You should look for a couple of cost-of-living coverters, just to give you an idea. And the suggestion that you do research on typical salaries is a good one. Look in the cities you are interested in. The cost of living and the salary you can get is partly a function of what city you are located in. Also, different things are in demand here. There seems to be a tremendous shortage of people in the building trades, or anyone who might need to go through an apprenticeship program first. If you are in a field that has a labor shortage, you might be able to get more money than if you are in a field that is in plentiful supply.

Also, if you have any way of getting a work visa without having to find a job first, pursue it. I came over on a company transfer, which is easier, especially since we bring people to the US regularly. However, I've heard that getting someone to sponsor you from abroad is about the most difficult way to do it.