As mentioned several times above, the cost of living is generally high, in the US, with more expensive groceries, high hospital bills, costly schools, etc. but, things like fuel is quite cheap.

Cheaper fuel becomes an advantage as driving in the US is very important, considering that it is a demanded skill for several job postings too. Perhaps, the public transportation is not conveniently developed because of this. Interstate public transport could use a lot of improvement.

READ OUR GUIDE TO KNOW MORE ABOUT THE USA AS A COUNTRY

Though all states are unique in their own ways, patriotism, emphasis on personal growth and belief in independence unites all of them as one country.

Cost of living cannot be generalized in the US as people sometimes live in the suburbs to lower their cost of living and work in the big cities, where they would be getting a higher pay. Or they may buy a house in the suburbs which may be more expensive.

In the big cities, public transportation saves a lot of time and money but in the suburbs, you would be required to drive around in your own car. If you do not have a licence, living in the suburbs could get expensive as public transportation is not well developed in most of them.

In this segment, we cover:
– Important Information
– Cost of Living
– Culture and Social Etiquette
– Driving and License
– Public Transportation

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

Emergency Numbers 911 – fire, police, and ambulance services 1-800-222-1222 – Poison Control Center Public Holidays Each state is allowed to observe their own separate holidays but in general, there are 10 holidays followed annually throughout the country, when all banks and many businesses would be closed: – New Year’s Day (1 January) – Martin Luther King Day (third Monday of January) – Presidents’ Day/Washington’s Birthday (third Monday of February) – Memorial Day (last Monday of May) – Independence Day (4 July) – Labor Day (first Monday of September) – Columbus Day (Second Monday of October, not celebrated in all states) – Veterans Day (11 November) – Thanksgiving Day (fourth Thursday of November) – Christmas Day (25 December) Embassies Some facts about embassies and missions in the country: – Chicago holds the largest number of diplomatic missions in the Midwest. – There are over 100 diplomatic missions in New York City. – The largest number of diplomatic missions on the West Coast of the US is in Los Angeles. – All the Embassies are located in Washington DC. Diplomatic missions are also located in: – Atlanta – Boston – Houston – Miami – San Francisco Airports People in the US can easily fly from one state to the other as the airport network is quite extensive. The country has 500 commercial airports, operating flights every day and 90% of them are meant for travel within the US.

Cost of Living

The cost of living in big cities like New York City and San Francisco are highest in the world. Cost of living in the rural areas is considerably cheaper. Living Expenses Excluding utility bills, housing costs itself can take up 30% of your salary. Cost of Living in the US vs Canada The cost of living in big cities like New York City and San Francisco are highest in the world. Cost of living in the rural areas is considerably cheaper. Living Expenses Excluding utility bills, housing costs itself can take up 30% of your salary. Cost of Living in the US vs Canada

Cost of Living in the US vs the UK

Cost of Living in the US vs Australia

Most expensive cities and costs:

Cheapest Cities and costs:

Grocery Prices

Restaurant Costs Always remember to tip the server as service charges are not included in the bill and their wages are generally lower. 10–30% of your bill would suffice as a good tip.

Rent Prices The median rent of a single bedroom apartment in the US is approximately USD 1,000. Elaborate details are covered in our housing section. Accommodation prices depend on where you live as prices in big cities tend to be significantly higher than in the suburbs. Utility Costs Generally, you can keep aside USD 550/- for all utilities, including TV, phone, and internet. For more information on utilities, read our housing section. Cost of Education Public schools are free and private schools are expensive. Higher education sometimes lands students in huge debts. You can find an approximate pricing in our education section Healthcare Costs Let’s just say, some people can go bankrupt due to hospital bills alone. For more information on healthcare pricing, visit our healthcare section. Travel and Transportation Costs You can save a lot if you know to drive as fuel prices in the country are very low compared to most western countries; half the price of most European countries. Buses are the cheapest mode of transportation and you can save a lot though it is not the most popular mode of moving about in the US. Trains are more convenient but expensive too. Flights are even more expensive though there are budget airlines to fly you for lower rates. Online is the best way you can find your preferred mode of roaming about in the US.

