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.
Dallas, located in North Texas, blends tradition with modernity. With hot summers and mild winters, it's known for its iconic skyline and urban parks. While it offers a reasonable cost of living, challenges include traffic and limited public transport. Despite occasional severe weather, Dallas thrives as a cultural and commercial hub in Texas.
Odessa, situated in West Texas, is renowned for its expansive landscapes, affordable living, and family-friendly environment. It's an ideal destination for international healthcare professionals seeking to establish roots in the U.S., particularly for those with children. The city boasts numerous welcoming neighborhoods and a lively downtown scene filled with dining and shopping options. Nature enthusiasts will enjoy the nearby Big Spring State Park, which offers opportunities for hiking, camping, and lakeside relaxation, while the Odessa Botanical Garden showcases stunning flora year-round, accompanied by various engaging events. Additionally, a visit to the Permian Basin Petroleum Museum provides insight into the region's rich oil history, making Odessa a multifaceted destination for both residents and visitors alike.
To give you a better understanding of how the cost of living varies between the two locations, this article provides a cost comparison between Odessa and Dallas.
Odessa and Dallas, Texas
Texas in general is a more affordable place to live in the U.S., with the cost of living at 8% lower than the national average. Odessa in particular isa very attractive location, with costs around 10% lower than what you can expect to pay in Dallas.
Below you’ll see examples of some common expenses and what they cost in each city.
Both Odessa and Dallas provide a high standard of living, yet Odessa stands out for its generally lower cost of living, making it an attractive location for starting a new life in the United States. With essential expenses in Odessa being more affordable than in many other places across the country, residents can expect to spend less on necessities each month. This not only contributes to a better quality of life but also allows for more disposable income to be allocated towards savings and future endeavors.
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.