Is Life Really Better in the United States? Honest Pros and Cons of Moving to America
A software developer from Porto Alegre sees a friend's photos from Austin: a big house, a new car, a salary in dollars. Two weeks later, another friend who moved to Boston posts about a $900 emergency room bill and a winter that never seems to end. Both stories are true, and he has no idea which one would be his.
A physician from Salvador and her husband have been talking about the United States for years. They are less worried about the visa than about the rest: schools for their two children, health insurance, how far they will be from her parents, and whether they will actually be happier. An entrepreneur from Goiânia already has clients in Miami, but he wonders whether moving the family is worth it, or whether it is better to keep one foot in each country.
That is where many people start. The question "is life better in the United States?" has no single answer, because it depends on your profession, your family, your finances, your legal status, and what you value most. What is possible is to look at the real advantages and the real costs side by side, without the filter of social media and without the pessimism of people who had a bad experience.
This guide does exactly that. It covers the main pros and cons of living in the U.S., a summary table to compare them, the role of immigration status in all of it, a set of questions to evaluate whether the move makes sense for you, and how to plan time, money, and expectations if you decide to go ahead.
Table of Contents
Why "Better" Depends on Who You Are
The United States is not one country to live in, but fifty. Rent in Houston has little in common with rent in San Francisco. Winter in Orlando is nothing like winter in Chicago. State income tax ranges from zero in Florida and Texas to some of the highest rates in the world in California and New York. When someone says "life in America is great" or "life in America is hard," the first question is: where, and for whom?
The second variable is your profile. A nurse, a software engineer, a researcher, a small business owner, and a retiree will each find a very different country. The labor market rewards some skills generously and others very little. Families with young children will weigh schools and childcare; single professionals will weigh career growth and social life.
The third variable, and the one people most often forget, is immigration status. Living in the U.S. with a green card is a completely different experience from living on a temporary visa tied to a single employer, or without status at all. That is why this article treats legal status as its own section: it sits underneath every other pro and con.
Keep these three filters in mind (where, who, and with what status) as you read the lists below. Each item is a tendency, not a guarantee.
The Pros: What the United States Does Well
Career opportunities and earning potential. The U.S. is the largest economy in the world and remains one of the most dynamic labor markets. In fields such as technology, engineering, healthcare, research, finance, and skilled trades, salaries tend to be significantly higher than in Brazil and most of Latin America, even after adjusting for cost of living. Career growth is often tied to results rather than seniority alone, and changing employers to move up is common and accepted. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics publishes pay and outlook data by occupation in its Occupational Outlook Handbook, a useful place to check what your profession earns in the country.
An environment that favors entrepreneurs. Opening a company is relatively fast and inexpensive in most states, access to credit and investment is broader once you have a financial history, and the domestic market is enormous. For business owners who already serve American clients, being physically present can open doors that are hard to reach from abroad.
Education at every stage. Public elementary and high schools are free, and every child has the right to attend them regardless of the family's immigration status, under the U.S. Supreme Court's decision in Plyler v. Doe (1982). Quality varies by school district, which is why many families choose where to live based on schools. At the higher-education level, the country concentrates many of the world's leading universities and research centers.
Purchasing power for everyday goods. Cars, electronics, clothing, appliances, and many groceries cost a smaller share of income in the U.S. than in Brazil. For many families, this is one of the first differences they notice: things that were a major purchase back home become routine.
Predictability and institutions. Public services generally work, processes are documented, and rules tend to be applied consistently. Contracts, consumer rights, and courts are taken seriously. For people used to bureaucracy that depends on who you know, this predictability is a quiet but real quality-of-life gain.
Diversity and established communities. The U.S. is a country of immigrants. Large Brazilian and Latin American communities exist in Florida, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Texas, California, and elsewhere, with churches, markets, restaurants, and professionals who speak your language. That network makes the first months much easier.
A clear path to permanence and citizenship. With a green card, you can live and work anywhere in the country and, after meeting the requirements, apply for citizenship. According to USCIS, permanent residents can generally apply for naturalization after five years of residence, or three years if married to and living with a U.S. citizen. Citizenship brings the right to vote, a U.S. passport, and the ability to petition for certain relatives.
The Cons: What Few People Tell You Before the Move
Housing and the cost of living. Higher salaries come with higher fixed costs. Rent is usually the largest expense, and in major metropolitan areas it can consume a third or more of a household's income. Childcare is another surprise for many families: full-time daycare for a young child can cost as much as rent in some cities. Utilities, car insurance, and services such as haircuts, repairs, and cleaning are also expensive, because labor is expensive. Our guide on how to rent your first apartment in the U.S. helps you size this part of the budget.
