percentage, it actually affects over 25 million of US citizens.⁵

The average monthly insurance premium in the US is around $500, though costs vary based on your age, income and where you live. Employer-sponsored plans are much cheaper, averaging around $110 per month.⁶ Keep in mind that these are just averages and the healthcare system as a whole can be much more complex.

Immigration difficulties

The US has a point-based immigration system that ranks applicants based on factors like education and work experience. Without valuable skills, family ties or significant amounts of money, it can be very difficult to move to the US.⁷

The process can also be quite complex, so it’s best to consult an immigration lawyer for guidance.

Gun safety

While the US is generally considered safe, gun ownership and gun-related violence are ongoing concerns, placing the country second in the world for gun deaths.⁸

Among high-income countries, the US has the highest rate of firearm deaths. It’s five times higher than the second-highest, France, and nearly 50 times higher than the UK.⁹

Of course, this doesn’t apply equally across all states and cities, but it’s an important point to keep in minds when deciding where to live.

Expensive education

Some of the world’s top universities are located in the US, but the price of studying can be very steep. Although the fees depend on many factors, such as the type of college and the level of studies, it’s more expensive than studying in the UK.

For example, some US undergraduate programmes cost up to $50,000 a year, while postgraduate studies cost up to $60,000 annually.¹⁰

Car-oriented infrastructure

Americans heavily rely on cars and 45% of the population don’t have access to public transit at all. Even among those who do, only about 3.5% actually use it. This is partly due to lower population density in some areas and the affordability of suburban living.¹¹

If walkability and reliable public transport matter to you, it’s worth researching this when choosing where to live and whether to even move. With 92% of US households having access to a car, it’s unlikely that public transit will overtake driving anytime soon.¹¹

Quick facts about the US

Here’s a quick glimpse of life in the US through some facts and statistics.

What’s the best place to live in the US?

One of the biggest choices when moving to the US is deciding where to live, and we’ll go through some suggestions.

If you’re drawn to vibrant cities with a strong cultural and arts scene, places like New York City, Boston or Chicago might be a great fit. For coastal living and year-round sun, Florida, Los Angeles or San Diego offer a more laid-back lifestyle.

If affordability is your top priority, you might want to look at smaller states or cities with a lower cost of living. For example, cities like Oklahoma City, Omaha and Indianapolis are worth considering.

For those focused on education, some of the best schools and universities can be found in Boston, San Francisco, Seattle and Austin.

Is the US safe?

Overall, the US is a safe country to live in, but safety levels can vary widely by location. States like Vermont, New Jersey and Idaho are often ranked among the safest, while certain areas of New Mexico, Nevada and Tennessee may require more caution.¹⁴

Sources used:

Sources last checked on date: 06-May-2025