How much does it cost to live in the United States?

That would depend upon what level you wanted to be at, and what geographical location you chose.

If you wish to be middle class in the Midwest, then $30,000 per year would do it. If you don't mind a lower class lifestyle and foregoing some securities like insurance, savings, cable and such, you could get by on $20,000 per year.

Bear in mind, most people simply live as couples, married or otherwise, and combine incomes to give themselves a somewhat comfortable middle class existence.

Shooting for the top, you could be regarded as "well off" in a midwestern town if you earned $200,000 a year. Anything over $100,000 is regarded very well, but $200,000 would get you right house in the right neighborhood.

To be "rich" in the Midwest requires at least $500,000 a year, preferably $750,000.

Diving for the bottom, it's possible to live for free in the U.S., given extensive shelter availability and government aid programs. This would get you (if single) a cot, and usually two hot meals a day.

If you are a single mother with a child, or a qualifying male, you may be eligible for a subsidized apartment, subsidized utilities and a food card. Theoretically you could have an apartment, utilities and food covered by an aid check of $500 a month or so.

So, depending on your desires, zero a year, $6,000 a year, $20,000 to $30,000 a year, $100,000 to $200,000 a year, or $500,000 plus. For the Midwest.

For the coasts, go ahead and double all that. For some real backwood areas it might be halfed.