Spain vs. USA (crime, pharmacists, income)

[burgler09]

Can the standard of living in Spain compare with that of USA? What are predictions of Spain vs. USA in 5-10 years? What are wages like etc?

grax por todo!

[tropical87]

Hi
Ive lived in both places.

Spain is more liberal and left-leaning than the US, even when compared to the most liberal parts of the states. Economically we are very bad at the moment, dont have a crystal ball so I dont know what will happen.

Lots of Latinos here but no racism issues like the US.

[Scotslass]

As far as Spain goes, wages are alot lower but the cost of living is lower, better laid back style of life. I love their culture and everyone that I know that has moved there have no complaints. I think its the climate, beaches, people, and way of life.

And America from what I know from what my fiance said (Hes American) medical care can be expensive. Depends what state you live in as far as income, crime etc.

I'd go for the southern living If I was moving to the U.S its suits my lifestyle, can be slightly compared to Spain. I loved Mallorca though, its more laid back.

[Hasdrubal]

Spain is maybe the best European country if you want enjoy life. The food is fantastic, the landscape varies greatly from one region to another, the nightlife is top notch and there's a laid-back, easy going lifestyle everywhere. However, it's facing a very deep crisis, so I wouldn't recommend anyone to move there unless he/she's retired or is a skilled worker.

[burgler09]

I'll have a Bachelor's Degree in Biochemistry (1 year to go!)

[Tdallas]

Originally Posted by tropical87

Hi
Ive lived in both places.

Spain is more liberal and left-leaning than the US, even when compared to the most liberal parts of the states. Economically we are very bad at the moment, dont have a crystal ball so I dont know what will happen.

Lots of Latinos here but no racism issues like the US.

There is a lot of racism in Spain, especially against North Africans.

[CubsGiantsIndiansfan2008]

Originally Posted by tropical87

Lots of Latinos here but no racism issues like the US.

YouTube - Eto'o being abuse!

[Alex Libman]

There already exist GDP growth projections for the next few years - this one from IMF (WP) sees Spain's per-capita GDP being leapfrogged by South Korea, Oman, and Greece in 5 years, but still staying ahead of Italy. My money is on Chile, which is one of the most capitalist (economically free with low taxes) countries in the world, becoming the per-capita wealthiest Spanish-speaking nation in a decade or two, and Mexico has a brighter future as well.

Talking about further into the future and total GDP instead of per capita, the Goldman Sachs BRIC report's 2050 projections see Spain fall from the #8 economy in the world now to below #22, while Italy remains at #18, France #12, Mexico #5, and Brazil the #4 economy in the world. Only China can rival USA in total economic power in the 21st century, and only a handful of small countries can approach it in terms of GDP-per-capita, with city-states like Singapore being stuffed off the charts full of multi-millionaires.

Projections can be wrong to a degree, but socialist Europe doesn't have much of a future, both economically and demographically...

[burgler09]

Also, what are some of the top fields in Spain right now in terms of making a living? I'm studying biochemistry right now, but I plan to further my education also (not necessarily in Chemistry).

[Hasdrubal]

Originally Posted by burgler09

Also, what are some of the top fields in Spain right now in terms of making a living? I'm studying biochemistry right now, but I plan to further my education also (not necessarily in Chemistry).

mainly those related to the health field (doctors, nurses, pharmacists, dentists). I guess it will depend on where you plan to further your education in.