5 Costs You Need to Consider When Moving to the United States

June 09, 2025

Moving to the USA

For many international healthcare professionals, moving to the United States is not just a dream, but a mission. According to CGFNS International, the three main drivers that encourage internationally educated healthcare professionals to migrate to the USA are familial, professional, and economic opportunities.

While the upfront costs can seem overwhelming, the financial benefits of working as a healthcare professional in the United States are substantial. U.S. healthcare professionals typically earn significantly higher salaries compared to many other countries, and with overtime and shift differentials, the earning potential can quickly outweigh the initial investment. Many healthcare employers also offer relocation and housing assistance, immigration support, and benefits packages that include health insurance and retirement contributions—perks that can provide a strong financial foundation for you and your family. With careful planning and support, the move can become a long-term financial win.

Whether you’re planning a move to the U.S. to level up your nursing career by using state-of-the-art equipment or to provide better schooling opportunities for your children, the cost of relocating to the U.S. can be intimidating. As an international healthcare professional, it's essential to weigh not just the rewards, but also the financial costs involved in such a significant life change.

In this blog, we’ll outline five key costs that often get overlooked when planning a move to the U.S. Keeping these costs in mind could be the key to ensuring your transition to the United States is as smooth as possible.

The Five Financial Costs of Moving to the USA

When you’re finally ready to make the leap to the U.S., it’s important to remember that, financially, that leap involves much more than just airfare and basic living expenses. On average, the whole process of becoming a permanent resident of the United States can cost anywhere between $4,000 and $12,000 (Economic Times). Understanding what these additional costs may be, and how to address them, can help you better prepare for your new life in America.

1. Apartment Costs

One of the most significant financial aspects of moving to the U.S. is securing housing. Rental prices have been on the rise in many cities across the country, making it important to factor this into your budget.

• Rental Market Trends: According to recent reports from NerdWallet, the price of renting an apartment in the U.S. has remained stubbornly high, with inflation and low inventory being some of the causes.  “The rental market fluctuates greatly depending on the location,” Sarah Miller, Senior Cultural Educator at Avant Healthcare Professionals, says. “Most renters can expect to spend 30% of their monthly income for rent.”
• Upfront Costs: Don’t forget - when moving into an apartment, you’ll likely face several one-time costs, such as a down payment or security deposit. “Initial costs can range from $500 to 2 times the monthly rent for set up fees,” says Sarah Miller. In addition, fully furnished apartments are much harder to come by in the United States, so you'll most likely need to furnish your new space. Sofas, beds, and kitchen appliances are just some of the items you may need to purchase when securing your first apartment.

Despite these challenges, there are also financial advantages when it comes to housing in the U.S. With careful planning and research, many international healthcare professionals can find affordable housing options in suburbs or smaller cities where the cost of living is significantly lower. In the long term, the stability of U.S. wages can make it easier to eventually save for a home, build credit, and even invest in property—milestones that may have felt out of reach elsewhere. With the right support system, housing can shift from being a stressor to a steppingstone in your American journey.

2. Health Insurance

In the United States, healthcare is fundamentally different from the single-payer systems many international healthcare professionals may be accustomed to. The American healthcare system relies heavily on private insurance, and while it may not be compulsory by law in some states, having health insurance is highly encouraged.

• Healthcare Costs: “Without insurance,” Sarah Miller says, “medical care in the U.S. can be extremely costly”. Even basic check-ups or visits to a doctor can carry a high price tag. It's essential to budget for healthcare costs, whether through employer-provided insurance or private health plans.

That said, many international healthcare professionals are pleasantly surprised by the comprehensive health benefits that often come with employment in the U.S. Most healthcare employers offer robust insurance packages that cover not just the healthcare professional, but also their immediate family members. These plans can significantly reduce out-of-pocket costs for doctor visits, prescriptions, and even specialist care. Additionally, access to high-quality medical facilities, advanced technology, and a broader range of healthcare providers can lead to better overall health outcomes. With employer-sponsored insurance and smart plan selection, navigating the U.S. healthcare system can become a lot more manageable.

3. Childcare Payments

For those relocating with children, understanding the cost of childcare in the U.S. is crucial. According to the U.S. Department of Labor, U.S. families spend between 8.9% and 16.0% of their median income on full-day care for just one child.

• Family Considerations: While family members like spouses and children can be added to visa applications, other family members (such as grandparents or aunts) who may have been providing childcare back home cannot be included. As a result, you’ll need to find reliable and often costly childcare services for your children.
• Legal Considerations: Sarah Miller offers a stark reminder for those considering moving to the USA with children: “The care and protection of children are taken very seriously in the United States, and children must be supervised in most cases until they reach their teenage years.” Leaving children at home unsupervised is not only dangerous but also illegal and can result in severe punishment under U.S. state and federal law.

Despite the added costs, many international families find that the long-term benefits for their children far outweigh the initial challenges. Public education in the U.S. is free and widely accessible, with many schools offering specialized programs, extracurricular activities, and pathways to college readiness. In some states, there are also subsidies or tax credits available to help working families offset the cost of childcare. For healthcare professionals working in hospital systems or large healthcare networks, on-site childcare or employer-supported programs may also be an option. Over time, the move can open doors to greater educational and career opportunities for children, making the investment in childcare an important step toward a brighter future.

