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Depends. If you want to buy clothes, yes, it is much cheaper in the US, for some weird reason even some European brands tend to be cheaper on the other side of the puddle. However, my weekly trip to the grocery store was much cheaper back home in Germany than it is in the States. Especially fruit and vegetables are cheaper, dairy products, too, meat tends to be the same, except for beef, which is cheaper statesside. Electronics are mostly cheaper, but only because of the exchange rate and the differences in sales tax.
There are coupons and discounts in Europe, too, you know? I hardly ever bought anything for its full price.
And I can fly to Rome for 12.50€ round.
I spent the same to fly to Barcelona.
Not where they live, plus there are more menu options in the US than there are in Europe.
Our menu for all fast food places inkluding McDonald's and Burger King is much bigger than most of Europe.
???
T'aint necessarily so & do you really think that greasy faux fast food is a plus?
Of course it is, because the cost for an individual employee is higher. But as a result, even a part-time grocery store worker has rights, and you can't fire him/her on the spot. If I was a blue-collar worker with the worst labor agreement ever, lose a hand while I'm working and drink my liver, everything is paid for with my and my employers tax money. I don't even know what a proper insurance policy is. I paid an insurance payment because of my soccer hobby just in case, cost $130 a year, is that it? I've also recieved subsidised housing, meals at student canteens and public transport, my education has always been totally free, even at the university, and I think I can rely on my legally guaranteed pension when I retire sometimes in the 2050's. My student loan is something like $600. I think I'll manage.
It doesn't matter if the rags made by Chinese children cost $10-20 more than in the US, or if I buy design clothes, it hurts, but I have no reason to save for tomorrow just in case. Ok, a new washing machine could hurt my economy. If I go on a date, no problem, the girl will pay for her half if we agree upon that. If I get drunk, I can do that every day, despite alcohol cost double what it does in the US, without having to move to a trailer park. Except we don't have them. If I become an alcoholic (not that I intend to), the rehab will be free.
Yes, I prefer this system instead of low prices at the clothing store. And I gladly pay $2 more for a meal at McDonald's to ensure that the workers have better security. Not that I frequent those kind of joints. Rather pay $25 for a proper dinner at a proper restaurant not part of a multinational chain. And we don't do tips in this country, they are included in their salary guaranteed by law.
Despite this terrible socialism, our unemployment rate is 9.0% and my country's credit rating is AAA, as USA's is only AA.
It seems like you have little knowledge of the labor in the U.S. unfortunately. First of all, those who work in retail (except high end stores) and fast food places are usually teenagers, college students, and Hispanic or Black minorities in America, unlike in Europe where it is very normal for any typical European working at those low skilled jobs. Yes, wages tend to be typically lower at those jobs, but keep in mind that everything is basically cheaper in America, much lower income taxes, and cost of living is more affordable (unless you live in some parts like NYC, Bay and LA area). Hispanic workers from Latin America are happy making $9 or $10 an hour because they make much more money than their home countries.
No, workers do not get fired unless they steal or do something bad just like in Europe. Companies do not want to fire so they do not have to pay any unemployment benefits.
College degree is important in America... We do not like low skilled jobs lol...
Look at the list. Europe has barely any.... At least at chain restaurants you know what type of food will be served.
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