City Guide 2026
United States
Living in New York
Everything you need to know about cost of living, visas, taxes, climate, and lifestyle in New York, United States.
Monthly Cost (Solo)
$5,270
Rent + groceries + bills
Safety Score
49.1/100
Use caution
Avg Temperature
13°C
55°F average
Tourist Visa
180 days
No DN visa
Internet Speed
350 Mbps
Fast
Cost of Living in New York
Rent Prices (USD/month)
| Apartment | City Center | Outside Center |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Bedroom | $4,350 | $2,828 |
| 3 Bedroom | $11,750 | $7,638 |
Source: Numbeo, crowd-sourced data.
Groceries
$600/month
Healthcare
$150/month
Utilities
$120/month
Transport
$50/month
Climate in New York
Monthly Average Temperature (°C)
Jan
0.8°
Feb
2.2°
Mar
6.1°
Apr
11.7°
May
16.9°
Jun
22.1°
Jul
25.3°
Aug
24.7°
Sep
20.8°
Oct
14.8°
Nov
9.1°
Dec
3.6°
Air Quality (AQI)
42
Good
Avg Rain Days/mo
10
days per month
Beach Distance
0 km
to nearest coast
Mountains
85 km
to nearest range
Lifestyle in New York
Walkability
60/100
Internet Speed
350 Mbps
Cultural Score
65/100
Nightlife
85/100
Outdoor Activities
48/100
English Proficiency
50/100
Expat Community
medium
Transit Quality
good
Coworking Spaces
3+
LGBTQ+ Friendly
moderate
Visa & Immigration in United States
| Visa Type | Status | Duration | Requirement |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tourist Visa | Available | 180 days | Standard passport |
| Digital Nomad Visa | N/A | Not available | — |
| Investment Visa | Available | Available | — |
Residency Pathway
2 to 10+ years depending on country of birth and category.
Tax Overview in United States
Tax System
Worldwide (taxes global income)
Tax residency threshold: 183 days/year · Treaty network: excellent
| Tax Type | Rate |
|---|---|
| Capital Gains (Long-term) | 20% |
| Capital Gains (Short-term) | 10% |
| Dividend Tax | 20% |
| Interest Income | 20% |
| Wealth Tax | None |
| Crypto Gains | 20% |
| Exit Tax | No |
| Estate Tax | No |
Special Regime: None
Tax rates are estimates. Consult a qualified tax advisor for your specific situation.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to live in New York?
A comfortable solo lifestyle in New York costs approximately $5,270-8,432/month for a single person or couple, covering housing in the city center, groceries, healthcare, utilities, and transport. Rent for a 1-bedroom in the center averages $4,350/month.
Is New York safe for expats?
New York has a safety index of 49.1/100 (higher is safer). New York requires heightened awareness. Stick to well-known neighborhoods, avoid walking alone at night, and take standard urban safety precautions. Healthcare quality is rated 58/100.
What is the weather like in New York?
New York has an average annual temperature of 13°C (55°F). The warmest months reach 25.3°C and the coolest drop to 0.8°C. Air quality is good with an average AQI of 42.
What is the internet speed in New York?
Average internet speed in New York is 350 Mbps, which is excellent for remote work and video calls. There are 3+ coworking spaces available.
What taxes will I pay living in United States?
United States uses a worldwide tax system. Capital gains are taxed at 20% (long-term) and dividends at 20%. There is no wealth tax. Tax residency kicks in after 183 days/year. A special regime (None) may offer reduced rates.
Can I get a visa to live in New York long-term?
United States does not currently offer a dedicated digital nomad visa. Tourist stays are allowed for 180 days. The typical residency pathway is: 2 to 10+ years depending on country of birth and category..
Is New York good for digital nomads?
New York has fast internet at 350 Mbps, a medium expat community, and 3+ coworking spaces. English proficiency is moderate at 50/100. The cost of living index is 100/100 (NYC = 100), making it relatively expensive for remote workers.
Compare New York with other cities
See what your money actually buys across housing, food, healthcare, and more with our lifestyle purchasing power tool.