Healthcare that depends on insurance. The U.S. has no universal public health system like Brazil's SUS. Most working-age people are covered through an employer's plan or buy one on the Health Insurance Marketplace at HealthCare.gov. According to KFF's annual Employer Health Benefits Survey, the average premium for employer-sponsored family coverage is more than $25,000 a year, with part paid by the employer and part by the worker. Even with insurance, deductibles and copays apply, and an uninsured emergency can generate a bill in the thousands of dollars. Health insurance is not a detail of the move; it is one of the first decisions to make.
A demanding work culture. There is no federal law requiring employers to offer paid vacation, paid holidays, or paid sick leave. The U.S. Department of Labor explains that the Fair Labor Standards Act does not require payment for time not worked, and the Family and Medical Leave Act guarantees eligible employees up to 12 weeks of job-protected leave, but unpaid. Some states and cities have their own paid-leave rules, and many employers offer benefits, but two or three weeks of vacation a year is common. In most states, employment is "at will," meaning either side can end the relationship at any time, for almost any lawful reason.
Dependence on a car. Outside a handful of cities such as New York, Chicago, Boston, and Washington, D.C., public transportation is limited and distances are long. A car is often essential, which adds the purchase, insurance, fuel, and maintenance to the budget. Driver's licenses are issued by each state, and in many cases a foreign license is only valid for a limited time.
Starting from zero on credit. Your financial history from Brazil does not transfer. Without a U.S. credit score, renting an apartment, financing a car, or even getting a phone plan may require larger deposits or a co-signer. Building credit takes time, usually with a secured card and bills paid on time, so it is worth starting as soon as you arrive.
Distance from family and cultural adaptation. This is the con that weighs most for many immigrants, and it rarely appears in spreadsheets. Missing birthdays, holidays, and the daily presence of parents and friends takes a toll. Social life in many American cities is more reserved and scheduled, and making close friends as an adult takes effort. Even fluent English speakers feel the fatigue of living in a second language for the first months.
Taxes that follow you. U.S. permanent residents and citizens are taxed by the IRS on their worldwide income, not just on what they earn in the U.S. Those who keep accounts or investments in Brazil may also have reporting duties, such as the FBAR, when the combined balance of foreign accounts exceeds $10,000 at any time during the year. On top of federal tax, most states charge their own income tax, and property taxes can be significant. Professional tax planning before and after the move avoids costly mistakes.
Safety varies widely. Many Brazilians feel safer in the U.S. day to day: walking at night, using a phone on the street, or leaving a car parked tends to cause less worry. At the same time, gun violence is a real problem in the country, and crime rates differ greatly from one neighborhood to another. Researching the specific area, not just the city, is part of choosing where to live.
Climate and routine. Depending on the region, harsh winters, extreme heat, hurricanes, or wildfire smoke can affect your budget, health, and daily routine. We cover this topic in depth in The Climate Factor: How Weather Affects Your Budget, Health and Routine in the U.S.
Pros and Cons at a Glance
The table below summarizes how each area tends to compare. Remember that every item varies with the state, the city, your profession, and your status.
Area | The Upside | The Trade-off |
Career and income | Higher salaries in many fields and growth based on results | Fewer worker protections; at-will employment in most states |
Cost of living | Everyday goods, cars, and electronics are relatively affordable | Rent, childcare, and services can consume a large share of income |
Healthcare | High-quality hospitals and specialists | No universal system; insurance is expensive and essential |
Education | Free public schools for all children; world-class universities | School quality varies by district; college is expensive |
Time off | Flexible, merit-based workplaces | No federal right to paid vacation or paid sick leave |
Transportation | Good roads and lower fuel prices than many countries | A car is usually essential outside major cities |
Finances | Broad access to credit and investment once established | Credit history starts from zero; worldwide income is taxed |
Safety | Many people feel safer in daily routines | Gun violence and large differences between neighborhoods |
Community | Large Brazilian and Latin American communities | Distance from family; slower to build close friendships |
Long-term future | A clear path from green card to citizenship | Depends on maintaining lawful status throughout |
Legal Status: The Factor That Changes Everything
Almost every pro on the list above depends on one condition: living in the country lawfully, with a status that matches your plans. The same city, the same job, and the same salary feel very different depending on what is printed on your visa or card.
