11 Hard Truths About Moving To The USA That Expats Don’t Talk About!

The Hidden Realities of American Life

People often ask if I’d ever consider moving back to the United States after years living abroad.

Each visit home tempts me with nostalgia, from the warm familiarity to the lure of that elusive American Dream.

But for every perk, there’s a challenge, and a reminder of “why I left.

If you’re considering a move to the U.S., here are 11 hard truths about living in the USA that may have you rethinking the plan.

1. Healthcare Costs: A Pricey Gamble with Your Health

The U.S. healthcare system is notorious, but nothing really prepares you until you’re facing the bills.

In other countries, you walk into a doctor’s office and walk out with peace of mind. In America? 

A simple doctor’s visit can cost hundreds of dollars upfront, and if any tests are involved, prepare to watch that bill climb.

With premiums, deductibles, and co-pays, managing health in the U.S. feels like a high-stakes financial balancing act.

Many Americans even skip necessary care because of costs, and medical debt is a reality that drives thousands into bankruptcy every year.

Prescription drugs are no exception: while you might pick up generic medication for pennies elsewhere, here it’s a carefully calculated expense.

Health insurance is essential, but navigating the different plans can be overwhelming and confusing.

Every option comes with its own trade-offs, and even with “good” insurance, out-of-pocket costs are a constant stressor.

As an expat, the cost of healthcare alone may be enough to give you pause.

If that sounds daunting, just wait until you experience the demands of the American work culture…

2. Work Culture: The Hustle Is Real—and Relentless

In America, the line between work and personal life is blurry, if it even exists at all.

Employers may officially promote “work-life balance,” but the reality is that most people are expected to be reachable outside of work hours, with emails and messages continuing into the evening and weekends.

The typical “nine-to-five” job often stretches far beyond those hours, fueled by a culture that views constant productivity as a virtue.

Vacation time? It’s limited to say the least.

While other countries prioritize personal time and extended holidays, the average American worker is lucky to get two weeks a year, and many don’t even use it, worried it could jeopardize their job.

Burnout is common, and mental health suffers as people push themselves to meet ever-growing demands.

For expats accustomed to a more balanced work culture, this nonstop hustle can feel downright suffocating.

But don’t worry; if you need a break, there’s another stressor waiting: the high cost of living…

3. Cost of Living: High Prices Everywhere, Not Just in the Big Cities

You might expect New York or San Francisco to be pricey, but even smaller towns across the U.S. are seeing skyrocketing housing costs.

Rent, mortgages, and basic goods are expensive nearly everywhere, and housing shortages drive prices even higher.

In many cities, renting an apartment means shelling out a huge portion of your income, and that’s before you add in separate bills for utilities, internet, and more.

And then there’s the “subscription epidemic.” Americans are used to paying monthly fees for things that people elsewhere buy outright.

Gym memberships, streaming services, grocery delivery. It all adds up.

Even necessities like software and storage often come with recurring fees.

For newcomers, these endless small charges create an expensive, and often hidden, drain on finances.

As if that wasn’t enough, there’s a hidden layer of safety concerns…

4. Gun Culture and Safety Concerns: Where Safety Comes with a Catch

If you’re coming from a place with low gun violence, American gun culture can be shocking.

Guns are part of the American identity, with some states allowing people to carry firearms openly.

This means that in certain areas, you may see people casually carrying guns in public spaces.

For those unfamiliar with this, it’s unsettling and sometimes frightening.

Mass shootings are a tragic reality in the U.S., with incidents occurring in schools, malls, places of worship, and beyond. “Active shooter drills” are common in schools, and public places often have safety protocols in case of emergencies.

Debates about gun control are polarizing, and attempts at reform are frequently stalled.

Living with this constant awareness of potential violence is an adjustment that many newcomers find uncomfortable.

Ready to brave the streets? Just don’t expect reliable public transport to take you everywhere…

5. Public Transportation: Or, Life Without Trains and Sidewalks

For anyone coming from a place with reliable public transit, America’s car dependency can be jarring.

Outside of a few cities with decent systems, public transport is rare and often unreliable. In most towns, a car is a necessity.

And owning one is an ongoing expense: insurance premiums, maintenance costs, gas prices, and occasional repairs add up quickly.

Daily commutes in major cities can be hours-long affairs, with people spending a significant portion of their lives in traffic.

Public transit where available is often seen as less than desirable, with issues ranging from delays to overcrowding.

And road rage?

Not a myth.

Many newcomers are shocked by the aggression on the roads, a stark contrast to quieter, more predictable commutes they may be used to.

If you thought road rage was bad, just wait until tax season…

6. The Complexity of Taxes: Where Filing Feels Like a Full-Time Job

Filing taxes in America can feel like a never-ending math problem. With different income brackets, deductions, tax credits, and state versus federal taxes, even locals find it confusing.