4. Car Payments, Maintenance, and Insurance

A significant portion of your expenses will likely go toward car ownership. In the U.S., approximately 91.7% of households own at least one car (Pew Research Center). Unless you have enough savings to purchase a car outright, you'll likely need to finance the purchase with monthly payments.

• Ongoing Costs: Car maintenance is also important to factor in. Regular servicing, including bi-annual maintenance and repair costs, can quickly add up. Additionally, car insurance is mandatory in almost every state and can be a considerable monthly expense.

“Most Americans depend on the use of personal vehicles in the United States,” says Sarah Miller. “So responsible vehicle ownership is needed. This includes being a well-prepared and safe driver as well as budgeting for regular car payments, gas, maintenance, and vehicle insurance.”

While car ownership in the U.S. can be a major expense, it also comes with meaningful advantages—especially in terms of independence and convenience. Many international healthcare professionals find that financing a car helps them build a strong U.S. credit history, which can be beneficial when applying for housing, loans, or even future homeownership. Additionally, some employers offer transportation stipends or relocation packages that help offset initial vehicle expenses. With good planning, owning a car can be a smart investment in both your personal and professional mobility.

5. Remittance

Many international healthcare professionals are used to sending money home to support family members or pay ongoing expenses. This practice, known as remittance, is common among healthcare professionals who have a strong cultural and familial connection to their home countries.

• Setting Priorities: It’s essential to remember that financial self-sufficiency should be your first priority. As the saying goes, “Put your own oxygen mask on first before helping others.” While it’s commendable to want to send money home, make sure your financial stability in the U.S. is secure before committing to remittance.

For Sarah Miller, patience as well as frank, necessary discussions are key. “In most cases, being able to send remittance home in the first 6 months to a year may be unrealistic as becoming financially stable in the U.S. will take time. It is recommended to have realistic conversations with family members at home about the possible timing and to begin with committing only small amounts, which could then grow over time.”

While it may take time to reach a point where sending money home is comfortable, many international healthcare professionals in the U.S. eventually find themselves in a stronger financial position than they ever experienced before. With stable incomes, access to financial tools, and the ability to budget effectively, the opportunity to support loved ones from abroad becomes a rewarding and sustainable reality. In fact, many healthcare professionals find that once they've settled, they're able to send consistent support back home—often more than they initially imagined. What starts as a challenge can evolve into a powerful way to uplift entire families and communities, turning your career abroad into a source of long-term impact and pride.

Non-Financial Considerations

While finances are a significant part of your relocation plan, there are also non-financial aspects of the move that need attention.

• English Language Ability: If English isn’t your first language, taking steps to improve your proficiency can help you succeed both professionally and socially in the U.S.
• Clinical Experience: Employers may require certain certifications or specific clinical experience for certain healthcare roles in the U.S.
• Educational Status: It’s important to verify that your international qualifications and education are recognized in the U.S., as different states may have specific requirements.
• Family Status: Consider the impact of the move on your family and make plans for their needs, including schooling, housing, and community support.

For an even more comprehensive guide to the considerations and requirements needed for a move to the USA, you can watch this video from Avant Healthcare Professionals about how to become a U.S. Registered Nurse.

Conclusion

For many international healthcare professionals, moving to the United States is a major goal. It’s an opportunity not only to level up their career but to grant better opportunities to their children and extended family. However, the financial and logistical challenges of this move should not be underestimated. Understanding the costs of relocation, including housing, healthcare, childcare, car ownership, and remittance, will help you plan better and avoid any surprises.

At Avant Healthcare Professionals, not only do we offer healthcare professionals on our program personalized educational support with regards to licensing exams and the necessary English exams for their VisaScreen, but we also provide a comprehensive 5-week clinical and cultural transitions Program in Orlando, Florida, to ensure that their transition to the U.S. is as smooth and successful as possible. From the day of application until end of contract, we are committed to supporting healthcare professionals in our program throughout their move.

You can learn more about what it’s like to partner with Avant on your US journey by watching this video by Filipino nurse Jonilo. In it, he goes into detail about his experiences and how partnering with Avant has changed not just his life, but also his family’s.

“Healthcare professionals have great opportunities both personally and professionally, should they choose to move to the United States.” Says Sarah Miller. “We would recommend doing an abundance of research on reputable sites, asking plenty of questions to those with real-life experience and partnering with Specialists from Avant. It’s important to be as prepared as possible financially, save as much as possible before the move, and then keep a thorough budget throughout the journey. Ultimately, although it may be difficult, worthwhile things usually are, and in the end, you’ll be thriving!”

If you are considering a move to the U.S., we encourage you to evaluate your current financial situation and consider partnering with Avant Healthcare Professionals. Moving to the U.S. is a big decision, and we’re here to make sure you feel confident and prepared every step of the way.  Apply now to begin your journey!