Everything you need to know before moving to the US from Europe (Updated for 2026)

Planning a move from Europe to the United States involves many steps: choosing a destination, securing a visa, arranging your belongings, and budgeting for living costs. The U.S. has 50 states (plus territories like Puerto Rico and Guam), each with different climates, cultures, and housing markets. Recent developments have changed some key details, so here’s an updated guide covering visas, moving expenses, living costs, and practical tips.

Visa and Entry Requirements

As of 2026, most European passport holders can travel to the U.S. without a visa under the Visa Waiver Program (ESTA), which permits visits of up to 90 days for tourism or business. No visa is needed for these short trips, but note that 90 days is the maximum per visit; longer stays require a visa. (The old figure “180 days” was incorrect – it’s 90 days under ESTA.) U.S. Customs and Border Protection enforces the 90-day limit, and travelers must have an approved ESTA authorization before departure. Also, COVID-19 restrictions have ended: since May 2023 the U.S. no longer requires travelers to show vaccination or negative test proof.

If you plan to stay longer, or to study or work, you’ll need an appropriate visa. U.S. visa fees have recently increased: for example, as of May 30, 2026 the fee for a standard B-1/B-2 visitor visa rose to $185 (up from $160) and work visas like H-1B/L-1 are now $205. Starting in 2026, a new $250 “Visa Integrity Fee” is also charged when any non-immigrant visa is issued. (This means almost all foreign nationals receiving a U.S. visa – tourist, work, or student – will pay an extra $250 at visa issuance, with some exemptions.)

In summary, most Europeans can enter the US visa-free for up to 90 days (ESTA). After 2023 there are no special vaccine/test entry rules. For longer stays or work/study, plan to apply for a visa well in advance (and budget for the higher fees).

Moving and Shipping Costs

When moving your household to the U.S., international shipping is often the biggest one-time expense. Ocean freight (sea containers or roll-on/roll-off) is far cheaper than air freight. For example, shipping a car by sea typically costs around $1,200–3,000. RoRo (roll-on/roll-off) service – where cars are driven onto a cargo ship – starts near $1,200. A 20-foot container (which can hold several pieces of furniture or one car) runs about $2,000–3,000. By contrast, air transport of a vehicle easily exceeds $10,000, making it impractical for most moves. When planning, also account for import duties (e.g. passenger cars face ~2.5% of value) and brokerage fees. Some expats ship only essentials and purchase furniture in the U.S. to save money. This method (driving the car onto a ship deck) is usually the most cost-effective way to move vehicles and large items overseas. In general, expect basic RoRo shipping from Europe to the U.S. to start around $1,200 per vehicle; a shared container can further reduce costs.

Even if you don’t ship a car, moving a 20–40ft container of household goods can cost several thousand dollars (depending on weight and distance). Always get multiple quotes from international movers. Remember that once you arrive in the U.S., you may also need to register any imported vehicle, get it inspected (emissions, safety) and pay customs fees. In short, budget ample funds for relocation – international freight and visa fees alone can be several thousand dollars.

Cost of Living and Healthcare

The United States has a relatively high cost of living compared to many European countries. Housing (rent or mortgage) is often the largest monthly expense. In mid-2025 the typical U.S. rent was about $2,007/month. Of course, this varies widely: major cities (New York, San Francisco, Boston, Los Angeles, etc.) often have median rents well above $3,000–4,000 for a one-bedroom. Smaller cities or towns can be much cheaper. Utilities (electricity, heating, water) and internet can add a few hundred dollars per month, depending on the region and usage. Groceries and dining out vary by location – in general, expect American groceries to be on par or slightly higher than Western Europe, and restaurant meals to be more expensive (especially with tipping culture).

Healthcare is not free: it is usually the highest single non-housing expense. A 2025 survey found the average annual premium for employer-sponsored family health insurance was nearly $27,000 (with employees paying ~$6,850 of that). In other words, individual plans or out-of-pocket medical costs can run into the thousands per year. If you work full-time in the U.S., your employer will likely offer a health insurance plan (often the cheapest way to get coverage). Short-term visitors or recent arrivals can also buy private travel health insurance or short-term plans, but be aware these may not cover everything. Always ensure you have some form of health coverage, as even a simple ER visit can easily cost thousands without insurance.

To summarize, expect sticker shock if you come from cheaper European cities. Plan your budget to allow about 30% of income for rent (as a rule of thumb). Use cost-of-living calculators (there are many online tools) to compare your current expenses with those in your target U.S. city. You might save by living in less popular areas, finding roommates, or using fully furnished short-term housing (see next section).

Housing and Short-Term Rentals

Finding housing from abroad is easier than it once was, thanks to the internet. Popular rental platforms like Zillow, Apartments.com, Craigslist, and others list available apartments across the U.S. by city and neighborhood. You can filter by price, amenities, and lease length. It’s wise to start your search online to get a feel for rent ranges and neighborhoods. Keep in mind that many leases in the U.S. are year-long, but as an international newcomer you may prefer short-term or flexible arrangements.

One convenient option is a furnished apartment or short-term rental. These fully-equipped units often allow leases of just a few months, which avoids buying or shipping furniture. Be aware they are usually 15–25% more expensive than unfurnished long-term rentals. (Landlords charge a premium for move-in-ready convenience.) Still, furnished rentals can be worth it initially. They appeal to students, interns, corporate transfers, and anyone staying briefly. Many serviced-apartment companies and corporate housing providers now advertise in U.S. cities. Booking a month-to-month or 3–6 month lease lets you “try out” a city before committing, and often includes utilities and internet.

