Top Reasons for Relocating to the USA from India
Every year many Indians relocate to first-world countries to chase their dream. The United States of America (the USA) tops the chart when it comes to relocating and becoming a resident in a foreign land. There are plenty of reasons for this migration. The top ones are highlighted below.
Career Opportunities
One of the primary reasons for relocating to the USA is the better employment prospects. You can find your dream job in sectors like information technology, healthcare, finance, construction, tourism & hospitality, construction, and education. The job market in the country is exceptional and never disappoints skilled professionals. While it is a dream destination for software developers, engineers, and data scientists, the USA also offers a ton of job opportunities in other sectors.
Quality of Education
Education is a powerful driver for prosperity. If you understand this, your decision to relocate to the USA is correct. The United States is the best country in the world in terms of education system. Be it kindergarten schooling, primary education, secondary education, or higher education—the country excels. It is home to some of the world’s most prestigious educational institutions. While students move to the US for higher education, many families also relocate to this country to ensure their children get high-quality education with a prosperous future.
Standard of Living
The standard of living in the United States is high compared to most other countries. If you are dreaming of a high-quality life, better infrastructure, top-class healthcare facilities, excellent education, high income, financial stability, career advancements, and a pollution-free environment—the US is the perfect destination.
Cultural Exposures
The US is a culturally rich and diverse country and offers a unique opportunity for cultural exposure. The culture of this first-world country has imprints of Western, African, Indigenous, and Asian cultures. Immigrants from different parts of the world have their presence here. You will find a diverse society in the US and can engage with various cultures, traditions, and languages. In short, you will have enriched life experiences.
Community Support
According to the website of the MEA (Government of India), the overseas Indian population in the US is around 4460000. This population encompasses 1280000 NRIs (non-resident Indians) and 3180000 PIOs (persons of Indian origin). This is a big reason why Indians prefer to choose the USA to chase their dreams. Here you will find a large Indian community that will give you valuable support and help you ease the transition.
Political Stability and Safety
The USA is a politically stable country and offers strong legal protection for individuals. This is why Indians, especially families, moving abroad choose the United States to live in. In terms of safety, immigrants feel here safe because of overall safety measures and reliable law enforcement.
Access to Healthcare
The healthcare system in the US is excellent. If offers advanced medical facilities and services. The good part thing about this is that you can more easily access the excellent healthcare facilities in the USA than in India. Many families relocating to a different country give priority to health benefits over other factors. So, if excellent healthcare is a priority, relocating to the USA will be a wise decision.
Key Facts & Figures About the USA
- United States of America (USA): Also known as the United States (US)
- Continent: North America
- Capital City: Washington D.C.
- Largest City: New York City (NYC)
- National Language: English
- Official Language: None
- Total Area: Approximately 9.83 million square kilometers
- Largest State by Area: Alaska
- Largest State by Population: California
- Total Population: Around 341 million people
- Indian Populations (NRIs + PIOs): Around 4460000
- Main Industries: Technology, healthcare, retail, finance, and manufacturing
- Popular Sports: American football, baseball, basketball, and soccer
- Historical Landmarks: Statue of Liberty, Grand Canyon, Mount Rushmore
Top Cities to Live in the United States for Indians
| City |
State |
Population (Approx.) |
Indian Community |
Job Opportunities |
| New York City |
New York |
8.5 million |
One of the largest Indian populations in the USA, thriving neighborhoods like Jackson Heights |
Finance, media, technology |
| San Francisco |
California |
883,000 |
Significant presence in the Bay Area, especially in Silicon Valley |
Tech industry (Google, Facebook, etc.) |
| Los Angeles |
California |
4 million |
Growing Indian diaspora with cultural events and festivals |
Entertainment, technology, healthcare |
| Chicago |
Illinois |
2.7 million |
Well-established community with cultural organizations and events |
Finance, healthcare, manufacturing |
| Houston |
Texas |
2.3 million |
One of the fastest-growing Indian populations in the USA |
Oil & gas, healthcare, aerospace |
| Dallas-Fort Worth |
Texas |
7.5 million (metro area) |
Rapidly expanding community with numerous cultural organizations |
Technology, finance, telecommunications |
| Seattle |
Washington |
750,000 |
Growing Indian population with strong cultural ties |
Technology (Amazon, Microsoft) |
| Atlanta |
Georgia |
498,000 |
Growing Indian community with cultural festivals and events |
Logistics, IT, film production |
| Phoenix |
Arizona |
1.7 million |
Growing Indian diaspora with a focus on community events and cultural integration |
Healthcare, finance, real estate |
| Memphis |
Tennessee |
650,000 |
Smaller but significant community with a focus on professional networking |
Healthcare (Indian-American doctors), education, logistics |
Cost of Living in the USA
The cost of living in the USA depends on many factors such as location, lifestyle, and the number of members in the family. Here are rough estimates that will give you an idea about the costs of living in the United States.