CULTURE AND SOCIAL ETIQUETTE

Different cultures have becomes a part of the US and depending on where you live, and who your neighbors are or how your colleagues are, you may experience various types of cultures and traditions. But generally, a few things will always be the same.

Social Etiquette
Competition is a part of your everyday life. Individualism is another important aspect. Uniqueness is highly regarded. And people love their independence.

The goal-driven attitude drives respected punctuality. Deadlines are prioritized over relationships. The common expression ‘time is money’ is actually followed all over the country.

Social Etiquette in the US: DOS
– Tipping waiters, taxi drivers, hairdressers, and other professionals working in service industries.
– Bringing small gifts when visiting someone’s house.
– Maintaining eye contact when conversing.
– Showing enthusiasm when mingling.
– Giving personal space while hanging out.

Social Etiquette in the US: DON’TS
– Talking to Americans about gun control, abortion, politics, religion, etc.
– Arriving on time to a social gathering on time (30 minutes or an hour late is expected).

Culture in the US
Books, movies, music, and other types of art created in the country have a huge influence on the rest of the world due to their frankness and way of living. Hollywood also plays a huge part in influencing the world with movies and fashion.
The US is known for its fast food trickling down to many countries but each region of the country is famous for its own delicacies that are creative adaptations of dishes brought in by several immigrants. Texan barbeque, pumpkin, apple, and key lime pies, macaroni and cheese, chicken and waffles, gumbo, New York- and Chicago-style pizzas are only a few of the country’s must-try dishes.
American Football, Baseball, NASCAR, and Basketball is well-known throughout the world as sports play an important role in the American culture.

Cultural Differences between Regions
The US map is divided into different sections based on factors such as economics, geography, time zones, and culture.

The Northeast
– The region’s main cities include New York City, Philadelphia, and Boston.
– It is subdivided into New England (Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and Vermont) and Mid-Atlantic (New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania).
– The Northeast is mostly an urban area with plenty of career and artistic opportunities.
– The most diverse, economically developed, and densely populated region in the US.
– The stereotypical resident is considered to be worldly, smart, and mature.

The Midwest
– The region’s main cities include Chicago and Detroit.
– It is subdivided into East North Central (Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Ohio, and Wisconsin) and West North Central (Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North and South Dakotas).
– The region is famous for farming land and beautiful nature.
– The region has all four seasons with harsh winters.
– The stereotypical resident is considered to be friendly, helpful, and kind.

The South
– Its main cities include Houston, San Antonio, and Dallas.
– Is subdivided into South Atlantic (Delaware, District of Colombia, Florida, Georgia, Maryland, North and South Carolinas, Virginia, and West Virginia), East South Centre (Alabama, Kentucky, Mississippi, Tennessee), and West South Centre (Arkansas, Louisiana, Oklahoma, and Texas).
– It is a very unique part of the US, rich in history, art, and cuisine.
– The South is a religious and mostly socially conservative region.
– The stereotypical resident is considered to be hospitable, traditional, and strong-willed.

The West
– Its main cities include San Francisco, Seattle, Phoenix, and Los Angeles.
– Is subdivided into Mountain (Arizona, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, Utah, and Wyoming) and Pacific (Alaska, California, Hawaii, Oregon, and Washington) regions.
– The region is varied geographically, with forested mountains, deserts, rainforests, and plenty of beautiful beaches.
– Culturally, the West is also very diverse. Alaska is a quiet, vast land with lush nature and very few people; California is saturated with business and artistic opportunities; Nevada appeals with the extravagance of its casino cities; and Hawaii’s nature helps the state stay on top as a touristic destination.
– The stereotypical resident is considered to be worldly, imaginative, experimental, and enthusiastic.
Patriotism is also a prominent part of American values and Americans believe that the US is the best country to live in, showing it with pride in various ways. People parade the US flag during federal holidays, hold their hand to their chest when singing the national anthem, and children are taught to recite the Pledge of Allegiance in school each day before class.

Independence is also very important in the US, politically and individually and people are free to do what they want, say what they want and live where they want.

DRIVING AND LICENSE

With a poor public transportation network, driving is very important in many parts of the US. Every household owns at least one vehicle as Americans, mostly, commute by car.

