United States
World's largest economy with enormous geographic and cultural diversity. Strong job market, but complex healthcare system and high regional variations.
Important Notice: No Individual Advice
The information provided is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute individual legal, tax, or financial advice. Please consult qualified professionals for personal decisions.
Key Metrics
Cost of Living
Cost Breakdown
Quality of Life
Taxes
Tax information for United States
Tax resident after 183 days (Substantial Presence Test) or with Green Card. US citizens tax worldwide income regardless of residence.
2025
April 15th of following year (automatic 6-month extension available)
No - worldwide income
🇺🇸 The US Tax System: Federal + State + FATCA
Progressive federal tax 10-37% on worldwide income. Standard Deduction 2025: $15,000 (Single), $30,000 (Married). Applies uniformly to ALL US taxpayers.
IN ADDITION to federal tax! 9 states have 0% (Florida, Texas, Nevada...). California has 13.3% – highest in USA. Choice of residence state can mean THOUSANDS of dollars per year!
7.65% employee + 7.65% employer = 15.3% total. Social Security: 6.2% up to $176,100 (2025). Medicare: 1.45% unlimited + 0.9% surtax over $200k. Self-employed pay BOTH shares (15.3%)!
USA is one of only 2 countries worldwide (with Eritrea) that taxes citizens on WORLDWIDE income – no matter where they live! Green Card holders too. FEIE 2025: $130,000 foreign income excludable.
US persons MUST report foreign accounts over $10,000 (FBAR). FATCA forces foreign banks to report to IRS. Penalties for non-compliance: up to 50% of account value! Many banks refuse US customers.
Traditional 401(k)/IRA: Contributions tax-deductible, withdrawals taxed. Roth 401(k)/IRA: Contributions from after-tax income, withdrawals TAX-FREE. 401(k) limit 2025: $23,500 (+$7,500 if 50+).
Emigrating from USA does NOT end tax obligation! Only renouncing citizenship/Green Card ends it – with possible exit tax on unrealized gains. Covered expatriates: Exit tax if assets >$2M or tax liability >$201,000/5 years.
Income Tax
Federal progressive income tax (USD) + State income tax (0-13.3% depending on state). Additionally Social Security/Medicare 7.65% (employee) + 7.65% (employer) = 15.3% total.
| From | To | Rate |
|---|---|---|
| €0 | €10,971 | 10% |
| €10,971 | €44,597 | 12% |
| €44,597 | €95,082 | 22% |
| €95,082 | €181,516 | 24% |
| €181,516 | €230,483 | 32% |
| €230,483 | €576,242 | 35% |
| €576,242 | Unlimited | 37% |
IMPORTANT: 9 states have NO income tax (Alaska, Florida, Nevada, New Hampshire, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Washington, Wyoming). Highest state tax: California 13.3%, New York 10.9%, Hawaii 11%. Standard Deduction 2025: €13,800(Single), €27,600(Married Filing Jointly).
Federal Marginal Tax Rate by Income
Federal Income Tax 2025 (IRS, Single Filer, USD)
Pension Tax
US pensions (401k, IRA, Social Security) taxed as income. Social Security: up to 85% taxable with higher income. Foreign pensions often benefit under double tax treaties.
Roth IRA/401k: Withdrawals tax-free. Traditional IRA/401k: Fully taxable upon withdrawal.
Capital Gains Tax
Long-term capital gains (>1 year, USD): 0%, 15%, 20%. Short-term (<1 year): taxed as income (up to 37%). Additionally 3.8% Net Investment Income Tax for high earners (€184,000+ single).
| From | To | Rate |
|---|---|---|
| €0 | €44,482 | 0% |
| €44,482 | €490,728 | 15% |
| €490,728 | Unlimited | 20% |
Qualified dividends: same rates as long-term capital gains (0/15/20%). Thresholds adjusted annually for inflation (IRS).
Dividend Tax
Qualified dividends: 0%, 15%, 20% (same as long-term capital gains). Non-qualified/ordinary dividends: taxed as income (up to 37%).
