Amelia Grant

American cities consistently rank at the top of the list of the most expensive cities in the world. The cost of living in the United States is high, despite its apparent affordability. Unstable world politics and the depreciation of the ruble have led to the fact that for many a tourist trip to America has become incredibly expensive. How can you go on a trip and not spend a lot of money? We tell you about the secrets of saving in the United States, which will be useful not only for travelers but also for those who plan to settle in the country for a long time.

1. Products

There are many chain grocery stores in the US, each with its own policies. Among the largest and most popular are Walmart, Publix, Wholefoods, Aldi, Costco. Their assortment is different, but the main food products are not much different.

Supermarkets are designed for different audiences: Publix and Wholefoods - for wealthier and more demanding customers, for budget-conscious ones - Walmart and Aldi. The most affordable of them is Aldi.

Walmart and Aldi have regular sales. You can find out about discounts and great deals on the stores' websites and through their branded brochures.

In the United States, the coupon system for goods is extremely common. They are sent by mail, printed in special booklets and on the packaging of goods, distributed in the store, and published on the website. Using manufacturer's coupons in conjunction with store promotions, you can get many products for free! It will take time to figure out the system and calculate sales days and coupon expiration dates, but it will be worth it. In any case, using coupons is beneficial.

Costco is a wholesale store, you can get there only with a club card, which is sold in the store itself. But if you have acquaintances who own the card, you can buy products in bulk with them for the company, without wasting money and time on formalities. Buying in bulk is much cheaper. But before going to the store, you should think about what exactly you need in large quantities and where to store so many products.

According to US Consumer Protection Law, a customer can return a product he does not like to a store within 30 (sometimes 90) days. You can also return food if something was not to your taste or does not correspond to the expiration date and quality (which rarely happens in America). Even if the receipt has not been preserved, the buyer will return the money for the bitten-off and disliked cake.

2. Clothing

Thrifty Americans buy clothes at Ross. This is a supermarket for clothing and footwear, household goods; there you can also buy perfumes, cosmetics, and baby accessories. Prices here are much lower than in company stores, and goods are presented in all brands: from “luxury” to budget.

If your financial situation leaves much to be desired, you can buy clothes for the whole family in second-hand stores, for example, GoodWill. The trick is that you can find completely new things in stores of this kind. Prices here are very low, you can get dressed for just $ 3-5.

The best purchases in America are to be found during sales periods, which usually coincide with public holidays and changing seasons. Prices at this time are reduced to 70-90%.

3. Garage sale

Selling unnecessary things in your yard is a common practice in America. People here buy a lot of goods that, sometimes, the previous owners did not even use.

As a rule, in front of the house where the trade takes place, they put up signs with the corresponding announcement. So everyone can stop by and make a profitable purchase. These sales are often advertised on Craigslist.

It is also common practice to leave unnecessary things for the owners on the side of the house. It's not always rubbish. It can be working TVs, sofas, toys, garden furniture. Things by the Sidelines are also announced via Craigslist.

4. Black Friday

Black Friday - the beginning of Christmas sales in the USA; this is the fourth Friday in November. Most stores offer discounts of up to 90% on all types of goods, including the latest models of electronics and home appliances. The only negative is the huge number of people who want to make a bargain purchase. Therefore, many kilometers of queues line up at some shops from the night.

5. Car leasing 

As car prices rise and drivers begin to demand the latest safety features that are available only on newer cars, leasing a car has become a mainstream alternative to buying. With a lease, you make a monthly payment to drive a new car for a set term. That payment is often less than the monthly cost of financing a new vehicle, however, buyers must return the car at the end of the lease term. 

Monthly payments are typically lower since you’re not paying back any principal. Instead, you’re borrowing and repaying the difference between the car’s value when new and the car’s residual—its expected value when the lease ends—plus finance charges.

6. Medicine

The hospital finance department offers significant discounts to self-paying patients without insurance. But you shouldn't save on health insurance. If necessary, it will pay off with interest - the services of doctors in America are very expensive.

7. Libraries

Libraries in the United States are state-of-the-art leisure centers equipped with:

- computers

- the internet

- office equipment (in one of the cities of Florida, a 3D printer is available to library visitors)

- children's games and a huge amount of literature

All this can be used absolutely free. Libraries hold free events for both children and adults.

8. Leisure

America is famous for museums and various entertainment centers, there are a lot of them here. The cost of the ticket is usually low, but if you go with the whole family, the prices for entertainment can be expensive. Take your time and spend money. If you look at the website of a museum or exhibition and study their special offers, you will find that, for example, on the second Saturday of the month, children are admitted free of charge, and the discount for parents is 50%. Many hold open houses and offer free admission to everyone. In addition, you can find a discount coupon on the website and present it at the checkout.

Free interactive museum exhibitions for children in parks are often organized in the United States.

Information kiosks offer a variety of travel brochures. Here you can find coupons for shops, restaurants, and hotels, free maps, and information on upcoming events.

Before traveling to the United States, you should check the special offers on the website of the selected state. In many large cities, you can buy a city pass - a card that allows you to visit the main attractions much cheaper.