So you’re thinking about moving away from the mainland United States? Congratulations, you’ll be joining the ranks of many Americans who have made the choice to relocate to a U.S. territory.
Each option has its own unique benefits and drawbacks, so it’s important to do your research before making a decision.
And you may have a lot of questions, like “How much is auto insurance in Puerto Rico?” or how the weather differs between the different island options available.
Read on to learn more.
What U.S. territories are there?
There are quite a few options for leaving the mainland USA. In addition to the full-fledged U.S. states like Alaska or Hawaii, you also have U.S. territories like:
- American Samoa
- Guam
- The Northern Mariana Islands
- Puerto Rico
- The U.S. Virgin Islands
Each of these has its own quirks you’ll want to be aware of before making a final decision.
For example, American Samoa is the only U.S. territory that isn’t located in the Americas — it’s actually situated in Oceania.
How are U.S. territories different from the mainland?
There are a few key ways U.S. territories differ from the mainland United States, from the cost of living to the weather.
Many of these could be a dealbreaker for you or your family, so let’s review some of the major key differences.
The Cost of Living
In general, the cost of living is going to be higher in U.S. territories than on the mainland.
This is due to a number of factors — one being many items have to be imported to the islands, driving up the price.
Housing Costs
Housing costs also tend to be higher in U.S. territories.
This is again due to the fact that construction materials have to be imported, as well as the fact that land is often at a premium on small islands.
Auto Insurance Rates
One thing you’ll definitely want to consider is how much auto insurance will cost in your new territory.
In Puerto Rico, for example, the average annual premium for full coverage car insurance is between $800 and $1,300 per year. This is significantly lower than the average car insurance rates of between $1,276 and $2,891 per year.
So those are just a few things to keep in mind as you’re deciding whether or not to move away from the mainland United States.
Weigh the pros and cons carefully and make sure you’re prepared for the challenges that come with living in a U.S. territory.
Pros of Leaving the Mainland
There are quite a few reasons why people choose to move to a U.S. territory over staying on the mainland USA.
One of the main reasons people choose to move away from the mainland is the weather.
If you’re looking for warmer weather or unique experiences like swimming with dolphins, there are a number of U.S. territories located in tropical climates that could be perfect for you. Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Virgin Islands all offer year-round warmth and sunshine.
Another reason people choose to move to a U.S territory is for the lifestyle. If you’re looking for a slower pace of life and a close-knit community, then moving to an island could be the perfect choice for you.
Cons of Leaving the Mainland
Of course, there are also some drawbacks to living in a U.S. territory you’ll want to consider before making the move. One of the biggest drawbacks is the cost of living.
As we mentioned before, the cost of living is generally higher in U.S. territories than in mainland USA. Hawaii, for example, has the highest cost of living of any U.S. state, according to the World Population Review.
Meanwhile, places like Puerto Rico have a much more reasonable cost of living, so it’s crucial to do your research.
Another drawback to consider is the fact that you may feel isolated living on an island. If you’re used to the hustle and bustle of city life, then moving to a small island community can be quite a culture shock.
You might be better off finding a great place to live in Montana.
Is leaving the mainland United States right for you?
There are a lot of things to keep in mind if you’re thinking of moving away from the mainland USA.
Weigh the pros and cons carefully and make sure you’re prepared for the challenges that come with living in U.S. territory.
Take the time to consider all the factors that could make or break your decision to move.
And don’t forget to get quotes for car insurance in your new territory so you can budget accordingly.
Luke Williams writes and researches for the auto insurance comparison site, 4AutoInsuranceQuote.com. His passions include insurance and helping others safely and efficiently relocate.
