United States — Tax Guide, Residency & Cost of Living for Expats
North AmericaUpdated 2026
Tax Score
35/100WorldwideTax Data
Residency & Visas
Cost of Living & Quality of Life
Tax Overview
United States applies a worldwide tax system with high progressive rates. Residents are taxed on their global income, which can represent a significant burden for high earners.
Personal Income Tax
Personal income tax in United States ranges from 10% – 37% progressively.
Corporate & Capital Gains
The corporate tax rate is 21%. Capital gains are taxed at 20%.
Indirect Taxes & Wealth
There is no wealth tax. Inheritance tax applies.
Crypto & Digital Assets
United States has an unfavorable crypto tax regime (score 2/5). Rates are high and/or regulations are restrictive.
Residency Guide
Relocating to United States is accessible with multiple options. The country offers several residency pathways for foreigners.
Visa Options
Residency by Investment: Available with a minimum investment of USD 800,000.
Investment Requirements
The golden visa requires a minimum investment of USD 800,000. Residency by investment requires a minimum of USD 800,000.
Path to Citizenship
The path to citizenship in United States takes approximately 5 years — a moderate timeline by international standards. A minimum presence of 183 days per year is required.
Practical Considerations
As a non-LATAM destination, applicants should consider potential language barriers and cultural differences. Working with a local immigration attorney and verifying apostille/legalization requirements for documents is recommended.
Also consider: Cayman Islands, Bermuda, Bahamas
Lifestyle
United States has a high cost of living, comparable to major world capitals.
Cost of Living
With an index of 72, United States has moderate to high costs. It is more affordable than New York City (100) but is not a low-cost destination.
Safety & Infrastructure
With a safety score of 5.5/10, caution is recommended, especially outside tourist and expat areas. Fast internet at 200 Mbps average — excellent for remote work and streaming.
Healthcare
A healthcare score of 7/10 indicates a decent healthcare system. Private health insurance is recommended to supplement public services.
Quality of Life
United States has a Human Development Index of 0.927 (classification: very high). This indicates excellent standards of education, health, and living standards.
Data: 2026 · Source: pwc,numbeo,undp,ookla
Pros & Cons
Pros
- No wealth tax
- Residency by investment (from USD 800,000)
- Very high human development (HDI 0.927)
- High-quality healthcare system (7/10)
Cons
- Worldwide tax system — global income taxed
- Inheritance tax applies
- Moderately high cost of living (index 72)
- Moderate safety — caution advised (5.5/10)
- Unfavorable crypto regime (2/5)
- Physical presence requirement (183+ days/year)
- High minimum investment for residency (USD 800,000)
Frequently Asked Questions
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About this guide
Researched and maintained by the TuLugar team, based in Asunción, Paraguay.
Data sourced from PwC, Numbeo, UNDP, and Ookla.
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