Wealth Tax
No federal wealth tax. BUT: Estate tax 40% above ~€13M exemption (2025). Only ~0.1% of estates affected. Some states have additional estate/inheritance taxes. Exemption expected to drop to ~€6M in 2026.
FATCA/FBAR: US persons must report foreign accounts over €9,200. Non-compliance = heavy penalties (up to 50% of account value).
VAT
0%No federal VAT. Instead: State sales tax 0-7.25% + local sales tax 0-5% = combined 0-10.5%. Alaska, Delaware, Montana, New Hampshire, Oregon: no sales tax.
Important Notice
This is not tax advice. US tax system is EXTREMELY COMPLEX with federal + state + local taxes. FATCA/FBAR reporting for foreign accounts mandatory. US citizens/Green Card holders taxed worldwide. ABSOLUTELY consult a CPA (Certified Public Accountant) or Enrolled Agent specialized in expat/international tax. IRS penalties for non-compliance can be existential (up to 50% of account value).
This is not tax, legal, or investment advice. Tax laws change frequently and can be complex. The information provided is for general informational purposes only. Please consult a tax advisor licensed in United States for your specific situation.
Healthcare
Healthcare in United States
Private insurance-based: Employer-sponsored (49%), Individual Marketplace/ACA (7%), Medicare 65+ (19%), Medicaid low-income (19%), Uninsured (8%). NO universal system.
CRITICAL: Health insurance NOT officially mandatory (ACA Individual Mandate repealed 2019), BUT without insurance = financial EXISTENTIAL RISK. Hospital bill €46,000+ for appendectomy without insurance. Employers usually offer insurance (costs shared). Expats MUST have private insurance!
Expat Access
NO access to public system for expats! Medicare only for 65+ US citizens/Green Card holders after 10+ years work. Medicaid only for US citizens with very low income. Emergency rooms MUST treat (EMTALA), but bill follows!
World-class medical care (Top-10 hospitals globally: Mayo Clinic, Cleveland Clinic, Johns Hopkins), but EXTREMELY EXPENSIVE without insurance. With insurance: Copays, deductibles (€920-7360/year), out-of-pocket maximum (€8,280-16560/year). Provider networks (in-network vs. out-of-network) critical.
MANDATORY for expats! Cost: €368-1104/month individual (age/health dependent), €1,104-2300/month family. ACA Marketplace (Healthcare.gov) for individual. Employer-sponsored: Employee pays €184-552/month (employer covers rest). International expat insurance (Cigna Global, Allianz) €276-736/month. IMPORTANT: Understand deductible, copay, coinsurance, out-of-pocket max, in-network!
Costs
Climate Change & Future Outlook
Climate risks in United States
The USA shows high climate risks with extreme regional variation. Main risks: Heat days in Southwest (+45-60 days >35°C by 2050), severe droughts in West (Colorado River -20% water), hurricane risk Southeast (Category 4-5 more frequent), wildfires California (area +50%), coastal flooding (3.5M homes at risk). USA ranks among countries with high adaptive capacity (ND-GAIN Top 20 Readiness), but political fragmentation delays national measures.
Climate Scenarios
Switch between IPCC SSP pathways
SSP2-4.5
Current policy trajectory – ~2.7°C warming by 2100, moderate mitigation.
Values are approximations relative to our SSP2-4.5 baseline. They illustrate directional change, not exact national projections.
Overall Climate Risk
Projected risk index (0 = low risk, 100 = extreme risk)
Risk Categories
City-level climate outlook
Localized projections for the key expat metros in United States.
NYC shows moderate heat risks with Urban Heat Island effect (+7°C downtown vs. suburbs) and high coastal flood risk. Hurricane Sandy (2012: $19B damage) was wake-up call. Heat waves increasing (+200% mortality since 1990).
NOAA 2023 data
NPCC 2019 projections
- •NYC Cool Neighborhoods: 1M+ trees planted, cool roofs, cooling centers
- •Coastal defense: $52B storm surge barrier (proposed), beach nourishment
- •Subway flooding in heavy rain (Hurricane Ida 2021: 13 deaths)
- •Property values <3m elevation declining (-10% 2020-2023)
LA shows extreme risks: Wildfires (#1 risk), mega-droughts (5-10 years norm), atmospheric rivers (heavy rain floods), earthquakes (secondary). Insurance crisis: premiums +300%, providers withdrawing.
