North America
Nomad Score
6/10
Avg Monthly Cost
$3,500
Internet Speed
90 Mbps
Safety
Safe
The US taxes citizens and residents on worldwide income regardless of where they live. State taxes vary from 0% to 13.3%. Self-employment tax adds 15.3%. FBAR and FATCA reporting required for foreign accounts.
Income Tax
10-37%
Capital Gains
0-20%
VAT / Sales Tax
0% (sales tax 0-10.25% by state)
Tax Year
calendar
Special Tax Regimes
tourist
Short stay entry for citizens of Visa Waiver Program countries using an approved ESTA for tourism or business for up to 90 days.
tourist
Standard visitor visa for tourism, family visits and many types of short business travel when you do not qualify for or prefer not to use the Visa Waiver Program.
education
Non immigrant visa for full time academic students at SEVP certified schools, colleges and universities in the United States.
work
Employer sponsored non immigrant work visas such as H-1B, L-1, O-1 and others, allowing temporary employment in the United States.
work
Non immigrant visa for nationals of certain treaty countries who invest a substantial amount of capital in a US business and direct or develop it.
$3,500/month
Average for a comfortable nomad lifestyle
World-class medical facilities but extremely expensive without insurance. ACA marketplace plans available. No universal healthcare.
Many banks accept foreigners with passport and SSN/ITIN. Online banks like Mercury are popular for business accounts. Robust fintech ecosystem.
Varies significantly by city and neighborhood. Most tourist and business areas are safe. Gun violence statistics are concerning but concentrated in specific areas.