City guide

🇺🇸 Living in New York

A leading global financial and cultural centre, with deep career opportunities, high salaries, and a famously high cost of living

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At a glance

Population
8,500,000
Currency
USD
Avg. salary
€100,000–€180,000
Effective tax
31–35%
Climate
Humid continental
Tax regime
New York to 10.9% + NYC local to 3.9%
Nomad visa
–

Net salary calculator

Calculate your take-home pay in New York with our detailed tax calculator.

Net salary in the United States →

Cost of living

Rent (1-bed, center)€3,705/mo
Rent (1-bed, outside centre)€2,403/mo
Groceries (single)€285/mo
Groceries (family)€830/mo
Transport pass€121/mo
Restaurant (2 people, mid-range)€125
Coffee€5.10
Gym membership€112/mo
HealthcareThe US has no public health system for working-age residents; coverage is employer-sponsored private insurance. The visible employee payroll contribution averages around 100 euros per month for single cover, but the full premium is far higher and significant deductibles and copays apply
Frugal
€2,900
/month
Moderate
€4,000
/month
Comfortable
€6,200
/month

Budget calculator

Build a detailed monthly budget for New York based on your lifestyle.

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Why choose New York?

Deep career opportunities in finance, tech, media, and law, among the highest salaries in the US

A global cultural capital: major museums, theatre, music, and dining

Extremely diverse and international, with large expat and immigrant communities

Excellent 24/7 public transport in a dense, walkable city

English-speaking, with deep professional networks across industries

A gateway to the US market and a global business hub

Quality of life

Overall
8
Safety
7
Healthcare
8
Education
8.5
Air Quality
7
Culture
9.5
Expat Community
9
English Proficiency
10

Moving to New York : checklist

  1. 1Secure US work authorization before moving: most expats arrive on an employer-sponsored visa (H-1B, L-1, O-1, or E-2); there is no digital-nomad route
  2. 2Understand the tax stack: NYC residents pay federal, New York State, and New York City income tax
  3. 3Budget heavily for rent: a Manhattan one-bedroom averages around 3,700 euros per month, outer boroughs around 2,400 euros
  4. 4Arrange health insurance through your employer; the US has no public system for working-age residents
  5. 5Get a MetroCard or OMNY for the subway and buses, which run 24/7
  6. 6Open a US bank account and start building a US credit history early
  7. 7Note that apartments often require a guarantor or proof of income around 40 times the monthly rent

Frequently asked questions

How much tax will I pay in New York City?+
NYC residents pay three income-tax layers (federal, New York State at 4 to 10.9 percent, and New York City up to 3.876 percent), plus Social Security and Medicare. For a typical expat the effective rate is around 31 to 35 percent. This is general information, not tax advice.
What visa do I need to work in New York?+
Common routes are the H-1B (specialty occupation, allocated by lottery), the L-1 (intracompany transfer), the O-1 (extraordinary ability), and the E-2 (treaty investor, open to French nationals). There is no digital-nomad visa.
How expensive is New York?+
New York is among the most expensive cities in the US. Rent is by far the biggest cost: a Manhattan one-bedroom averages around 3,700 euros per month, with outer boroughs more affordable. Salaries are correspondingly high.
How does healthcare work in New York?+
The US has no public health system for working-age residents, so coverage is employer-sponsored private insurance. The visible employee payroll contribution is modest on average, but the full premium is high and significant deductibles and copays apply.
Can expats settle permanently?+
Permanent residence runs through employment-based green-card categories (EB-1, EB-2, EB-3), usually employer-sponsored, with long timelines that vary by nationality.

Compare New York with

🇺🇸vs🇬🇧
New York vs London
−8% cost
🇺🇸vs🇸🇬
New York vs Singapore
−4% cost

These figures are indicative and based on public datasets. They are not tax advice. Consult a licensed tax advisor or financial professional before making relocation or employment decisions.

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