Camp Fire 2018: 85 deaths, $16B
Wildfire smoke + smog
- •Wildfire prevention: $1.5B/year prescribed burns, fire-resistant vegetation
- •Water conservation: Desalination plants, Colorado River compact renegotiation
- •Wildfire insurance: $3,000-5,000/year extra in risk zones (Malibu, Topanga)
- •Power shutoffs (PSPS) during wildfire risk: 2-5 days without electricity
Miami is USA's most endangered major city: 'Sunny-day flooding' already now, 2.5M homes in flood zones, Hurricane Category 4-5 risk rising. Property values declining (-15% 2020-2023 in flood zones).
NOAA 2023 projections
Ian 2022: $113B damage
- •Miami Beach $500M seawall & 80+ pump stations against sunny-day flooding
- •Building codes: Homes must withstand Category 5 hurricanes (since 2002)
- •Hurricane insurance: $8,000-15,000/year (vs. $2,000 in Atlanta)
- •Property values <3m elevation: -15-20% since 2020, banks refusing mortgages
Chicago shows moderate risks with 'Climate Haven' potential: Great Lakes provide water security, but heat (+25 days >30°C by 2050) and Polar Vortex extremes increasing. Property prices +12% 2020-2023 (climate migration).
NOAA Chicago
2019 Polar Vortex: -30°C
- •Urban heat: Cool roofs, tree canopy +30%, cooling centers
- •Grid resilience: $2B investment against Polar Vortex blackouts
- •'Climate Haven' effect: Property prices rising (+12% 2020-2023)
- •Great Lakes provide water security vs. Colorado River crisis
Phoenix shows EXTREME risks: Already 110+ days >35°C, 54 days >43°C (2023), deadly heat waves (+300% mortality). Long-term UNINHABITABLE without radical adaptation. Water crisis: Colorado River -20%.
2023: Record 54 days
40M people affected
- •Cool pavements: Light-colored streets reflect heat (-10°C surface temp)
- •Tree canopy +30%, cooling centers, heat emergency system
- •AC is NOT optional: Failures can be deadly (Homeless 200+ deaths/year)
- •Long-term (2070+): Experts warn of uninhabitability without technology breakthrough
Personal climate risk assessment
Tune the analysis to your health profile and comfort level.
Age group
Sensitivity
Risk tolerance
Personalized risk index
Current level: High
Priority risks
Extreme Weather
Base 72 → Personal 72
Economic Impact
Base 72 → Personal 72
What to prioritize
- •Look for reliable shelter options and emergency communication plans.
- •Budget for higher insurance/utilities and diversify income streams against climate shocks.
- •Prioritise shaded neighborhoods, AC-ready apartments, and early-morning routines.
Adaptation Measures
- •Inflation Reduction Act (2022): $369B for climate investments
- •Infrastructure Investment Act (2021): $550B incl. resilience
- •FEMA Flood Buyout Program: $3.5B for risk zone retreat
- •California wildfire prevention: $1.5B/year prescribed burns
- •Miami Beach $500M seawall & pump systems
- •AC mandatory: 90% homes in South already have, North retrofitting
- •Wildfire insurance: Additional coverage $2,000-5,000/year in risk zones
- •Flood risk check: First Street Foundation Risk Factor tool
- •Backup power: Generators/Solar+Battery for grid outages
Climate Resilience
High adaptive capacity thanks to technological leadership, economic strength and innovation (ND-GAIN Rank #1 Readiness globally). Weaknesses: Political polarization delays national climate policy, federal fragmentation (50 states = 50 different approaches), social inequality (poor communities unprotected), infrastructure backlog ($2T investment gap).
