Choosing where to work and live in the U.S. is a big decision. We’re here to help guide you through the process of selecting where to set down roots, so that you can get off to the best possible start in your new career as an international healthcare professional working in the United States.
One of the most important considerations when deciding where to work in the U.S. is the cost of living, which can vary substantially even between cities in the same state. It’s important to thoroughly research the cities you’re thinking about moving to.
Louisville, situated in the heart of Kentucky, seamlessly blends Southern charm with urban vibrancy. Known for its rich history, including the annual Kentucky Derby, Louisville boasts a diverse cultural scene and thriving arts community. The city experiences all four seasons, with hot summers perfect for outdoor activities and mild winters ideal for cozying up indoors. While offering an affordable cost of living compared to many other urban centers, Louisville faces challenges such as traffic congestion and limited public transportation options. Nonetheless, Louisville continues to flourish as a bustling center for commerce, culture, and hospitality in Kentucky.
Bowling Green, nestled in the rolling hills of South-Central Kentucky, exudes a charming mix of small-town hospitality and modern amenities. Known for its affordability and welcoming community, Bowling Green is an attractive destination for families and young professionals alike. The city boasts a plethora of family-friendly neighborhoods and a bustling downtown area teeming with local shops and eateries. Nature enthusiasts will find solace in the nearby Mammoth Cave National Park, home to the world's longest cave system, offering exciting opportunities for exploration and outdoor adventure. Moreover, the Lost River Cave provides a unique underground boat tour experience, showcasing the region's natural beauty. With its rich history, vibrant culture, and abundance of recreational opportunities, Bowling Green stands as a dynamic and inviting city in the heart of Kentucky.
To give you a better understanding of how the cost of living varies between the two locations, this article provides a cost comparison between Louisville and Bowling Green.
Louisville and Bowling Green, Kentucky
Both in Kentucky, Bowling Green and Louisville both offer a more affordable cost of living compared to many other cities in the United States. However, Bowling Green stands out as a particularly attractive option, with costs typically lower than what you might find in Louisville. While both cities provide a high quality of life, Bowling Green's lower cost of living allows residents to stretch their budgets further. With expenses such as housing, groceries, and utilities generally more affordable in Bowling Green, residents can enjoy a comfortable lifestyle without breaking the bank. This makes Bowling Green an appealing choice for individuals and families looking to establish themselves in Kentucky, offering a balance between affordability and quality of life.
Can I afford it?
1. Work out your approximate monthly income (taking tax into consideration). Try not to rely on too much overtime pay – a good work-life balance is important for your well-being!
2. Then, take away any non-negotiable expenses, such as health insurance costs and money put aside for emergency funds or savings.
3. Write down the essentials you’ll need each month. These expenses will form the basis for a monthly budget. Include necessities such as rent, utilities, a cellphone, internet, groceries, and so on. You may want to purchase or hire a car, or you may need to pay for public transport to work and back. Shop around online to determine how much these things may cost in your preferred city. You’ll also want to take into consideration less frequent purchases, such as buying clothes and scrubs, haircuts, leisure activities such as a visit to the movies and so on.
4. Subtract your anticipated monthly costs from the figure in step 2. The amount you’re left with is your expendable income. This is what you can use for savings, to send money back home, for vacations – whatever you like.
You want your expendable income to be as high as possible for the best possible quality of life. If your preferred city of deployment is too expensive, then our experts will be able to suggest alternative locations where the cost of living is lower.
Can I choose where I work when I start my healthcare career in the U.S.?
We collaborate with healthcare organizations across the United States to provide opportunities for international nurses and medical technologists moving to the U.S., as well as nursing graduates on the F1 visa looking for OPT and Green Card sponsorship. Once you start working with Conexus MedStaff, we do everything we can to make sure you’re placed at a location that is a good fit for you.
To do this, we follow a placement process that takes your geographical preferences, career goals, acuity level, and other factors into consideration.
Learn more about our placement process.
How can I start working as a U.S. nurse or medical technologist?
We specialize in helping international nurses and medical technologists build a life and career they love in the United States. Getting started is simple: apply now and someone from our team will be in touch with more information.