Foreign Driving License
You can use your foreign (European, Australian, etc.) driving license if you are living in the US temporarily. Once you get a permanent residence, you will have to apply for a US license.

Also, if your foreign license in not in English, you will have to get an International Driving Permit (IDP) from your country before going to the US. The IDP is only a translation of your foreign license so carry both while you drive around in the US.

Obtaining a US Driving License
You can use your foreign license until your visa is temporary. You can exchange your foreign license to US license if your country is one of the few that has a reciprocity agreement with the US. But otherwise, you will have to go through the complete process of obtaining a US driving license.

Documents
Along with your application consisting of personal details, the Department of Motor Vehicles requires the following documents from you:
– Your international driver’s license
– ID mentioning your name, date of birth (passport)
– Photo ID (passport)
– Your Social Security Number
– Proof of lawful presence in the US (visa, permanent resident card, citizenship certification, etc.)
– Address proof (state ID, utility bill, bank statement, etc.)
– Passport photo (in some cases this will be taken during the application process)

Paying the Fees and Taking your tests
The personnel from the DMV will let you know the costs for obtaining your license. After settling the payments (which will depend on the state you are residing in), you will be required to take the practical, written or an oral tests for which you can study here. In case you fail, there are chances you may get a re-test or start the process all over again.

It is important to get your vision tested in the DMV office or elsewhere. In case you require glasses, a restriction may be mentioned on your license.

Getting your license
Once you pass your tests and submit your documents, you will receive a temporary driving permit until you are mailed your official driving license which will have the validity mentioned on it. This license can be used as a form of ID in many situations.

Driving in the US: Rules
Rules for driving in the US depend on the state you are living in but it is good to be aware of the following if you plan to drive across different states:
– Official license is available for those above 18.
– Steering wheel is on the left of the car.
– Wearing seat belts is mandatory in all states except New Hampshire. Some states also require seatbelts for passengers in the back seat.
– Traffic is on the right-hand side of the road.
– Pedestrians have priority.
– WHITE LINES separate lanes going in the same direction.
– YELLOW LINES separate lanes going in opposite directions.
– You are obligated to allow emergency vehicles to pass if they have their flashing lights and/or sirens on.
– Always use low beams (dipped headlights) after dark (half an hour after sunset until half an hour before sunrise).

Driving a Rental Car
Renting a car can be done by someone who is 25 years and older though in some states they can at age 21 with additional fees. Nevertheless, you are required to purchase insurance when renting out a car unless your policy covers it.

PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION

If you live in one of the major cities like New York, metro, buses, and taxis may be a convenient part of your everyday life. Metro Metros are available in big cities like Washington DC, Boston, and New York. The city with the most used metro system in the country is New York. Unlike other countries, a metro could take you longer to reach your destination than by car. The subway system is reliable and punctual. City Buses Sadly, this cheaper mode of transport is not a very popular one as they do not have a good reputation. They are known for being slow and scheduled very sparingly. Taxi You can call for a public taxi by raising your arm or calling a local taxi company. This is generally preferred by many as taxis are usually fast, direct and a comfortable mode of public transportation. In addition to the regular fees, you will also be charged the toll fee and will have to tip the driver (15%) as well. It is quite expensive, therefore, the usage of taxis is significantly declining; especially with the arrival of car sharing services like Uber and Lyft. Intercity Buses Intercity buses, like city buses, are fairly cheap and have a poor reputation. Though newer coaches have Wi-Fi access as well as power outlets accessible, it is mostly used when there are no other cheaper options available. You can book one here at the main bus service provider. Trains Amtrak is the most common railway operator. They have a better reputation than buses and are convenient for both short and long distance journeys. Wifi and plug sockets are only available to those in the first-class though you can choose other options like coach and business too. Public Transport: Costs

Public Transport: Payment modes Using cash is the last option as it may cost you more than using other methods of payment. Paying through an app on your phone is available for most metro rides now-a-days. Electronic tap cards are used for most payments for public transport in the US. You can load them up at bus stops, where you have an option of purchasing a single-use ticket in case you do not travel every day.