If you are planning a move to the United States, transport realities vary enormously by metro. Start with the wider US expat guide for the fuller cost and lifestyle picture.
At a glance
- Best for: expats in New York and a handful of transit cities
- Hardest part: near-total car dependence across most of the country
- Good fit for: people who either love a walkable metro or accept driving everywhere
Daily transport in the main cities
New York City is the clear outlier, with a 24-hour subway and genuine car-free living. A few other metros — such as San Francisco, Chicago, Boston, and Washington, D.C. — have usable transit in their cores. Most American cities, however, are built around cars, with limited transit and long distances between everyday destinations.
Do you need a car?
In New York, you can easily live without one. In most other places, a car is close to essential for commuting, groceries, and daily life. This is one of the biggest adjustments for expats from transit-heavy countries, so weigh it heavily when choosing a city.
Intercity and regional travel
Domestic flights dominate long-distance travel across such a large country. Amtrak rail is useful mainly in the Northeast Corridor (Boston–New York–Washington) and a few other routes, but is not a nationwide substitute for flying or driving.
Driving, licences, and setup
Licensing is state-by-state: after establishing residency you generally get a state driver's licence, and rules and timelines differ by state. Car insurance is mandatory and can be a major cost, especially for new arrivals without a US driving history. An International Driving Permit helps only initially.
Costs, passes, and apps
Where transit exists, monthly passes are worthwhile, but in most metros the real costs are car-related: purchase or lease, insurance, fuel, and parking. Ride-hailing (Uber, Lyft) is available almost everywhere and can partly offset not owning a car in some cities.
Practical tips for expats
- Decide early whether you want a rare car-free metro (like NYC) or accept car ownership.
- Budget realistically for car insurance, which can be high without US history.
- Use ride-hailing to bridge gaps, but don't assume it fully replaces a car outside big cities.
Final thoughts
The US is a car country with a few transit exceptions. Your choice of metro largely determines whether you can live car-free or must build life around driving.
FAQ
Can I live in the US without a car?
Realistically only in New York and, to a lesser extent, a few transit-strong cores. Most places require a car.
Is there good intercity rail?
Mainly in the Northeast Corridor. Elsewhere, domestic flights or driving are the norm.
How does licensing work?
Licences are issued by each state, so you generally obtain a state licence after establishing residency there.