Estimated Monthly Living Costs (Excluding Rent)
- For a Family of Four: $4,145.0 (₹352,101.8)
- For a Single Person: $1,164.2 (₹98,890.2)
Living cost comparison: India Vs USA
| Cost of Living Factor |
Percentage Higher in the USA |
Comparison to India |
| Cost of Living (Excluding Rent) |
230.3% higher |
The overall cost of living (excluding rent) in the USA is more than 2.3 times higher than in India. |
| Cost of Living Including Rent |
312.7% higher |
The total cost of living, including rent, is more than 3 times higher in the USA compared to India. |
| Rent Prices |
716.1% higher |
Rent in the USA is over 7 times higher than in India. |
| Restaurant Prices |
314.8% higher |
Dining out in the USA costs more than 3 times as much as in India. |
| Groceries Prices |
217.4% higher |
Grocery prices in the USA are more than twice as expensive as in India. |
| Local Purchasing Power |
78.5% higher |
On average, people in the USA have 78.5% more purchasing power than in India. |
Visa and Immigration for Moving to the USA
A visa is an essential document for entering any foreign land. If you are planning to relocate to the United States, you must obtain a valid US visa. There are several types of visas to enter the US land. The key types include:
- Family-based visas
- Employment-based visas
- Student visas
- Diversity visa lottery
- Investor visas
Unfortunately, it is not easy to get a visa for US immigration. You need to apply for it and go through a complex process. However, you do not need to worry about visa applications for your move. If you choose Moving Solutions to hire moving services, you are most likely to get the best assistance in visa applications and document preparation aspects.
Shipping Options & Costs from India to the USA
How much does it cost to ship goods from India to the USA? If you are moving to the USA and want to ship your belongings there, you might have this question in mind. Honestly speaking, shipping costs from India to the USA are not set in stone. Your India to USA shipping costs can significantly vary based on various factors like the type of goods, weight, dimension, packing, local logistics, manpower, container type, container size, and chosen shipping method. Additional services like storage, customs clearance, unpacking, and assistance in settling in can also influence the overall international relocation costs. Please refer to the following table to know the approximate shipping costs from India to the USA.
Estimated Sea Freight Charges from India to the USA
| House Size |
Container Size |
LCL (Less than Container Load) |
FCL (Full Container Load) |
| Small Apartment (1-2 Bedrooms) |
20-foot Standard |
$1,500 - $3,000 |
$2,000 - $4,000 |
| Medium Apartment (2-3 Bedrooms) |
20-foot Standard |
$2,500 - $5,000 |
$3,500 - $6,500 |
| Large Apartment or House (3+ Bedrooms) |
40-foot Standard |
$3,500 - $7,000 |
$4,000 - $7,500 |
Estimated Air Freight Charges from India to the US
| Weight Range |
Estimated Rate per Kilogram (USD) |
| Less than 100 kg |
$3.00 - $5.00 |
| 100-500 kg |
$2.50 - $4.00 |
| 500-1000 kg |
$2.00 - $3.50 |
| Over 1000 kg |
Negotiable |
Key Points:
- Movers will charge GST extra on the total shipping costs as per the government norms.
