
Are you an American moving to Luxembourg or considering doing so? This guide will walk you through everything you need to know for a smooth move. It covers moving costs, top moving companies, visa requirements, and the country’s socioeconomic infrastructure so you can prepare for your life in Luxembourg with confidence.
Luxembourg offers a high quality of life, a strategic location in Europe and an international and multilingual environment. Although Luxembourg is small in size, it offers strong economic stability and employment opportunities.
On average, the cost of living in Luxembourg can range from $2,500 to $5,000 per person including rent and utilities, depending on your household type and your lifestyle.
Although Luxembourg can initially feel expensive compared to other European countries, costs can be reduced with smart lifestyle and location choices. Keep in mind that public transportation is free for everyone.
On average, monthly living costs in Luxembourg include:
A single person typically spends around $3,000 per month in Luxembourg City:
A couple typically spends around $3,500 per month in Luxembourg City:
| Expense | United States (USD) | Luxembourg (USD) |
| 1-bedroom Apartment (City Center) | $1,682.74 | $2,013.25 |
| 3-bedroom Apartment (City Center) | $2,718.51 | $3,542.64 |
| Utilities (85m2 Apartment) | $212.52 | $306.07 |
| Mobile Phone Plan | $61.32 | $30.28 |
| Monthly Public Transport Pass | $65.00 | Free |
| Gas (1L) | $0.89 | $1.85 |
| Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant | $20.00 | $23.75 |
| Bottled Water (1.5l) | $2.26 | $1.04 |
*Updated February 2026. For more detailed comparisons, see Numbeo for your preferred state and city.
Container shipping when moving to Luxembourg from the US typically costs between $6,300 and $10,700. This estimate depends on the volume of your shipment, transport method, and destination address.
Note that pet shipments add an extra $100 – $5,000, and car shipments $1,000 – $5,000. Check out our page on container shipping costs for more information.
Find more options in our guide to international moving companies.
Americans can visit Luxembourg visa-free for short stays, but moving long-term requires a type D visa and a residence permit.
US citizens currently do not require a visa for stays shorter than 90 days.
However, for stays longer than 90 days, you must apply for a long-stay visa (type D) and a residence permit.
For long-term moves to Luxembourg, holding a valid US passport and following these steps is required:
Luxembourg’s golden visa is no longer a valid residence route. Long-term relocation to Luxembourg requires a type D visa and a legal basis, typically either of these:
Official immigration information is available via Luxembourg’s government portal guichet.public.lu.
Important Notice:
Yes, US citizens can work in Luxembourg, but must have a signed job contract before initiating the legal relocation process.
A good work-life balance and high salaries make working in Luxembourg appealing for Americans. Despite EU nationals often getting hiring priority, Americans with strong qualifications in the following industries can typically secure employment:
Yes, income tax rates can be high, particularly for upper-income earners. However, strong salaries and US tax relief mechanisms often make net income competitive for American expats.
Personal income tax in Luxembourg is progressive, with rates ranging from 0% to 42% depending on your annual salary.
US citizens must still file US IRS tax returns, but many expats reduce double taxation through:
With proper planning, the tax-free allowance (around $15,720 of annual income) and the wide range of deductible expenses can significantly lower your effective rate. Read more official information about taxes in Luxembourg in guichet.public.lu.
While healthcare in Luxembourg is not free, it is generally more affordable than in the US and offers high-quality services. By being employed in Luxembourg, you are automatically signed up for Luxembourg’s public healthcare system (CNS) via payroll contributions.
However, expats often also buy private insurance for extra coverage.
Luxembourg’s multicultural environment features many international schools and universities, making its strong education system ideal for expat families.
When living in Luxembourg, quality of life tends to exceed expectations due to excellent healthcare, safe and peaceful environment, high incomes, and international community.
American expats in Luxembourg enjoy living there for several reasons:
However, high housing costs and a need for a car outside the city center can be challenges for expats in Luxembourg, along with a quieter social scene compared to the US.
Moving to Luxembourg with family can be a great option. In fact, Luxembourg ranks among Europe’s top countries for raising children, thanks to its:
For preparation tips, see our guide on moving abroad with family.
Yes. A good quality of life, as well as a good healthcare and education system, plus happiness, employment, and safety, make Luxembourg an ideal place to get settled.
Expats from the US and elsewhere enjoy the welcoming international community and work opportunities. Drawbacks include expensive rent and a small-town feel, but proximity to Europe and family benefits make Luxembourg appealing for many.