When touring housing sites, note that apartments in city centers cost more; consider suburbs or smaller cities if budget is tight. You can also search for shared housing or sublets on local Facebook groups and forums – co-living with roommates is common in large cities. If you sign a lease, read it carefully: some U.S. leases have strict penalties for breaking the term early (another reason short-term furnished leases or month-to-month rentals can be advantageous for newcomers).

For students, universities often provide dormitories or help with housing. Most first-year students are guaranteed on-campus housing (which usually covers utilities and internet). Your school’s housing office or international student office will guide you: they can help you book a dorm or direct you to approved off-campus listings. Campus bulletin boards and student housing portals are good resources for finding roommates and affordable apartments nearby. (And remember: dorm rooms are usually fully furnished, whereas off-campus apartments may be unfurnished.)

Work, Study, and Investment Visas

If you plan to live (and work) in the U.S. long-term, you’ll generally need an appropriate visa or status. Here are the common paths:

• Student Visa (F-1 or M-1). If you enroll in a U.S. college or university, you’ll need an F-1 (academic student) or M-1 (vocational) visa. The school must be SEVP-approved and issue you a Form I-20. You can apply for the visa up to 365 days before your program starts. (Typically you apply soon after acceptance, so plan 1–2 years in advance.) You must pay the SEVIS fee ($350) and show proof of funds to cover tuition and living expenses. F-1 students can work on campus and, after the first year, may work off-campus with permission. A student visa cannot be used for full-time work.
• Work Visa (H-1B, L-1, etc.). If you have a job offer from a U.S. employer, they can petition for a work visa on your behalf. The most common is the H-1B (for specialty occupations; subject to an annual lottery), which requires a bachelor’s degree or equivalent and employer sponsorship. Other categories include L-1 (for intra-company transfers), O-1 (for individuals with extraordinary ability), TN (for certain Canadian/Mexican professionals under USMCA), etc. There is no general “digital nomad” visa in the U.S.; outside of these, you must have the employer’s sponsorship to work legally. Note that petition-based visas typically cost $205 (application) plus the new $250 integrity fee.
• Investor (EB-5) Visa. By law, you can qualify for a permanent green card by investing in a U.S. business that creates jobs. As of 2026, the minimum investment is $1,050,000 in a standard project or $800,000 in a Targeted Employment Area (high unemployment or rural). (These thresholds were raised in 2022; the old $500k TEA rule is no longer in effect.) EB-5 applications also take years of processing, so this is a long-term strategy for those with substantial capital.
• Visitor/Tourist Visa (B-2). For temporary stays without work. Most Europeans will rely on the Visa Waiver ESTA (90 days, as noted). If you need longer (e.g. up to 6 months), you could apply for a B-2 tourist visa at a consulate. Remember that on a tourist visa (or ESTA) you cannot work or enroll in degree courses. Also, entering on a tourist visa just to “seek work” can be denied. One tip: if on an initial short-term lease, don’t sign a multi-year lease unless you have the appropriate visa – a B-2 visa holder should stick to short-term rentals.

For each visa type, check the official requirements on government websites (State Dept and USCIS) and budget for the required fees and wait times. In 2026, visa processing can still have delays in some consulates, so apply early. Also note recent regulatory changes: e.g., the H-1B registration now includes a $215 fee (FY2027) and a new weighted lottery system. (If your company is sponsoring you, they will handle most of these details.)

Practical Tips

• Plan and Budget Thoroughly: Moving abroad is expensive. Besides visas and shipping, remember to budget for a security deposit and first month’s rent (often required upfront), a few months’ living expenses, utilities setup (e.g. a deposit for electricity, which runs ~15¢/kWh on average), and everyday costs until you start earning U.S. income.
• Consider Furnished/Short-Term Rentals First: Given the uncertainty, many new arrivals prefer fully furnished apartments on short leases. This avoids buying furniture and lets you scout neighborhoods in person before committing. Mobile apps like Airbnb or furnished-apartment sites can bridge your initial weeks.
• Build a Support Network: Join expat groups or social media communities in your chosen city. Other Europeans in the U.S. can offer advice on neighborhoods, local amenities, and job markets. University or community orientation programs (for students) also provide helpful guidance.
• Health Insurance from Day One: Even short-term visitors should have travel health insurance. If you’re staying long-term, enroll in an employer plan or a private U.S. plan as soon as you arrive. Hospital bills without insurance can be ruinously expensive.
• Stay Organized with Documents: Keep copies of all paperwork—visa stamps, I-20 forms, SEVIS receipts, medical records (vaccinations, prescriptions), driver’s license translations, etc. US authorities may ask for proof of vaccine status or medical history (for school enrollment, etc.), so bring originals and notarized translations.
• Get a U.S. Phone Number: Mobile plans can be pricey, but having a local number (with a data plan) makes everything easier—banking apps, rideshare, and contacting landlords. Major carriers and MVNOs offer plans under $30/month for reasonable data.

Moving to the United States from Europe is a big adventure but entirely doable with careful preparation. Keep copies of all government forms and correspondence, stick to legal entry rules, and allow plenty of time for each step. With the updated visa rules and living costs above, you’re now equipped to plan your move confidently. Welcome to your new American life – and good luck on your journey!