Tips
- 💡Choose 'Climate Havens': Duluth MN, Buffalo NY, Vermont, Pacific NW (below 40°N)
- đź’ˇAvoid extreme risk zones: Phoenix, Las Vegas, Miami, New Orleans
- đź’ˇCheck flood risk BEFORE buying property: floodfactor.com (First Street)
- đź’ˇAC is not optional: Standard in all regions except Pacific Northwest
- đź’ˇWildfire insurance: Mandatory in CA, OR, CO risk zones ($2,000-5,000/year extra)
- đź’ˇBackup power: Generators/Solar+Battery for grid outages (Texas 2021, CA blackouts)
Pros
- •Global leader in adaptive capacity (ND-GAIN #1 Readiness)
- •Technological innovation: Solar, battery, EV, grid modernization
- •'Climate Havens' available: North, Great Lakes, Pacific NW offer refuge
- •Regional diversity: Can relocate within USA without emigrating
- •Economic strength: $2T investment capacity for climate adaptation
Cons
- •Extreme regional variation: Wrong choice = existential risk
- •Insurance crisis: Florida/CA premiums +300%, providers withdrawing
- •Political polarization: Federal fragmentation delays national solutions
- •Southwest uninhabitable by 2070: Phoenix, Vegas = WET-BULB danger zone
- •Extreme weather frequency exploding: $165B/year damage (2023), $300B+ by 2050
- •Water crisis West: Colorado River -20%, 40M people affected
- •Social inequality: Poor communities unprotected (no AC, evacuation impossible)
Notes
USA is the 'Great Climate Divergence' country: While Northeast, Great Lakes, Pacific NW serve as 'Climate Havens' (Duluth, Buffalo, Vermont, Seattle) offering relative stability, Southwest (Phoenix, Vegas) and Southeast (Florida, Louisiana) becoming increasingly uninhabitable. Phoenix 2023: 54 days >43°C (109°F), Las Vegas water crisis (Lake Mead 25% capacity), Miami 'sunny-day flooding' already now, New Orleans below sea level. ND-GAIN #1 Readiness shows: USA HAS resources for adaptation ($2T investment capacity), but political polarization (Red vs Blue States) prevents national climate policy. Instead: State-by-state patchwork (CA progressive, FL denial). Insurance exodus beginning: State Farm, Allstate withdrawing from Florida/California, premiums +300%. Coastal property values declining (-10-20% in risk zones). 'Climate migration' within USA accelerating: 2020-2023 +15% influx to 'Climate Havens' (Duluth, Boise, Vermont). Critical for expats: Location choice determines quality of life 2050+. Recommendation: North of 40°N latitude, proximity to Great Lakes, avoid coasts <3m elevation, avoid Southwest desert. USA is NOT a uniform country climatically: Choose your region like a separate country!
Data sources
Scientific Disclaimer
Climate projections are based on models with inherent uncertainties. Actual outcomes may differ. We present mainstream scientific consensus (IPCC) but acknowledge uncertainty ranges. This is not financial advice. Consult climate scientists and experts for specific decisions.
Safety & Security
Safety & Crime in United States
Safety Indicators
Comparison with DACH Region
For comparison: Germany (CPI: 78), Austria (CPI: 71), Switzerland (CPI: 82)
Notes
Homicide Rate: 6.3 per 100,000 (vs. 1.0 in Germany). Choose neighborhood carefully.
Visa & Immigration
Immigration Options for United States
Visa Options
H-1B (Specialty Occupation)
For highly qualified (Bachelor+). LOTTERY system! Only 85,000/year issued (65k regular + 20k Master's cap). Employer-sponsored, initial 3 years, renewable to 6 years. Approval rate ~25-30% (2024: 442,000 applicants, 85,000 selected). Dual intent allowed (Green Card parallel application).
L-1 (Intracompany Transfer)
For intracompany transfers (Executives/Managers/Specialized Knowledge). NO lottery! Requirement: 1 year worked at foreign company. L-1A (Manager): 7 years max. L-1B (Specialized): 5 years max. Blanket L-1 faster for large companies. Dual intent allowed.
