Transportation in the United States
Unlike Europe or Asia, most of America is designed around cars. Public transit ranges from excellent (NYC) to nearly nonexistent (most cities).
Public Transit by City
| City | Quality | Monthly Pass | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| New York | Excellent | $132 | 24/7 subway, can live car-free |
| San Francisco | Good | $98 | BART + Muni, car helpful |
| Chicago | Good | $105 | L train, can live car-free downtown |
| Washington DC | Good | ~$100 | Metro, good for commuting |
| Boston | Good | $90 | T system, walkable core |
| Los Angeles | Improving | $100 | Metro expanding, still car-centric |
| Most others | Limited | Varies | Car essential |
Getting a Driver's License
Requirements vary by state, typically:
- Proof of identity (passport, visa)
- Proof of legal presence (visa, I-94)
- Proof of residency (lease, utility bill)
- SSN (or proof of ineligibility)
- Written knowledge test
- Road driving test
Some states offer licenses to all residents regardless of immigration status.
International Driving Permits (IDP) are valid for 3-6 months for visitors but not for residents.
Buying vs. Leasing a Car
| Factor | Buying | Leasing |
|---|---|---|
| Upfront cost | Higher (down payment) | Lower (first month + fees) |
| Monthly payment | Higher but builds equity | Lower |
| Mileage | Unlimited | Limited (12-15K/year typical) |
| Flexibility | Yours to modify/sell | Return at end of term |
| Good for | Long-term, high mileage | Shorter stays, less driving |
Car Insurance
Mandatory in almost all states. Rates vary dramatically based on:
- Location
- Driving history (none = higher rates initially)
- Age and gender
- Credit score (in most states)
- Coverage levels
Expect to pay: $150-400/month for new immigrants
Ways to save: Defensive driving courses, bundling with renters insurance, shopping around
Rideshare and Alternatives
- Uber/Lyft: Widely available in cities
- Car sharing: Zipcar, Turo for occasional use
- Bike sharing: Available in many cities
- E-scooters: Lime, Bird in many metros
Tips for New Drivers
- Research state-specific driving laws
- Get insurance before purchasing a car
- AAA membership ($60-100/year) provides roadside assistance
- Apps like Waze and Google Maps are essential for navigation
- Understand parking rules to avoid tickets
Pro Tips
- •Get your driver's license early - it's essential ID beyond just driving
- •Consider a used car for significant savings
- •Shop insurance quotes from multiple companies - rates vary widely
- •If in NYC, you likely don't need a car and shouldn't get one
- •Budget for parking - can be $200-500/month in cities
Have questions about transportation in United States?