US vs Abroad Cost-of-Living Comparison
Compare your current US city living costs against popular expat destinations. See how far your dollar goes abroad — housing, food, transport, healthcare, and more.
Your US City
Destination Abroad
Cost Comparison
Category Breakdown
Salary Equivalent
Key Notes for US Expats
Remember: You still file US taxes abroad. The FEIE lets you exclude up to $130,000 (2025) of foreign earned income, and Foreign Tax Credits can offset host-country taxes. But a lower cost of living doesn't eliminate US filing requirements.
Healthcare variable: In many destinations, private health insurance is dramatically cheaper than US premiums. A family plan in Lisbon might cost $400/month vs $1,800+/month in the US — that's $16,800/year in savings alone.
What this comparison includes
- Housing: 2-bed apartment rental in city centre (1-bed for single)
- Food: Groceries + moderate dining out
- Transport: Public transit pass + occasional taxi/rideshare
- Healthcare: Private insurance premiums (comparable to US coverage)
- Utilities: Electricity, water, internet, phone
- Childcare: For family households — international school or local private
What it doesn't include
- Income tax (use our FEIE Estimator for that)
- Currency fluctuation risk (rates change daily)
- One-time moving costs (see Repatriation Planner)
- Lifestyle differences (smaller apartments in Europe, etc.)