- Movers will also levy extra charges on services like pickup, clearance, packing, and destination services.
Container Shipping Options from India to the USA
International moving companies and freight forwards offer two types of container shipping options. They are:
Less than Container Load (LCL): LCL shipping is the best choice if the weight of your cargo shipment is more than 500 kg but is less than 15 CBM in volume. LCL shipments take a bit longer because your items are combined with others in a shared container. This process is called consolidation. Once in the US, LCL shipments will go through customs and be taken out of the shared container, called de-consolidation.
Full Container Load (FCL): FCL shipping is the only option if you have a large volume of goods to ship from India to the USA. You will have to opt for FCL shipping if you have 6 to 12 pallets to ship in a container. In this option, you can rent a container exclusively for your goods. Your shipment will not be consolidated with items of other persons. The shipper will seal the container in India and it will remain until reaching the USA.
Documents Required for Freight Shipping from India to the USA
Shipping freight (transferring goods) from India to the USA is not like transporting goods from Mumbai to Delhi. The international shipping process involves a lot of paperwork and you need many documents prepared for your international journey. However, you do not need to worry about this if you choose us to hire services for moving and shipping from India to the USA. Our relocation partners will provide you with total support in the paperwork for the shipment. They will let you know what documents you need to ship your goods. Here are the most common shipping documents that you may need to send your cargo (freight) from India to the USA.
- Inward Cargo Manifest: It is a prominent document required for shipping goods from India to the US. This document includes detailed information about all the items you want to ship.
- US Customs Invoice: It is another essential document you will need to furnish at the time of customs clearance. This document contains details like the exporter's information, importer's details, description of goods, quantity, value, and country of origin. This invoice is crucial for customs clearance and determining duties and taxes.
- Packing List: This is an inventory of the goods that you want to ship from India to the US. This document contains details about the cargo dimensions, total volume, and contact information of customers.
- Commercial Invoice: You need this document as proof of payment for the transaction for buying and selling products you are shipping
- Bill of Lading: It is a receipt of your shipment.
Shipping Time from India to the US
How long does it take to send goods from India to the USA? If you are thinking about this, you need to understand that shipping time also depends on the shipping method. On an obvious note, shipping air freight will take less time than shipping sea freight.
On a general note, shipping air freight from India to the USA takes 1 to 8 days. Air freight is usually ideal for shipping lightweight shipments as it offers faster delivery times. On the other hand, if you have a large volume of items or want to ship complete household goods, sea freight shipping is the best option. Usually, sea freight shipping from India to the USA takes 26 to 35 days.
For example, shipping from Mumbai Port to the Port of New York takes 26 days. Shipping goods from the Mumbai Port to the Port of Los Angeles on the US West Coast takes usually 35 days. The shipping timing can vary on various other factors.
Top Shipping Ports in India
- Mumbai Port: It is the largest port in India by size. It chiefly deals in bulk cargo like household goods shipping, exhibition cargo shipping, commercial goods shipping, and industrial products shipping.
- Chennai Port: Also known as Madras Port, it is the second-largest container port in India. It is a significant hub for international trade and handles a wide range of cargo including containers, bulk commodities, and general cargo.
- Kolkata Port: It is one of the oldest and most significant ports in India. It handles a wide range of cargo that includes household items, agricultural products, textiles, commercial goods, chemicals, and machinery.
- Mundra Port: Located in Gujarat, it is the largest private port in India. It handles a wide range of cargo like containers, bulk commodities, general goods, commercial goods, and liquid chemicals. The port's strategic location and modern infrastructure have contributed to its rapid growth, making it a vital hub for India's maritime trade.
- Jawaharlal Nehru Port Trust, Navi Mumbai: Abbreviated as JNPT and also called Nhava Sheva Port, it is the second-largest container port in India. It deals in a wide range of export and import cargo like textiles, sporting goods, carpets, textile machinery, plastics, electrical machinery, chemicals, and pharmaceuticals. It primarily handles cargo from and to the regions of Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, Karnataka, and most of North India.
