Public transport and getting between cities

Getting around the United States is fundamentally different from most other developed countries. For most of the country, a car is essential to daily life. However, a handful of major cities have robust public transit where you can live comfortably without owning a vehicle. For trips between cities, you have options—flying, trains, and buses each have different trade-offs on cost and convenience.

Cities Where You Can Live Without a Car

Only about five U.S. cities have transit systems robust enough that car ownership is genuinely optional for daily life: New York City, Washington D.C., Boston, Chicago, and Philadelphia. In these cities, buses, subways, and trains get you where you need to go reliably enough that you don't need to own or regularly use a personal vehicle. Other cities like San Francisco, Seattle, and Minneapolis are walkable and transit-friendly, but most residents still drive for at least some trips.

New York City has the most extensive transit network in the country, with the Metropolitan Transit Authority (MTA) running subways, buses, and commuter rail. Washington D.C.'s Metro system covers a large area, Boston's MBTA (Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority) is compact and well-established, Chicago's CTA is extensive across the city, and Philadelphia's SEPTA operates buses, subways, and regional rail. Each city has different geography and coverage patterns, so whether transit really works for your life depends on where in the city you live and work.

Monthly Pass Costs

Monthly unlimited passes vary significantly by city. New York City's MTA pass costs around $121 monthly. Washington D.C.'s passes range from approximately $135 to $189 depending on which zones you use. Boston's MBTA pass is roughly $85 to $100 per month. Chicago's CTA pass is around $105 per month. Philadelphia's SEPTA pass runs about $93 monthly. These prices cover unlimited rides on buses, subways, and (in some cities) commuter rail within the service area. Individual trip costs are lower if you're using transit occasionally—for example, a single ride in most of these cities costs $2.00 to $2.75—but frequent commuters save money with a monthly pass.

Traveling Between Cities

When you need to travel between U.S. cities, you have three main options: domestic flights, Amtrak trains, and long-distance buses. Flying is often the fastest for distances over 500 miles, but trains and buses can be cheaper and are sometimes faster when you factor in airport security, baggage handling, and travel to and from the airport.

Flights

Domestic flights are competitive with trains and buses on price for medium to long distances, especially when you book ahead. Budget airlines like Frontier, Spirit, and Allegiant can offer fares as low as $50–$100 for medium-distance routes. However, hidden fees (baggage, seat selection, changes) can add significantly to the final price. Major carriers like Delta, United, and American typically charge more for the base fare but may have more departure times and better schedules. Flying requires arriving at the airport 2 hours early, going through security, and then getting from the airport to your final destination—factors that add 2–4 hours to your total trip time for short-haul flights.

Amtrak Trains

Amtrak operates over 500 destinations nationwide, with major long-distance routes and frequent regional services. For short routes under 300 miles—such as New York to Washington D.C., Boston to Philadelphia, or Seattle to Portland—trains can be cost-competitive with or cheaper than flying when you factor in total travel time. Amtrak coach fares for popular Northeast Corridor routes start around $30–$80 for regional trains; the faster Acela train costs $80–$200 but cuts travel time by about 30%. Cross-country trains can be expensive ($2,000–$2,400 for a basic coach ticket), but they offer scenic routes and the ability to sleep on board in sleeping cars (which adds significant cost).

Amtrak's main advantages over flying are comfort (spacious seats, the ability to walk around), stable fares (prices don't spike unpredictably like airline fares), and no security line. The main drawbacks are slower speeds on most routes and occasional delays caused by freight train congestion or weather.

Long-Distance Buses

Long-distance buses are typically the cheapest intercity option. Greyhound is the largest operator, serving over 1,800 destinations across the country and into Canada and Mexico. Other major carriers include FlixBus (strong on West and East Coast routes), Megabus (competitive pricing on select city pairs), and regional operators like Jefferson Lines and Southeastern Stages. Buses are particularly valuable if you're relocating to a small town where flights and trains don't go.

You can find promotional fares as low as $10–$25 for popular routes like Los Angeles to Las Vegas; typical regional trips cost $15–$60. Book ahead for the best prices—fares purchased 28 days in advance are on average 50% cheaper than last-minute bookings. Most buses now offer amenities like free WiFi, power outlets, and reclining seats. However, bus travel is slower than trains or flights, and the reliability and condition of stations and on-board experience can vary significantly by route.