On a temporary work visa. Categories such as the H-1B or L-1 let you live and work in the U.S., but your status is usually tied to a specific employer. Changing jobs, losing a job, or wanting to start a business requires planning, and timelines can be tight. Spouses may or may not be allowed to work depending on the category and circumstances. Temporary visas can be an excellent first step, but they are, by definition, temporary.
With a green card. Permanent residence removes most of those limits. You can work for any employer, change careers, open a business, study, and plan for the long term with the same freedom as most residents. Your spouse and unmarried children under 21 can usually be included as derivatives in the process. After meeting the requirements, the green card leads to citizenship.
Without status. Living in the U.S. without lawful status narrows every option: work, driver's licenses in many states, travel, and access to financial products. Under U.S. immigration law, accumulating unlawful presence can also trigger bars of three or ten years on returning to the country after departure. Many of the "bad experiences" people share online come from this situation, not from the country itself.
For qualified professionals, some categories lead directly to a green card without requiring a job offer. The EB-2 NIW (National Interest Waiver) allows professionals with an advanced degree or exceptional ability to file on their own behalf when their work benefits the United States. The EB-1A is intended for people with extraordinary ability who can show sustained national or international acclaim. Each path has its own requirements, and only an individual analysis shows which one fits your profile. If you are still mapping your options, our guide on which U.S. visa fits your goal is a good starting point, and our article on your first U.S. immigration consultation shows how to prepare for that conversation.
At Murtaz Law, the entire immigration process can be handled from your home country, and in many cases the family enters the United States with the green card already approved. That changes the experience of the move: you arrive with work authorization, the freedom to choose where to live, and one less source of uncertainty.
Is the Move Right for You? Questions to Ask Yourself
Before deciding, it is worth answering a few questions honestly, ideally with everyone who would move with you.
Why do I want to move? Career growth, safety, children's education, a specific opportunity, or a desire for change. Clear reasons help you measure later whether the move delivered what you hoped for.
Does my profession have demand in the U.S., and does my license or degree transfer? Some professions, such as medicine, nursing, law, and accounting, require state licensing and sometimes additional exams or training before you can practice. Others, such as software engineering, transfer more directly.
Which city or region fits my budget and lifestyle? Compare rent, schools, climate, distance to an airport with flights to Brazil, and the presence of a community you can connect with.
What is my plan for health insurance in the first months? Know whether coverage will come from an employer, the Marketplace, or a private plan, and when it starts.
How will my family adapt? Consider your spouse's career, your children's ages and English level, and how you will stay connected with parents and relatives who stay behind.
Which immigration path fits my profile, and is it temporary or permanent? This answer changes the whole plan, and it is the question a qualified immigration attorney can help you answer in a first consultation.
What would make me consider the move a success, or a reason to return? Defining this in advance helps you make decisions calmly instead of under pressure.
Time, Finances, and Mindset: How to Prepare for the Change
The decision to move is only the beginning. A successful transition depends on organization on three fronts.
Time. Immigration processes have stages that do not depend only on you, so avoid fixing a moving date, resigning from your job, or selling property before you have clarity on your case timeline. Create a folder (physical and digital) for documents and a simple calendar with key dates: passport expirations, school enrollment periods, lease start dates. Build in a margin, because delays happen.
Finances. Add up the costs of the immigration process (attorney fees and government fees), the move itself (flights, shipping, temporary housing), and the first months in the U.S.: security deposits, a car, health insurance, and furniture. Then build an emergency reserve that covers several months of living expenses, especially if a job will only start after arrival. Remember that, without a U.S. credit history, many deposits will be higher at first.
Mindset. The first year in a new country is usually the hardest. It is common to go through phases of excitement, frustration, and adjustment before feeling at home. Talk openly with your family about expectations and fears, keep routines that give you stability, and look for community early: colleagues, neighbors, schools, religious groups, or Brazilian associations. Be wary of anyone promising an easy, guaranteed, or fast result.
The table below summarizes what to focus on at each stage.
Stage | What to Do | Practical Tip |
Deciding | List your reasons and compare cities and costs | Involve everyone who will move in the conversation |
Choosing a path | Evaluate visa and green card options with a specialist | Ask whether the path is temporary or permanent |
During the process | Organize documents and keep life moving | Do not resign or sell assets before you have clarity on timelines |
Preparing the move | Plan housing, health insurance, schools, and a reserve | Budget for higher deposits while you build credit |
First year | Build credit, a routine, and a support network | Give yourself time to adapt before judging the decision |
Official U.S. Government Resources Worth Knowing
These official sources help you research the practical side of the move:
Resource | What It Is For |
Helps identify immigration benefits related to your situation | |
Explains the requirements to become a U.S. citizen | |
Explains the EB-2 category, including the national interest waiver (NIW) | |
Pay, education requirements, and job outlook by occupation | |
The federal Health Insurance Marketplace | |
Federal rules on paid time off and job-protected leave | |
How U.S. residents are taxed on worldwide income | |
Reporting rules for foreign bank and financial accounts | |
How to recognize immigration scams and find legitimate help |
Is life really better in the United States than in Brazil?
