Relocating to the US as an Expat? Here Are the Top Cities to Consider

Updated for 2026: This post was originally published in 2023. For the latest tips and a comprehensive guide, see Moving to the US as an Expat: The Complete Relocation Guide (2026).

When my family was preparing to move from Singapore to the US, one of the hardest decisions was figuring out where to land. America is massive — I knew this intellectually, but it did not really hit me until I started researching cities and realized that New York and Los Angeles might as well be in different countries.

I ended up in the Bay Area (Foster City, specifically), and I am happy with that choice. But I spent a lot of time evaluating different cities, and I want to share what I learned. I might be wrong about some of these takes — I have not lived in all of these places — but this is what my research and conversations with other expats pointed to.

New York City, New York

With over 8.4 million people, NYC is the biggest city in the US and one of the most diverse in the world. The energy is incredible — iconic landmarks, world-class museums, and neighborhoods like Little Italy, Chinatown, and SoHo that each feel like their own little universe.

The job market is strong, especially in finance, media, and tech. But the cost of living is the highest in the US, and coming from Singapore (which is not cheap), that is saying something. The humid subtropical climate also means real winters — something I had not experienced in 15+ years of tropical living :P

SoHo is gorgeous — designer boutiques, cast-iron facades, cobblestone streets. It is a great place to visit, though I imagine living there would require a very healthy budget.

Chinatown is vibrant and packed with amazing food — dumplings, pork buns, hand-pulled noodles. As a Vietnamese expat, I appreciated having Southeast Asian restaurants nearby. Locals hang out in Columbus Park for Tai Chi, chess, and mahjong, which reminded me a bit of the community spaces back in Asia.

San Francisco, California

San Francisco (population 820,000+) was on my shortlist because of the tech industry presence. The mild Mediterranean climate and scenic beauty are genuinely appealing.

But I have to be honest — since the pandemic, the San Francisco vibe has changed. The city is quieter, many people moved away, and some areas feel less safe than they used to. The cost of living is the second highest in the US. For a family with a young child, it did not feel like the right fit.

Foster City, Bay Area, California

This is where we ended up, and I strongly recommend it over San Francisco — especially for families. Foster City is about 30 minutes from San Francisco and 15 minutes from SFO airport. It is quieter, safer, and more family-friendly.

I wrote a detailed article about the pros and cons of living in Foster City if you want the full picture. For us, it was the right balance of Bay Area access without the Bay Area chaos.

Miami, Florida

Miami (population 440,000+) is warm, vibrant, and has a strong Latin American cultural influence. The tropical climate is appealing if you are coming from Southeast Asia and want to avoid cold winters. Beautiful beaches, great nightlife, and a diverse food scene.

The cost of living is relatively high but more manageable than NYC or SF. I have heard from other expat friends that the Hispanic cultural influence makes it a unique experience — different from anywhere else in the US.

Los Angeles, California

LA has close to 4 million people and is known for its entertainment industry, museums, beaches, and arts scene. The Mediterranean climate is pleasant, and the cost of living, while high, ranks around #10 nationally.

I have to warn you about the traffic though. I thought Singapore's traffic was bad, but LA is on another level. You can get stuck at literally any time of day. If your commute matters to you (and it should), factor this in heavily.

Seattle, Washington

Seattle (730,000+ people) appeals to outdoor enthusiasts and tech workers. Amazon and Microsoft are headquartered here, so the job market in tech is strong. The coffee culture is legendary, and the proximity to nature is a real draw.

The temperate climate is cooler and wetter than California — think lots of gray days. Coming from tropical Singapore, this was a consideration for us. It ranks 8th for cost of living.

Washington D.C.

The US capital (population 700,000) is home to many international organizations and embassies, which makes it a natural landing spot for some expats. Rich history, monuments, and world-class museums (many of them free, which is amazing).

It has a humid subtropical climate and ranks 5th for cost of living — expect to pay around $2,100-$2,500/month for a one-bedroom apartment in the city. The Asian population is roughly 4.5% in D.C. proper, but the surrounding suburbs in Virginia (particularly Falls Church, Annandale, and Fairfax) have large Vietnamese and Korean communities with excellent Asian grocery stores like Lotte Plaza and H Mart. I have heard from friends who lived there that the public transport system (the Metro) covers the basics but leaves a lot to be desired compared to Singapore's MRT :)

Austin, Texas

Austin (population 970,000) is often called the "Live Music Capital of the World." It has a thriving tech scene with a more laid-back vibe than San Francisco. The cost of living is more affordable than other tech hubs — average rent for a one-bedroom is around $1,400-$1,700/month — and there is no state income tax in Texas, which is a real financial advantage.

The Asian population is about 8% and growing, concentrated in the North Austin and Round Rock areas. H Mart and 99 Ranch Market both have locations here, and the Chinatown Center on North Lamar is a solid hub for Asian restaurants and groceries. The humid subtropical climate means hot summers though. Like, genuinely hot.

Chicago, Illinois

The Windy City offers Midwestern charm mixed with big-city amenities. Strong job market in finance, healthcare, and manufacturing. Diverse neighborhoods, great museums, and I have heard the food scene is excellent. Average rent for a one-bedroom is around $1,600-$2,000/month — significantly more affordable than NYC or SF for a comparable big-city experience.

Chicago's Asian population is about 7%, with a well-established Chinatown on the South Side (one of the oldest in the US) and a thriving Vietnamese and Korean community along Argyle Street on the North Side. If you want dim sum, pho, and a familiar grocery run, you will not struggle here.

The winters, however, are brutal. If you have lived in Southeast Asia your whole life, Chicago winters might be a serious adjustment.

Denver, Colorado

Denver is ideal if you love the outdoors — easy access to the Rocky Mountains for hiking, skiing, and mountain biking. The job market is growing in aerospace, telecommunications, and renewable energy. Average rent for a one-bedroom is around $1,500-$1,800/month — relatively affordable compared to coastal cities.

The Asian population is smaller here (about 4%), but the Aurora suburb just east of Denver has a well-known Asian district along Havana Street with Vietnamese, Korean, and Chinese restaurants and markets like H Mart and Pacific Ocean Marketplace. It is not the Bay Area, but you can find what you need.

US migration trends between states

The data below is from Redfin for Nov 2022 - Jan 2023, and I think it is interesting context for anyone deciding where to move.

More people are moving out of California than any other state. Florida has the highest net inbound migration. Make of that what you will.

Choosing a city is deeply personal — it depends on your job, your family situation, your tolerance for weather, and honestly, what kind of life you want to build. I hope this gives you a starting point.

What city are you considering, or what factors matter most to you in choosing where to settle?

Cheers,

Chandler

P.S. I recently created a group on Facebook called Asian Expats in the US so that we can share and discuss more tips directly. Feel free to join.