Moving to Tonga from United States

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What to Expect

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

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

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Key Indicator Comparison

The numbers behind daily life in Tonga compared to United States.

Is it safe?

Homicide rate United Nations SDG Indicators, 2022

per 100,000 people per year

US
6.4
TO
0.9
Road traffic deaths United Nations SDG Indicators, 2021

per 100,000 people per year

US
14.2
TO
8.5

Tonga performs significantly better than United States across all safety metrics.

How's the healthcare?

Healthcare spending per person World Bank, 2023

annual government + private spending per person

US
$13,473
TO
$512
Doctors per 10,000 people United Nations SDG Indicators, 2021

affects wait times and access to care

US
36.1
TO
10.1

United States generally does better on health & wellbeing, though Tonga leads in healthcare spending per person.

What about the environment?

Air pollution deaths United Nations SDG Indicators, 2019

deaths attributable to air pollution per 100k people

US
14.0
TO
24.0
CO₂ emissions per capita World Bank, 2024

tonnes of CO₂ emitted per person per year

US
13.6t
TO
1.6t

United States generally does better on environment, though Tonga leads in co₂ emissions per capita.

Will I have good infrastructure?

Broadband per 100 people United Nations SDG Indicators, 2022

fixed broadband subscriptions — key for remote work

US
37.8
TO
8.0

United States performs better than Tonga 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%
TO
2.3%
GDP per capita The World Factbook, 2023

a broad measure of economic output per person

US
$73,600
TO
$6,600

United States generally does better on employment & economy, though Tonga leads in unemployment rate.

Is it good for families?

Life expectancy The World Factbook, 2022

average years of life at birth

US
80.6 yrs
TO
77.5 yrs
Infant mortality The World Factbook, 2022

deaths per 1,000 live births — lower is better

US
5.2
TO
12.4

United States generally does better on family life, though Tonga leads in education spending.

Data: The World Factbook, United Nations SDG Indicators, World Bank

Visitor Visa Requirements

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

United States passport

United States passport holder visiting Tonga

Visa on Arrival
United States passport holders can obtain a visa on arrival in Tonga.
Tonga passport

Tonga passport holder visiting United States

Visa Required
Tonga passport holders need a visa to enter United States.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I work remotely from Tonga?

Connectivity is usually fine (Tonga: 8.0 fixed broadband per 100). What actually decides it is legal: does Tonga offer a digital nomad visa, will your employer permit overseas work, and where are you tax-resident?

Is Tonga safe for expats?

Tonga performs significantly better than United States across all safety metrics. The homicide rate in Tonga is 0.9 per 100,000 people, compared to 6.4 in United States.

How is healthcare in Tonga compared to United States?

United States generally does better on health & wellbeing, though Tonga leads in healthcare spending per person. There are 10.1 doctors per 10,000 people in Tonga, compared to 36.1 in United States. Tonga scores 57 on the WHO universal health coverage index (United States: 86).

What language do they speak in Tonga?

The official languages in Tonga are English and Tongan. In United States, the official language is English.

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At a Glance

US TO
Population 337,341,954 105,517
Currency United States Dollar ($) Tongan Paʻanga (TOP)
Languages English English, Tongan
Driving side Right Left
Calling code +1 +676
Time zones 11 1
Emergency number 911