Top Shipping Ports in the USA
- Port of Los Angeles: It is one of the busiest shipping ports in the USA. It is the leading container port in the nation. It comprises both passenger and cargo terminals. The port handles a significant volume of cargo each year and serves as a major gateway for trade between the United States and countries around the world.
- Port of Long Beach: Adjacent to the Port of Los Angeles, it is the second-busiest container port and a significant shipping hub in the USA. The port contains 6 container terminals and an intermodal rail service, facilitating the movement of goods and commodities.
- Port of New York: Strategic located on the East Coast, the Port of New York is the busiest container shipping port in the US. The port handles diverse cargo types and provides access to the US Midwest and Northeast markets.
- Port of Savannah: It is a key player in the shipping industry, mainly dealing in containerized cargo. It has deepwater ports that allow the accommodation of large vessels—making it an essential link in global supply chains.
- Port of Houston (Texas): It is a major container shipping port in the US and deals with nearly two-thirds of all the containerized cargo in the US Gulf of Mexico.
Customs Rules and Regulations for Shipping to the USA
Duty on Goods: If you have household goods to ship that are at least one year old, smile; your goods are duty-free. However, you will need to pay import duty on new items like clothing, and personal items. If these you are clothing and personal items are one year old, again you won’t have to pay.
Documents Needed: Your goods will not pass customs without furnishing certain documents. In the absence of any document or incorrectly filled form, Customs officials will seize your items unless you provide the correct documents. The common documents required for faster customs clearance include customs form for household goods, packing list, and copies of passports and visas.
Prohibited and Restriction Items: The US does not allow the import of certain items. Prohibited items include firearms, food products, counterfeit goods, etc. Items made of endangered species are prohibited. Alcohol comes under restricted items and requires permission. So, make sure not to include these items in the shipment to avoid complications in the customs process.
Vehicle Shipping: Your vehicles should comply with U.S. emission standards. Delays will cause fines and costly modifications.
Customs Facilitation Act of 2024
The United States recently introduced proposed legislation On July 31, 2024, to streamline the customs process. With this legislation, they can reduce redundancies in data submission and streamline the movement of goods and services across borders. The aim of this legislation is clearly apparent—to establish a Single Window Import and Export Cargo Process System.
How to Get Shipping Quotes from India to USA Movers
Comparing multiple shipping quotes is essential for booking a reliable and experienced international moving company. Now the question is that how you can obtain multiple quotes. Should you search for addresses of international movers available in India? Should you call shortlisted companies to obtain quotes for your overseas relocations? These are just traditional methods of hiring moving services. What if you do not have enough time to research or gather information about top-notch moving companies catering to your specific relocation and shipping needs?
Do not fret. There is the easiest method to obtain free quotes from multiple shipping service providers or international moving companies. All you need to do is take the following simple steps.
Share your requirements with us
Fill out a simple quote form available on this portal and send it online. The form will ask you to enter details like your name, email ID, mobile number, current location, destination location, and requirements. Enter all details correctly in the form and submit it online. Don’t worry about the information you share with us. Your details are always safe with us. We will use them to process your request only.
Get free shipping quotes
Within a few minutes, the top 3 shipping companies or moving companies will call you to confirm the booking details and analyze the inventory of goods you want to move. Don’t bother about the recommended companies as we have thoroughly verified their credentials like license, registration, insurance, experience, etc. So, you must not worry about anything if you plan your international move with one of our recommended international moving companies.
Compare and hire
You have free quotes from the top 3 international shipping companies from India to the USA. Compare the quotes thoroughly based on companies’ reviews, ratings, experiences, pricing, and services offered. Select the one that best matches your international relocation and shipping requirements. Remember that our shipping partners will also help you prepare your shipment for customs and offer you door-to-door relocation services.
