A US based virtual assistant works from the United States and usually costs more. An offshore VA on US hours costs less and can cover your working day. MyRemoteVA's team works from Kerala, India, on shifts that match US time, from $5.62 an hour, and a team lead reviews every task.
Many owners search for a US based virtual assistant because they want someone who works their hours and understands how US business runs. That is a fair goal. But "US based" is only one way to reach it. This guide compares the two options in plain terms, so you can pick the one that fits your work and budget.
What "US based" really gets you
A US based virtual assistant lives in the United States. That brings a few real benefits:
- The same time zone as you, with no shift planning.
- Easy chats about US holidays, forms and local habits.
- A US address, which some clients and rules require.
It also brings costs. A person in the US has higher living costs, so hourly rates are higher. If you hire them yourself, you also need to check how the law treats a contractor in your state.
What an offshore VA on US hours gives you
An offshore assistant lives in another country but works shifts that match your day. The MyRemoteVA team works from Kerala, India. We plan each shift around your Eastern, Central, Mountain or Pacific hours, so your assistant is online when you are.
You pay less per hour. A dedicated full-time assistant starts from $5.62 an hour, which is 160 hours for $899 a month. A part-time plan is 80 hours for $500. If you only need a few hours, pay-as-you-go is $12 an hour and the hours never expire.
Side by side
- Hours: a US based VA shares your clock. An offshore VA works planned shifts that match it.
- Price: offshore plans are usually lower per hour. Compare the full monthly cost, not just the rate.
- Management: a freelancer manages themselves. A managed service adds a team lead who reviews each task.
- Backup: a single freelancer may be away. A team can cover a day off.
- Location rules: if a contract or law says data must stay in the US, a US based person may be required.
Is a US based virtual assistant worth the extra cost?
It depends on what you hand off. If the work is admin, bookkeeping, research or web updates, the extra cost of a US based virtual assistant often buys you little, because the tasks happen on a screen. If the work needs a US presence, such as taking part in local events or being named on a US contract, the extra cost can be worth it. Work out the real monthly cost of both options before you decide, and ask each provider what happens when the assistant is sick or on leave.
When a US based assistant is the better pick
Choose a US based person if any of these apply:
- A rule or client contract says the work must be done in the US.
- You need someone to sign for deliveries or attend events in person.
- You want a US phone presence on your own number.
If none of these apply, the hours and the quality of the work matter more than the address.
What an offshore assistant can handle well
Most owners hand off work that happens on a screen. That includes inbox and calendar work, data entry, research, bookkeeping, invoices, social media posts and website updates. These tasks do not need the assistant to be in the same country. They need clear steps and a quick check, and that is what a team lead does.
How to test either option safely
- Start small. Hand off one repeat task for two weeks.
- Share tool access with limited permissions, and remove it when the work ends.
- Check the first week of work line by line.
- Keep what saves you time. Drop what does not.
New to MyRemoteVA? A $1 a month plan adds one hour every month, so you can try the process first. Compare options on the pricing page, read how offshore assistants cover your hours, or see how to hire a virtual assistant.
Ready to see how it works on your hours? Start for $1 and tell us your time zone.
Frequently asked questions
What is a US based virtual assistant?
A US based virtual assistant is a remote worker who lives and works in the United States. They share your time zone and local knowledge. They usually charge more per hour than an offshore assistant.
Can an offshore virtual assistant work US hours?
Yes. Many offshore assistants work shifts that match US business hours. At MyRemoteVA, the team is in Kerala, India, and shifts are planned around your Eastern, Central, Mountain or Pacific working day.
How much does a virtual assistant cost compared with a US based one?
A dedicated MyRemoteVA assistant starts from $5.62 an hour on a full-time plan (160 hours for $899 a month). Pay-as-you-go is $12 an hour. US based assistants are often priced higher, so compare the all-in monthly cost.
When should I choose a US based virtual assistant?
Choose one if a rule says your data must stay in the US, if you need someone who can sign for deliveries or attend in-person events, or if you want a US phone presence. For most admin, bookkeeping and web tasks, hours and quality matter more than location.
What is doing this yourself costing you?
Doing it yourself: $2,165 a month of your time.
The same hours at our $12/hr pay-as-you-go rate: $520. Dedicated plans start at $5.62/hr.
Simple maths from the numbers you enter. It assumes a VA can take on those hours.
Start for $1Written by the MyRemoteVA team. Search-trend figures come from Google Trends. Prices shown are our current plans. Last updated October 9, 2026. Questions or corrections? Contact us.