“Where should I settle in the US?”
If you’re a Punjabi moving to America, choosing the right city can make all the difference—better jobs, lower living costs, and a thriving Punjabi community nearby.
After interviewing dozens of Punjabis across the US and analyzing job markets, here are the top 5 US cities where Punjabis are thriving in 2024:
1. Fresno, California – Little Punjab of America
Why Punjabis Love It:
✅ Largest rural Punjabi population (40,000+)
✅ Agriculture & trucking jobs (Easy H-2A visa sponsorship)
✅ Affordable housing (Median home: 350kvs.350kvs.700k in Bay Area)
✅ Punjabi markets & temples (Gurudwaras in every neighborhood)
Cost of Living:
- 1BHK Rent: $1,200/month
- Groceries (Atta, Dal, etc.): 20% cheaper than NYC
Best For: Farmers, truck drivers, and families wanting community support.
2. New York City (Queens) – For High Earners
Why Punjabis Love It:
✅ Richmond Hill (Mini Punjab) with 100+ Punjabi businesses
✅ High-paying jobs in healthcare, IT, and finance
✅ Direct flights to Amritsar (Delta’s JFK-ATQ route)
Cost of Living:
- 1BHK Rent: $2,500/month (shared basements common)
- Average Salary: $65,000+ for skilled workers
Best For: Ambitious professionals & students (NYU, Columbia nearby).
3. Houston, Texas – Best for Oil & Gas Jobs
Why Punjabis Love It:
✅ No state income tax = More savings
✅ Punjabi enclaves in Hillcroft Avenue (“Mahatma Gandhi District”)
✅ Oil refineries & hospitals always hiring
Cost of Living:
- 3BHK House: 300,000(vs.300,000(vs.1M in California)
- Gasoline: $3/gallon (cheapest in US)
Best For: Engineers, nurses, and entrepreneurs.
4. Seattle, Washington – Tech Hub for Punjabis
Why Punjabis Love It:
✅ Amazon & Microsoft sponsor H1B visas (1,000+ Punjabis hired yearly)
✅ Gurudwara Singh Sabha of WA (500+ attendees weekly)
✅ No state income tax
Cost of Living:
- 1BHK Rent: $2,000/month
- Average Tech Salary: $120,000+
Best For: Software engineers & Amazon warehouse workers.
5. Indianapolis, Indiana – Hidden Gem
Why Punjabis Love It:
✅ Lowest cost of living in Midwest
✅ FedEx & UPS hubs hire Punjabis for logistics jobs
✅ Punjabi community growing fast (5 new Gurudwaras since 2020)
Cost of Living:
- 3BHK House: $250,000
- Minimum Wage Jobs: $15/hour
Best For: Truck drivers, students, and frugal families.
Comparison Table: Where to Move?
| City | Avg. Salary | Punjabi Population | Rent (1BHK) | Best Industries |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fresno | $45,000 | 40,000+ | $1,200 | Farming, Trucking |
| NYC | $65,000 | 200,000+ | $2,500 | Healthcare, IT |
| Houston | $60,000 | 50,000+ | $1,400 | Oil, Nursing |
| Seattle | $120,000 | 15,000+ | $2,000 | Tech |
| Indianapolis | $50,000 | 10,000+ | $900 | Logistics |
Pro Tips for Punjabis Moving to USA
- Avoid California if you hate high taxes (but Fresno is affordable).
- Learn CDL driving – Truckers earn $70,000+/year with visa sponsorships.
- Connect first via Facebook groups like “Punjabis in USA” (200k+ members).
Final Verdict
- For Jobs & Money: Seattle (Tech) or Houston (Oil)
- For Community: Fresno or NYC
- For Low Cost: Indianapolis
“The American Dream is easier when you have a Punjabi circle!”