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
Which city in U.S.A.?
| 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 |
What the taxman takes: India vs U.S.A.
Same gross salary in both places: $7,000 (USD) per month.
India
290.0%
effective tax rate
Net: ₹6,380/mo
U.S.A.
1970.0%
effective tax rate
Net: $5,623/mo
Rough numbers for a single filer with standard deductions. Your actual rate shifts with income, city, and your own situation.
What daily life costs in U.S.A.
The up-front bill, moving to 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.
Also considering leaving India for somewhere else?
See what your salary looks like in U.S.A.
Type in your gross pay. We'll show what lands after tax, which neighborhoods you can actually afford, and how much is left over each month.
Questions people actually ask
How does U.S.A. compare to India on cost of living?
It depends on the city. In New York, a one-bed runs $2,100 to $4,500 and groceries land around $650 a month. In Los Angeles, a one-bed runs $2,100 to $3,700 and groceries land around $575 a month. In San Francisco, a one-bed runs $2,400 to $4,600 and groceries land around $675 a month.
Do I need a visa to work in U.S.A. from India?
H-1B for specialty occupations (lottery). L-1 for intra-company transfer. O-1 for extraordinary ability. If you hold an EU passport: Same as non-EU. Work visa required. ESTA for tourism only (90 days).. Expect processing to take 3-12 months (H-1B lottery in April). Double-check the current rules with the U.S.A. immigration authority before you book anything.
How does healthcare work in U.S.A. once you arrive?
U.S.A. runs a Private (employer-based) system. Employer typically covers 70-80% of premium. Marketplace plans ~$400-700/month. No universal healthcare. Public coverage is roughly $0 a month. Private sits around $500.
How much tax will I pay in U.S.A.?
On $7,000 gross a month, you're looking at roughly 1970.0% effective. That leaves about $5,623 in your account. The real number moves with your income, your city, and your situation.
What up-front money do I need to move from India to U.S.A.?
Budget 2 month(s) of rent for the deposit, plus another 1 month(s) for the agency fee. Registration and paperwork usually come in around $50. Usually first+last month + security deposit. Credit check required (~$25-50). No agent fees in most markets.