Moving to Cook Islands from United States

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What to Expect

Considering a move from United States to Cook Islands? Here's how the two countries compare on cost, climate, safety, and more.

If you moved from United States to Cook Islands. You’ll also switch from driving on the right to the left.

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Who Else Is Making This Move?

What the data shows about people moving from United States to Cook Islands.

Living there in 2020
32 ↑ 7% vs 2015

people born in United States live in Cook Islands · UN DESA

Who's moving to Cook Islands?

Top countries of origin for Cook Islands's foreign-born residents.

Foreign-born population · UN DESA (2020)

Key Indicator Comparison

The numbers behind daily life in Cook Islands compared to United States.

Is it safe?

Homicide rate United Nations SDG Indicators, 2022

per 100,000 people per year

US
6.4
CK
3.5
Road traffic deaths United Nations SDG Indicators, 2021

per 100,000 people per year

US
14.2
CK
17.6

United States generally does better on safety, though Cook Islands leads in homicide rate.

How's the healthcare?

Doctors per 10,000 people United Nations SDG Indicators, 2021

affects wait times and access to care

US
36.1
CK
13.4
Health coverage index United Nations SDG Indicators, 2021

WHO index from 0–100 measuring essential service access

US
86
CK
46

United States performs better than Cook Islands across all health & wellbeing metrics.

Will I have good infrastructure?

Broadband per 100 people United Nations SDG Indicators, 2022

fixed broadband subscriptions — key for remote work

US
37.8
CK
18.2

United States performs better than Cook Islands across all infrastructure metrics.

What are the job prospects?

Unemployment rate The World Factbook, 2023

percentage of the labour force without work

US
3.6%
CK
13.1%
GDP per capita The World Factbook, 2023

a broad measure of economic output per person

US
$73,600
CK
$15,600

United States performs better than Cook Islands across all employment & economy metrics.

Is it good for families?

Life expectancy The World Factbook, 2022

average years of life at birth

US
80.6 yrs
CK
77.1 yrs
Infant mortality The World Factbook, 2022

deaths per 1,000 live births — lower is better

US
5.2
CK
15.9

United States performs better than Cook Islands across all family life metrics.

Data: The World Factbook, United Nations SDG Indicators

Visitor Visa Requirements

Short-stay tourist visa rules between United States and Cook Islands. To live, work, or study long-term in Cook Islands, you'll need a separate residence or work visa — check Cook Islands's immigration authority.

United States passport

United States passport holder visiting Cook Islands

Visa Free
United States passport holders can enter Cook Islands without a visa.

Data: Henley Passport Index. Check with the destination country's embassy for the most current requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I work remotely from Cook Islands?

Connectivity is usually fine (Cook Islands: 18.2 fixed broadband per 100). What actually decides it is legal: does Cook Islands offer a digital nomad visa, will your employer permit overseas work, and where are you tax-resident?

Is Cook Islands safe for expats?

United States generally does better on safety, though Cook Islands leads in homicide rate. The homicide rate in Cook Islands is 3.5 per 100,000 people, compared to 6.4 in United States.

How is healthcare in Cook Islands compared to United States?

United States performs better than Cook Islands across all health & wellbeing metrics. There are 13.4 doctors per 10,000 people in Cook Islands, compared to 36.1 in United States. Cook Islands scores 46 on the WHO universal health coverage index (United States: 86).

What language do they speak in Cook Islands?

The official languages in Cook Islands are Cook Islands Māori and English. In United States, the official language is English.

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At a Glance

US CK
Population 337,341,954 8,128
Currency United States Dollar ($) New Zealand Dollar (NZ$)
Languages English Cook Islands Māori, English
Driving side Right Left
Calling code +1 +682
Time zones 11 1
Emergency number 911