It depends on your profession, your family, the city, and your immigration status. Many people gain income, safety, and predictability, while giving up proximity to family, universal healthcare, and generous time off. The best answer comes from comparing your own priorities, not someone else's experience.
Is the cost of living in the U.S. higher than in Brazil?
In absolute numbers, yes, especially for housing, healthcare, childcare, and services. Relative to local salaries, however, everyday goods such as food, cars, and electronics are often more affordable. The balance depends on your income and the city you choose.
Do I need health insurance in the United States?
There is no universal public system, so health insurance is essential to avoid very high medical bills. Coverage usually comes through an employer or the Health Insurance Marketplace at HealthCare.gov.
Can my children attend public school?
Yes. Public elementary and high schools are free, and children have the right to attend regardless of immigration status. Enrollment rules and school quality vary by district.
Will I pay taxes in both countries?
U.S. permanent residents and citizens are taxed on worldwide income, and accounts abroad may have to be reported. Tax treaties and credits may reduce double taxation in some cases. A tax professional with experience in both countries can guide your planning.
Is it better to move on a temporary visa or with a green card?
A green card offers much more freedom: you can work for any employer, change careers, and plan for the long term. Temporary visas can be a useful first step, but they usually tie your status to an employer or a specific purpose. The right strategy depends on your profile and timeline.
Can I get a green card without a job offer?
Some categories allow it. The EB-2 NIW lets qualified professionals file on their own behalf when their work benefits the United States, and the EB-1A is intended for people with extraordinary ability. Each case requires an individual analysis.
Can I start the immigration process without leaving Brazil?
Yes. In many cases, the entire process can be handled from your home country, and the family enters the United States with the green card already approved. The team explains in the consultation what applies to your situation.
What if I move and decide it is not for me?
It happens, and it is not a failure. Planning a financial reserve, keeping professional ties at home, and understanding how long absences affect permanent residence help you keep your options open.
Sources: U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (Explore My Options; Citizenship and Naturalization; Employment-Based Immigration: Second Preference EB-2; Avoid Scams), U.S. Department of Labor (Vacation Leave; Family and Medical Leave Act), U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (Occupational Outlook Handbook), Internal Revenue Service (Taxation of Resident Aliens), Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FBAR), HealthCare.gov, KFF (Employer Health Benefits Survey), U.S. Supreme Court (Plyler v. Doe, 457 U.S. 202, 1982), Immigration and Nationality Act, Section 212(a)(9)(B).
Murtaz Law: Where each case is treated as unique.
Murtaz Law is an American law firm specialized in immigration to the United States, built with the goal of offering a strategic, human, and highly personalized approach to each case. With nearly two decades of accumulated experience in American immigration law, the firm has helped professionals, families, entrepreneurs, artists, and athletes transform complex processes into concrete approvals, even in seemingly hopeless situations.
Based in Illinois, the firm is led by Murtaz Navsariwala, an attorney and member of the American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) and the American Bar Association.
Holding degrees in Economics and History from Northwestern University and a Juris Doctor of Laws from Indiana University Bloomington Maurer School of Law, Murtaz built his reputation primarily through success in EB2-NIW cases, becoming a benchmark for qualified professionals seeking to obtain a Green Card and build a solid career in the United States.
At Murtaz Law, no case is treated as just another number. Each case is carefully analyzed, considering the history, objectives, and particularities of each client. The firm operates in various areas of U.S. immigration, including work visas, family law cases, naturalization, regularization of status, and permanent immigration strategies, always seeking the safest and most strategic path for each situation.
Currently, Murtaz Law maintains an approval rate of approximately 99.5% in its cases, a result of a combination of legal experience, detailed preparation, and a deep understanding of the requirements of the U.S. immigration system.
A consultation can be scheduled because the future you envision may be much closer than your lack of knowledge has led you to believe.
Important: This content is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. For guidance regarding your specific immigration matter, please consult a licensed U.S. immigration attorney.
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