Buying and Insuring a Car

If you move to an area without public transit—or even to a car-friendly city where you want your own transportation—you will need to understand car insurance, state licensing, and vehicle registration. These rules vary significantly by state.

Car Insurance Is Mandatory

Car insurance is required in 49 U.S. states and Washington D.C.; New Hampshire is the only state that allows you to opt out of insurance (though you must prove financial responsibility). You must have car insurance to legally register and drive a vehicle. Failure to carry the required coverage can result in license suspension, vehicle registration suspension, fines, or jail time.

Minimum insurance requirements depend on your state. Most states require liability insurance, which covers damage and injuries you cause to other people and their property. The specific minimum amounts vary by state—for example, one state might require $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident in bodily injury coverage, while another requires different limits. Some states also mandate additional coverage like Personal Injury Protection (PIP), which covers your own medical expenses regardless of fault, or uninsured motorist coverage, which protects you if hit by an uninsured driver. Check your state's requirements with your state's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) or on the official state insurance regulator's website.

Many insurance companies ask for your driver's license number and driving history when you apply. If you are new to the U.S. and have no U.S. driving history, insurers view you as higher-risk and will charge higher premiums—sometimes 2–3 times what an established driver pays. This is called the "inexperienced driver" or "no driving record" surcharge and is one of the highest hidden costs of buying your first car in the U.S. If you have an international driving record, some companies may offer discounts; ask insurers whether they accept translated foreign records.

How Insurance Premiums Are Set

Several factors affect your insurance premium (the monthly or annual amount you pay): your age, driving history, state of residence, type of vehicle, how much you drive annually, your credit score, and whether you've had previous insurance claims. As a newcomer with no U.S. driving history, your premium will likely be high because the insurer has no record of your driving behavior. This typically means paying 20–50% more than drivers with a clean record.

Your credit score also affects insurance premiums in most states. If you have no U.S. credit history, you may have a low credit score initially. The insurer uses this in their calculation, which can further increase your premium. Over time, as you build a U.S. driving record and credit history, your premiums should decrease. It typically takes 3–5 years of clean driving to qualify for standard rates.

The deductible (the amount you pay out of pocket before insurance covers a claim) and your liability limits also affect your premium. Choosing a higher deductible ($500–$1,000) lowers your monthly premium but means you pay more if you have an accident. Choosing higher liability limits than your state requires increases your premium but gives you more financial protection. Insurance experts often recommend 100/300/100 limits (meaning $100,000 per person for bodily injury, $300,000 per accident, and $100,000 for property damage) rather than state minimums.

Getting Licensed and Registering Your Vehicle

You cannot legally drive without a state-issued driver's license. Each state's DMV handles driver licensing, and requirements vary. Some states accept international driving permits or valid foreign licenses for a limited time; others require a written exam and driving test. Many states require proof of identity (such as a passport), proof of residency (a lease, utility bill, or bank statement), and your Social Security Number (SSN) or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN). If you are a visa holder or don't have an SSN, ask your state DMV what documents they accept.

Once you have a driver's license, you can register your vehicle with your state. Registration involves title transfer (if you buy a used car, the seller must transfer ownership to you legally), proof of insurance, and a registration fee. Most states require you to renew your registration every 1–2 years. Vehicle registration varies by state and may depend on your vehicle's age, weight, and type.

Comparing the Real Cost of Car Ownership

The upfront cost of a car—purchase price or lease payment—is only part of the expense. You must also budget for insurance, fuel, maintenance, registration, and parking. In expensive urban areas like New York, Boston, and San Francisco, monthly parking alone can cost $200–$500, quickly making car ownership prohibitively expensive compared to transit. In suburban or rural areas, a car is often necessary but costs less to park.

If your car is financed (you have a loan) or leased, the lender typically requires comprehensive and collision insurance in addition to liability. This means your insurance costs will be higher than the state minimum. Budget for at least $1,000–$3,000 per year in insurance for a new driver with no U.S. record; this is well above the national average of $500–$1,200.

Consider whether public transit, ride-sharing services, carpooling, or a used car (which costs less to insure than a new car) makes sense for your situation. In major cities, many newcomers find that living in a transit-connected neighborhood and relying on buses, trains, or occasional ride-sharing saves thousands of dollars compared to car ownership.