As you're probably aware, the United States is a vast and diverse country with as many different ways of living as you can imagine. If you're planning to move to the USA, once you've got your visa and your travel sorted, one of the first things you'll need to consider is location and accommodation. Whether you're looking for a city apartment, a flatshare, a cozy suburban home for your family, or a rural retreat, with a bit of research and hard work, you should be able to find a suitable home base for your expat journey in the USA.
From bustling metropolises like downtown New York and Chicago to charming suburban neighborhoods straight out of the movies, the USA offers various housing options to suit a range of preferences and budgets.
Types of accommodation in the US
In the US, the words that are used to describe different dwelling types might be a little different than in your own country, so here's a quick explanation of definitions.
Apartments, studios, and condos
Apartment living is common in the USA 鈥� especially in more populous areas. An apartment is a self-contained unit within a larger building. Smaller single-room apartments are known as studios or efficiency apartments.
Houses
When searching for a place to live in the United States, you'll encounter a wide variety of housing options. The classic choice is a house, a standalone structure offering privacy and space with no shared walls or facilities. However, houses aren't the only option. In the US you will also hear people talking about condominiums or 鈥�condos,鈥� which are individually owned units within larger complexes, usually an apartment building or cul de sac. This set-up provides access to shared amenities like pools and gyms or outdoor space. Other options are duplexes (buildings split into two distinct living spaces) and townhouses (often in rows, sharing walls with the neighboring unit.)
When searching for accommodation, you'll often find information listed by size in square feet. The number of beds and bathrooms is typically specified in ads, while the presence of a living room and kitchen or kitchenette is implied unless stated otherwise.
Rented accommodations can be furnished, semi-furnished, or unfurnished. Furnished units may include everything from bedroom and dining room furniture to essential fixtures like linens, towels, cookware, and cutlery, providing immediate living convenience. However, it's essential to review your rental agreement to know exactly what is included and to take inventory if applicable. In the US, most unfurnished rentals come with heating and major kitchen appliances such as a refrigerator and stove/oven combo, with occasional additions like a microwave, washer and dryer, and air conditioning.
Choosing a place to live in the US
Rental price
Naturally, price is often the most significant factor when choosing a place to live. Generally, housing costs and competition increase in larger and denser cities. In the US,聽flat-sharing, renting a room in an already established flat, or sharing a home, is a common and acceptable way to save on costs. Other important factors influencing your choice include neighborhood safety and proximity to workplaces or convenient transportation options.
As of 2025, the national average rent in the US is approximately USD 1,625 per month. Rents are declining in many major Southern and Western cities due to increased apartment supply, while prices continue to rise gradually in the Northeast and Midwest. Single-family rentals are also showing growth, especially when it comes to high-end properties. Los Angeles and Chicago are currently leading this growth.
Here are the current average rents in ten popular U.S. cities:
- New York City: $3,966
- Los Angeles: $2,750
- Chicago: $1,962
- Houston: $1,475
- Phoenix: $1,979
- Philadelphia: $1,749
- San Francisco: $3,500
- Dallas: $1,419
- Miami: $3,300
- San Diego: $2,540
Remember 鈥� these figures represent the most recent average rents for all property types in each city and will vary significantly depending on neighborhood and apartment size. When it comes to rentals, the luxury options tend to skew averages upwards.
Determining your housing budget
It's recommended to allocate around 30% of your salary to accommodation expenses, although in specific markets, this figure may go up to 50%. Property owners often use these figures to assess your financial ability to afford the rental property and determine your suitability as a tenant.
Searching for a rental property
Once you've assessed your needs and budget, you have various ways to search for rental properties. Online platforms like, and are popular for browsing rental and housing listings 鈥� and many have an app that makes searching even easier. You can also go old school and explore neighborhoods of interest where landlords may display "For Rent" signs. Alternatively, using a rental agency can simplify the search process, although you will have to pay a fee.
Visit as many houses or apartments as possible and try to envision yourself living in the neighborhood. Assess the availability of services, facilities, and nearby shops. When using a rental agency, they can arrange viewings based on your preferences.
Renting accommodation in the US
Applying for a property, signing a lease, and paying a deposit
All rental housing requires an application and lease agreement. Leases typically span from six months to two years, with monthly rent payments. While there's no standardized list of documents landlords require, they usually request a credit history, proof of employment, rental history, and sometimes references. Some landlords may charge an application fee for criminal history and credit checks. Before signing the lease agreement, ensure that it clearly states what the rent includes and take inventory if the property is fully furnished.
