The Pros and Cons of Expat Life in New York - 3 years in

Three years ago, my family swapped the gleaming skyline of Dubai for the buzzing streets of New York City. My husband had landed a job with a major tech company, and we arrived as hopeful new arrivals, eager for our next chapter in one of the most iconic global cities in the world.

As a British citizen, writer, and mother of two young boys, navigating expat life in New York has been both a privilege and a pressure cooker. It’s a city of endless opportunities — and equally, endless expenses. Featured recently in Business Insider for this very journey, 3 years in, I’ve had time to reflect on the pros and cons of making a new home in New York state.

✅ The Pros of Living in New York as an Expat

1. Career Development and Ambition

   New York is one of the most populous cities in North America, and the sheer volume of job opportunities can be staggering. From finance to fashion, media to tech, nearly every industry has a foothold here. For ambitious professionals or creatives, it’s a great place to build something new.

   
   

   The United States is still seen by many as the land of the American Dream, and for some expats, that dream starts here — especially if you can secure a work visa, student visa, or are on the path to permanent residency.

📊 Fact: New York ranks among the top five global cities for expat job satisfaction, according to InterNations’ Expat Insider survey.

2. There's Always Something to See and Do

   There’s no shortage of green spaces like Central Park, Prospect Park, or even the lesser-known waterfront paths along the East River. Add world-class museums, theaters, and restaurants from all corners of the world, and you have a cultural scene that would take a lifetime to explore.

   
   

   While a lot of it can be expensive, there are lots of cost-effective options. For example, an annual family membership at The American Museum of Natural History (currently $179 for 2 adults and 4 children) is one of the best investments we've made. Because there's so much to see - as well as regular new exhibitions - we were there every week.

   
   

   Every local area has its own unique character — from the Lower East Side to Staten Island, Little Italy to the Upper East Side. And when you get tired of city life, there's Upstate New York with its impressive mountain ranges, rivers, and lakes. In a nutshell, there's something for everyone whether you move here as a single person, a couple, or with a family.

2. Public Transit Can Actually Work for You

   Coming from a car-heavy culture, I was grateful for New York’s subway system, commuter trains, and Citi Bike network. Despite the occasional chaos, public transportation here can get you almost anywhere — a welcome change from traffic-heavy Dubai.

   
   

3. An International Community

   New York is similar to Dubai in its diversity — there’s comfort in knowing you’re just one of many who’ve left their home country behind. I’ve made new friends from different countries, and there are lots of schools that offers the International Baccalaureate program as well curriculums for other countries, helping maintain a global perspective.

   
   

📊 Fact: More than 180 nationalities are represented in New York City, and nearly 40% of residents are born outside of the US.

5. Quirky Wins: British vs. American English

   I've had more than a few awkward moments navigating the language gap — which is surprising considering we all speak "English." Luckily my kids are more on it than I am, and always like to correct me :) 

   
   

❌ The Cons of Living in New York as an Expat

1. The High Cost of Living

   There’s no getting around it: New York is one of the world’s most expensive cities. A modest two-bedroom apartment in a safe neighborhood can easily exceed $5,000/month in monthly rent. Real estate agents and broker fees often take 15% of the annual lease — all before passing a credit check or application process.

   
   

   Add to that state income tax, federal income tax, and soaring costs for everything from groceries to medical treatment, and you begin to question whether this is really the perfect place to settle.

   
   

📊 Fact: In 2024, New York surpassed Singapore as the most expensive city in the world, according to the Economist Intelligence Unit.

2. Healthcare Is Complicated and Costly

   Between insurance companies, immigration status, and the Affordable Care Act, the healthcare system is not user-friendly — especially for new arrivals. Even with insurance, a single ER visit or prescription refill can be costly.

   
   

3. A Rough Landing for Families

   Finding a school that fits your child’s needs — and aligns with your visa options — can be overwhelming. Public schooling is often excellent but competitive depending on the local area. International schools offer continuity, but tuition can rival university fees.

   
   

   If you're planning a move with kids, I would advise a research trip in advance  of your move (something I didn't do) to get a feel for the different areas. On the plus side, the educational support for neurodiversity is incredible.

   
   

   Meanwhile, setting up a life - from finding a grocery store to getting the boys to feel at home — took us the better part of the first year.

   
   

4. Bureaucracy and Burnout

   From securing a green card to registering for utilities, the application process for nearly everything is long and layered. Nothing feels intuitive. Many expats feel like they’re constantly chasing paperwork — and some ultimately retreat to New Jersey or Jersey City for space, lower taxes, and sanity.

   
   

5. Tipping Culture 

   Navigating tipping — when, how much, and who gets it — is a constant mental calculation. Even when the service is bad, you're still expected to tip. Now I just see it as part of the cost and use my handy Apple Watch calculator to work out the percentage but it took a while to get used to the tipping culture here. 

   
   

So… Is It a Good Idea?

It depends.

New York is a unique place. It’s not the best place for everyone — but it might be the best place for this version of you. It will challenge you, stretch you, and sometimes leave you breathless (and broke).

But it will also shape you in ways your home country never could.

As a writer mom, I came here hoping to find inspiration — and instead, I found resilience.

If you’re curious about how expat life can change who you are, I dive deeper into this in How Living Abroad Can Change Who You Are, as well as my reflections ten months into this journey in 5 Things I've Learned About Living in America.

Final Thoughts

Whether you're seeking a new life, a family looking for green spaces and good public schooling, or a dreamer hoping to chase your version of the American Dream, expat life in New York is equal parts magic and madness.

If you're considering your move, go in eyes wide open — and maybe bring a little extra savings and a lot of patience.