Moving from Colombia to U.S.A.: What to Expect
Everything you need to know about relocating from Colombia to U.S.A. -- cost of living, taxes, healthcare, visa requirements, and which cities offer the best lifestyle for your salary.
Currency
USD
$
Healthcare
Private (employer-based)
$0/mo
Work Visa
3-12 months (H-1B lottery in April)
processing time
Deposit
2 mo
of rent
Visa & Work Permits
Cities in U.S.A. to Consider
| City | Median Salary | 1BR Rent Range | English | Neighborhoods |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| New York | $8,500 | $2,100 - $4,500 | 5/5 | 10 |
| Los Angeles | $7,000 | $2,100 - $3,700 | 5/5 | 9 |
| San Francisco | $10,000 | $2,400 - $4,600 | 5/5 | 9 |
| Chicago | $6,500 | $1,600 - $2,500 | 5/5 | 9 |
| Seattle | $9,000 | $1,700 - $2,900 | 5/5 | 9 |
| Austin | $7,500 | $1,500 - $2,300 | 5/5 | 9 |
| Miami | $6,000 | $1,700 - $3,300 | 5/5 | 9 |
| Boston | $8,000 | $2,000 - $3,900 | 5/5 | 9 |
| Denver | $6,500 | $1,600 - $2,500 | 5/5 | 9 |
| Atlanta | $5,800 | $1,400 - $2,500 | 5/5 | 9 |
| Washington DC | $7,500 | $2,000 - $2,900 | 5/5 | 6 |
| Phoenix | $5,500 | $1,400 - $2,000 | 5/5 | 6 |
| Dallas | $6,000 | $1,600 - $2,200 | 5/5 | 6 |
| Philadelphia | $5,800 | $1,700 - $2,400 | 5/5 | 6 |
| San Diego | $7,000 | $2,100 - $3,000 | 5/5 | 6 |
Cost of Living in U.S.A.
Relocation Costs in U.S.A.
Rental Deposit
2 month(s) of rent
Agency Fee
1 month(s) of rent
Registration & Admin
$50
Usually first+last month + security deposit. Credit check required (~$25-50). No agent fees in most markets.
Other Destinations from Colombia
Calculate your salary in U.S.A.
Enter your gross salary to see take-home pay, affordable neighborhoods, and monthly savings potential across cities in U.S.A..
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in U.S.A. compared to Colombia?
Cost of living in U.S.A. varies by city. In New York: 1BR rent from $2,100 to $4,500, groceries around $650/month. In Los Angeles: 1BR rent from $2,100 to $3,700, groceries around $575/month. In San Francisco: 1BR rent from $2,400 to $4,600, groceries around $675/month.
Do I need a visa to work in U.S.A. from Colombia?
H-1B for specialty occupations (lottery). L-1 for intra-company transfer. O-1 for extraordinary ability. For EU citizens: Same as non-EU. Work visa required. ESTA for tourism only (90 days).. Typical processing time: 3-12 months (H-1B lottery in April). Always verify current requirements with the official U.S.A. immigration authority.
How does healthcare work in U.S.A. for expats?
U.S.A. has a Private (employer-based) healthcare system. Employer typically covers 70-80% of premium. Marketplace plans ~$400-700/month. No universal healthcare. Monthly public healthcare costs approximately $0, while private insurance averages $500/month.
How much tax will I pay in U.S.A.?
On a gross salary of $7,000/month in U.S.A., the effective tax rate is approximately 1970.0%, leaving you with $5,623/month net. Tax rates vary based on income level, city, and personal circumstances.
What should I budget for relocation from Colombia to U.S.A.?
Plan for a rental deposit of 2 month(s) of rent plus 1 month(s) agency fee. Registration and administrative costs are around $50. Usually first+last month + security deposit. Credit check required (~$25-50). No agent fees in most markets.