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We know in terms of QOL rankings, it is all European countries (plus Canada/Australia), but let's be more realistic here. I have known many Europeans who went to the US and never wanted to leave, so there must be something attractive about America.
Higher salary, lower taxes and cheaper housing come into mind. I am sure the real purchasing power is higher in America, probably substantially.
Everything is much much cheaper in the US, including cars and gaselines. With automobiles, you have more flexibility to go to the natural and venture into wherever you want, not where public transit is capable of bringing you. Gas price is like 3 times high in France than in the US.
I know consumerism is frowned upon by many, but for most, purchasing power is crucial in terms of quality of life. America is simply very affordable, including many of its largest cities, at least by Europe standards.
But on the other hand, Americans cities are more boring, less beautiful. Density is low and there is too much suburbs. Dependence on cars is a negative too.
We have automobiles in Europe and a high car ownership rate.
I don't know why some north American have the idea that everything in Europe is done by public transport when cars are also the main way of transport here.
I would like to have cheaper cars and petrol but the general American lifestyle is not for me. I will rather be paid less and have 5 weeks paid vacation and 20+ annual sick days.
We definitely have the purchasing power to have a quality of life higher than mosy europeans. The thing is consumerism is right at your face all the time.
Some things maybe like cheaper houses or petrol but overall no.
I am not saying I wouldn't live well in the US, but give me money and I would say that I prefer European lifestyle, healthier in my mind.
Although I would like to experiment college life once.
I once heard a Brit say they wished they had huge houses with large yards (gardens) like we do on this side of the Atlantic.
I envy a couple of things about Europe:
1) so much culture and history right on your doorstep
2) less junk pop culture (it exists, but Europeans aren't bombarded with it the way North Americans are)
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