United States
North America · Washington D.C. · USD
63
QoL Score
The United States presents a dichotomous experience for potential expats and remote workers. Its Internet Score of 76/100, bolstered by 92% user penetration, indicates robust digital infrastructure. Conversely, its Healthcare Score of 59/100, marked by a relatively low 2.6 physicians per 10,000 people and a life expectancy of 77.5 years, signals significant systemic challenges. Overall, the Quality of Life Score sits at a middling 63/100, suggesting a nuanced reality beyond simple categorization.
Tax Overview
Top Rate
37.0%
Effective Rate
19.3%
at $59,384
VAT
0%
Net Income
$47,945
Quality of Life Scores
With a Cost of Living Score of 59/100 (relative to US=100), the United States is not an inexpensive destination. This figure indicates that while some regions may offer affordability, the national average reflects a standard of living that demands substantial financial planning, particularly for those earning less than the median salary of $59,384 USD/year.
The United States registers a Climate Score of 64/100, characterized by an average temperature of 14°C and 2550 hours of sunshine annually. This composite score masks vast regional variations; while sunnier, warmer climates exist, the national average suggests a generally temperate experience with distinct seasonal changes across much of the country.
A Safety Score of 62/100 is accompanied by a homicide rate of 6.38 per 100,000 people and a Peace Index of 2.38. These metrics position the U.S. within the lower-middle tier for safety among developed nations. Prospective residents should understand that safety perceptions and actual crime rates vary significantly between urban, suburban, and rural areas.
The healthcare system in the U.S. scores 59/100, with a life expectancy of 77.5 years and only 2.6 physicians per 10,000 people. This low physician density, combined with the U.S. healthcare model, implies that access to care can be a challenge, often requiring robust private insurance coverage to mitigate potentially exorbitant costs.
Boasting an Internet Score of 76/100, the United States offers significant digital connectivity. With 92% of the population as internet users and 37.6 broadband subscriptions per 100 people, remote workers and digital professionals will find reliable infrastructure. This high level of connectivity supports telecommuting and digital entrepreneurship effectively.
The U.S. Taxation Score of 63/100 reflects a moderate tax burden, with tax revenue at 26.6% of GDP. Corporate tax stands at 21%, and notably, there is 0% VAT. Individual income tax brackets range from 10% on earnings up to $11,600 to 37% for incomes exceeding $609,350, alongside a 7.65% social contributions rate, indicating a progressive system for higher earners.
What Things Cost
Price Index: 100 (US = 100)Big Mac
$5.69
☕Starbucks Tall Latte
$5.50
📱iPhone 16 128GB
$799.00
⛽1L Gasoline (95)
$0.95
🎬Netflix Standard (monthly)
$15.49
🏠Airbnb Studio (city center)
$120.00
🍺Beer 500ml (bar)
$7.00
🚇Single Transit Ticket
$2.75
Cities in United States
NLV varies within a country. Cost of living and climate differ by city.
Extended data
Public datasets beyond the NLV score — United States
Sources: World Happiness Report (Gallup via OWID), World Bank, WHO, OECD, UNDP. These metrics are not part of the NLV score — they enrich the picture of United States with public data. Click any card above to see the full ranking across 36 countries.
Who Should Consider United States
Individuals with high-demand professional skills, particularly in tech, finance, or specialized fields, who can command salaries well above the $59,384 median, are best suited for the United States. Remote workers prioritizing robust internet infrastructure (Internet Score: 76/100) and access to a large, English-proficient expat community (15.3% expat community, 100/100 English proficiency) will find significant advantages. Entrepreneurs seeking a large domestic market and minimal VAT burden should also consider the U.S.
Key Considerations
Navigating the U.S. requires careful consideration of its significant healthcare costs, stemming from a system with limited physician availability (2.6/10k) and a score of 59/100. Furthermore, the absence of a digital nomad visa and a relatively low Visa Openness score of 45/100 suggests that establishing residency can be a complex and lengthy process. Prospective residents must also prepare for a diverse but often high cost of living (59/100) and regional variations in safety metrics, particularly given the national homicide rate of 6.38/100k.
Key Facts
Move to United States
Data last updated: · Sources: World Bank, WHO, OECD, national tax authorities. See methodology.