When your rental application is approved, you must pay a deposit, usually including the first and last months' rent and a security deposit (usually equivalent to one month's rent). The security deposit protects the landlord in case of any property damage and is typically refunded after the move-out inspection. Upon moving in, both you and the property owner or manager will review the unit's condition and sign a document confirming its current state.
Renter's rights and equal housing laws
In the US, all renters are protected by . The US Department of Housing and Urban Development provides information on renters' rights specific to individual states. It's crucial to be aware of your rights and responsibilities as a tenant.
Buying property in the United States
Benefits of buying a home in the USA
If you are in a financial position to buy a home in the USA, there are several advantages for expats. Purchasing property provides tax benefits, as homeowners can take advantage of various tax deductions and credits related to mortgage interest and property taxes. Additionally, owning real estate can be a lucrative investment, with the potential for property values to appreciate over time. Being a homeowner can positively impact your credit rating, as it demonstrates financial responsibility and stability to creditors.
However, whether expats can buy a home in the USA depends on their residency status and income. Residency status is a critical factor, as some visa types may limit or prohibit foreign nationals from owning property in the country. Additionally, expats must consider their income and financial capability, as lenders will rigorously evaluate their ability to afford mortgage payments.
The house buying process in America
Buying a house can seem like a very daunting process but once you break it down into the necessary actions than it becomes more manageable. The process in America is relatively similar to the process in other countries and can be broken down into the following steps:
- Review your budget, savings, and take necessary steps like opening a US bank account.
- Get pre-approved for a mortgage or loan (if you need one).
- Engage a local real estate agent or property expert.
- Look for suitable properties and conduct inspections 鈥� hiring any building inspectors you deem necessary.
- Submit an offer to the seller.
- Finalize terms, sign the contract, and pay a deposit. In the US it is recommended you have a lawyer for this step and for closing. Some states legally require a lawyer to be involved.
- Finalize your loan, complete legal checks, and prepare for closing (including setting up any required local bank accounts).
- Sign final documents, pay remaining costs, and register the property in your name.
Of course, this is a simplified version of the process; local rules and personal circumstances may require extra steps. Hiring a professional real estate agent and a lawyer is essential to understanding local requirements.
Visa requirements and foreign investment
One advantage for expats interested in buying a home in the USA is that there is no specific visa requirement for property ownership, something that many other countries control carefully. The United States welcomes foreign investment, including real estate investment. However, expats must ensure that their funds are from legitimate sources.
In some cases, foreign investors may qualify for an . This visa is designed for individuals who invest a significant amount of capital in a new commercial enterprise that creates jobs for US workers. It is essential to understand that buying property under this visa program does not automatically guarantee a visa or permission to work in the United States. Property ownership and visa considerations are separate matters, and this visa is likely to suit only a very few specific cases.
Applying for a mortgage
If an expat needs a loan from a US bank to purchase a property, there are specific requirements to meet. Proof of residency and employment status is crucial for mortgage applications. Lenders typically require documentation demonstrating stable residency and a reliable source of income.
In the US, the FHA, or Federal Housing Administration, is a government department that can provide mortgage insurance to lenders. Currently, need a minimum FICO credit score of 580 to qualify for a 3.5% down payment. Applicants with scores below 580 must provide a 10% down payment. Be aware that FHA-insured mortgages are no longer available to non聽permanent residents, even those with valid work visas. This insurance now requires U.S. citizenship or lawful permanent resident (green card) status.
Also, a (SSN) or (TIN) is essential when applying for a mortgage. The SSN is a common US identification number used for tax purposes, while the ITIN (Individual Tax Identification Number) is an alternative for expats who don't have an SSN. Expats who are permanent or temporary residents should request an SSN or ITIN as soon as they are granted a visa to facilitate all of their financial transactions, including mortgage applications.
Finding a home in the USA
Expats have various options when searching for a home in the USA. They can purchase homes directly from the owner or enlist the help of real estate agents, also known as realtors, who can assist with the home search process.
Finding a home in the USA is much like searching for an apartment and can be done through multiple channels. Online listings provide a wealth of information about available properties, and newspapers often feature real estate ads. Driving through desired neighborhoods allows expats to get a sense of the areas they may want to live in 鈥� and you might just spot some 鈥淔or sale鈥� signs while you're at it. Alternatively, contacting a real estate agent can really help organize the search, and a good real estate agent can be very helpful in navigating what may seem like quite an unfamiliar buying process.
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