Expats, in particular, face a steep learning curve.

And beware of tax surprises: as an expat, your foreign income might also be subject to U.S. taxes, depending on how long you stay or where you’re from.

On top of taxes, tipping culture adds a financial (and sometimes social) challenge.

Tipping is deeply ingrained in American service industries, and it’s expected at restaurants, bars, salons, and even for services like food delivery.

Tips typically range from 15–20% but can be higher in some areas.

The expectation to tip, along with “service charges” and “processing fees” popping up on bills, can leave newcomers wondering if they’ll ever get a straightforward total.

And if that wasn’t enough to put a dent in your wallet, let’s talk about the consumer culture…

7. Consumerism and Debt Culture: “Buy Now, Pay Forever”

Debt in America is woven into daily life, and credit cards, student loans, and “buy now, pay later” offers are everywhere.

With constant advertising pushing people to spend beyond their means, many find themselves in a cycle of debt.

Student loan debt alone is astronomical, and it’s not uncommon for people to spend decades paying it off.

Everyday purchases often come with options to finance or subscribe, even for items you’d typically buy outright elsewhere.

From tipping screens at coffee shops to suggested monthly payments on new gadgets, the subtle (and not-so-subtle) pressures to spend are relentless.

For those used to simpler lifestyles, the endless parade of spending prompts can feel overwhelming.

But even with all that spending, don’t expect it to buy you quality food…

8. Poor Quality of Food: Shiny Produce, Bland Taste

American grocery stores may be stocked with beautiful produce, but taste is often lacking.

Farmers have optimized fruits and vegetables for appearance, but this comes at the cost of flavor and nutritional value.

Processed foods dominate the aisles, and additives are common.

For expats used to local markets and fresh ingredients, the experience can be disappointing.

Eating out isn’t much better; the food industry often prioritizes speed and profit over quality.

Fast food is cheap (not so much anymore) and available everywhere, but high-quality, nutritious options can be hard to find and prohibitively expensive.

Dining in the U.S. can leave you yearning for the fresher flavors you might take for granted elsewhere.

But if food was disappointing, just wait until you explore the education system…

9. Education: Expensive, High-Stakes, and Overwhelming

The American education system comes with both high costs and high stakes.

Public school quality varies widely, and in many areas, parents pay a premium in housing just to access a decent school district.

Private schooling and college tuition come with massive price tags, and even middle-class families struggle to save for it.

Higher education, while respected worldwide, often leaves students saddled with crushing debt.

Student loans are a weight that many carry into their 30s and 40s.

For expats raising children in the U.S., the cost of education is a major consideration, and the idea of investing so much just for the basics can be hard to reconcile with more affordable systems elsewhere.

And if you thought that was enough to consider, let’s talk about the lack of paid leave…

10. Lack of Paid Leave: Yes, Even for Major Life Events

In America, paid leave is limited, and policies vary widely by company.

While other countries guarantee paid leave for life events like illness, childbirth, or family emergencies, the U.S. often leaves workers without these protections.

Maternity and paternity leave are far from guaranteed, and even when they’re available, they’re often unpaid or cut short.

This lack of security can be shocking for expats, especially those accustomed to government-mandated protections.

The result? 

People are frequently forced to choose between their paycheck and their well-being, often returning to work far sooner than they should.

But just when you think you’ve seen it all, there’s the cherry on top: navigating American politics…

11. Polarized Politics: A Nation Where Every Conversation Feels Like a Debate

If you’re accustomed to politics being a private matter or to calm, balanced debates, American politics might feel like a powder keg.

The U.S. is heavily polarized, and the two-party system creates a divide that’s both deep and intensely personal.

From workplace conversations to family gatherings, political topics can erupt at any moment.

Social media and news amplify these divides, often making even light-hearted gatherings potential ideological battlegrounds.

Living with this level of political tension is a unique challenge.

Casual conversations can quickly turn into heated debates, leaving newcomers feeling like they’re constantly treading on eggshells.

It’s not uncommon for people to avoid certain friends or family members around election times or controversial policy discussions.

For expats used to calmer, more nuanced discourse, the constant tension can be both exhausting and isolating.

So, after all this, is the American Dream still worth it? Let’s look at what it truly costs…

Is the American Dream Worth the Trade-Offs?

The United States offers undeniable perks—career potential, cultural diversity, and a spirit of individual freedom that’s hard to find elsewhere.

For some, these benefits outweigh the challenges, making it possible to thrive and achieve their own version of the American Dream.

But it’s a life that requires constant trade-offs, with hidden costs that often aren’t clear until you’re living them day to day.

In the end, the American Dream might be best seen as an option rather than a guarantee, one that works for those willing to embrace the country’s challenges alongside its opportunities.

So before making the leap, consider this: 

Are these trade-offs worth it, or could your ideal life be waiting somewhere else?