As an indicative guide, a comfortable retirement in United States costs roughly £3,400/month for a couple — about £40,800/year (≈ $4,556/month). A modest budget is nearer £2,250; a premium one nearer £4,900.
Roughly where a comfortable £3,400/month goes:
Indicative estimates for a couple, general guidance only — real costs vary by location, lifestyle and exchange rates.
A vast range of climates and lifestyles, from Florida's sunshine coasts to the Arizona desert, with world-class healthcare, amenities and, for many British families, existing personal ties. Sunbelt retiree communities are especially popular.
There are no federal restrictions on foreigners buying property, and non-residents can hold freehold regardless of visa status. However, a growing number of states limit certain foreign buyers near military sites or farmland, and owning property grants no visa or residency rights. As a general guide only — always confirm the current rules with a qualified local lawyer. Our free ownership checker and the Overseas Property Playbook walk through how ownership works step by step.
The US has no dedicated retirement visa; long stays usually rely on the B-2 visitor route (typically up to six months), with residency generally requiring family, employment or investment routes such as EB-5. Visa rules change often, so treat this as a starting point and verify the latest requirements before you plan.
Florida for sunshine and no state income tax, Arizona for warm dry desert living, the Carolinas for a gentler coast-and-mountains mix, and Texas for space and value; Sunbelt retiree communities are especially popular.
US healthcare is world-class but expensive, and Medicare is not automatic for newcomers — you generally need five years' residency plus a work history or to buy in — so most British retirees rely on costly private or ACA-marketplace insurance. Budgeting for premiums is one of the biggest considerations of a US move.
Green-card holders and anyone meeting the substantial-presence test are taxed on worldwide income, so a UK private pension is generally taxable in the US, with foreign-tax-credit relief under the UK-US treaty (UK government-service pensions stay UK-taxed). State income tax varies widely — Florida and Texas levy none — so where you settle matters.
Enormously varied — Florida is warm and humid with hurricane risk, Arizona hot and dry, the Carolinas four-season and temperate. Choose the region to suit the climate you want. Safety varies greatly by city and neighbourhood, so research locally; English is native and driving is on the right, making daily life easy for Britons, though owning a home grants no visa or right to stay.
There is no national stamp duty; buyer closing costs typically run 2-5% (title insurance, escrow, recording and any lender fees), with transfer taxes varying by state and often paid by the seller. Non-residents can buy freehold regardless of visa, and a cash purchase can close in about a month.
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