O-1 (Extraordinary Ability)
For persons with extraordinary ability (Sciences, Arts, Education, Business, Athletics). NO lottery! High burden of proof: Awards, publications, media coverage, high salary. Initial 3 years, renewable indefinitely. Self-sponsoring possible (via petition by US entity). Popular H-1B alternative for talent. Approval rate ~90%.
E-2 (Treaty Investor)
For investors from treaty countries (incl. Germany). Investment in US business required ($100k-200k+ typical). NO Green Card path! But renewable indefinitely (2 years + 2 years...). Spouse may work. Fast (2-4 months). Popular for entrepreneurs. 'Substantial investment' + 'directing/developing' business.
EB-5 (Investor Green Card)
Green Card through investment! $800k (Targeted Employment Area/Rural) or $1.050M (Standard). Create minimum 10 US jobs. Processing 2-5 years. Conditional Green Card first (2 years), then permanent. Quota: 10,000/year, but massive backlog (China 15+ years wait). Regional Center projects available. High due diligence required!
Diversity Visa Lottery (DV)
GREEN CARD LOTTERY! Free application (October-November online). 50,000 Green Cards/year to countries with low US immigration. Germany eligible! Winning chance ~0.5-1%. Requirement: High school diploma OR 2 years work experience (skilled occupation). If selected: Interview + medical + background check. WARNING: Many scam websites, only use official dvprogram.state.gov!
EB-1 (Priority Workers Green Card)
Green Card for top talent! EB-1A (Extraordinary Ability): SELF-PETITION possible, no job offer needed. EB-1B (Outstanding Researchers): Job offer from university/research. EB-1C (Multinational Executives): L-1A → EB-1C path. No PERM Labor Certification! Fastest employment-based Green Card (~12-18 months). Quota 40,000/year, NO backlog (except China/India).
Family-Based Green Card
Green Card through family. Immediate Relatives (Spouse, parents, unmarried children <21 of US citizen): NO quota, ~12-24 months. Other family-sponsored: Quota + backlog (5-20 years depending on category). F1 (Unmarried children 21+ of US citizen): 7 years. F2A (Spouse/children <21 of Green Card holder): 2 years. F2B: 5+ years. F3: 12+ years. F4: 20+ years.
Path to Permanent Residency
Green Card (Permanent Residency) via multiple paths: Employment-based (EB-1 to EB-5), Family-based, Diversity Lottery. BUT: Massive backlogs for China/India (EB-2/EB-3: 10-20 years wait!). Germany: No backlogs except EB-4/EB-5. Green Card → Citizenship: 5 years wait (3 years if via marriage to US citizen), then naturalization test + interview. USA officially does NOT allow dual citizenship, but factually German citizenship usually tolerated during naturalization. IMPORTANT: Green Card holders subject to worldwide taxation + must live >6 months/year in USA (otherwise loss).
Important Notice
Visa and immigration regulations change frequently. The information provided is for general informational purposes only. Please consult the official government website or an immigration attorney for current and accurate information.
Climate
Data Sources & Updates
Data Sources
- Transparency International CPI 2024(CC BY-ND 4.0)
- Global Peace Index 2024(Attribution Required)
- FBI Uniform Crime Reporting(Public Domain)
- UNODC Homicide Statistics(CC BY 3.0 IGO)
- IPCC AR6(CC BY 4.0)
- NOAA Climate Data(Public Domain)
- World Bank Climate Knowledge Portal(CC BY 4.0)
- ND-GAIN Index(Open Access)
- World Bank WDI(CC BY 4.0)
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics(Public Domain)
- OECD Data(OECD Terms)
- U.S. Census Bureau(Public Domain)
- Foreign Service Institute(Public Domain)
- OECD Education at a Glance(OECD Terms)
- National Center for Education Statistics(Public Domain)
- WHO Global Health Observatory(CC BY-NC-SA 3.0)
- Kaiser Family Foundation(Attribution Required)
- Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services(Public Domain)
- U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services(Public Domain)
- OECD Migration Database(OECD Terms)
- Numbeo(User-Generated)
- Bureau of Labor Statistics(Public Domain)
- MIT Living Wage Calculator(Attribution Required)