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I just spent 2 weeks in London in the financial district and it was not as expensive as I was expecting and Underground or Uber travel (while it's still going) is a bargain. Overall cost is comparable to DC but again, the average income is much lower in London than DC.
DC is expensive, but I'm pretty sure that housing costs in London are higher than in DC. They're probably close to NYC.
Most of the problems in America are experienced by low-income people (the bottom 20%). But if you’re smart and strive to make something of your life, then you should do fine.
There really aren’t many negatives that you will have to deal with.
I don't agree that Brussels compares to DC in power or wealth but it is overall much cheaper to live. However, DC average disposable income is almost double what it is in Brussels.
How is low gas prices subsidized by our government? Actually they charge a significant tax though far less than what they charge in Europe.
I just spent 2 weeks in London in the financial district and it was not as expensive as I was expecting and Underground or Uber travel (while it's still going) is a bargain. Overall cost is comparable to DC but again, the average income is much lower in London than DC.
Like I said, disposable income doesn't well reflect living standards at all. You need to consider what services you need to pay for and what is offer free by the government. Belgium has one of the highest taxes in Europe, and you would expect they receive far more services than a low tax region.
Additionally, not just what you can buy, whether the transit is good, whether the public space is pleasant, they are all part of the quality of life equation. Life doesn't equal your purchasing power.
It is well known in the US low gas price receives massive subsidy from the government. Not just gas, but parking, use of roads as well. You can easily search for that.
Most of the problems in America are experienced by low-income people (the bottom 20%). But if you’re smart and strive to make something of your life, then you should do fine.
There really aren’t many negatives that you will have to deal with.
The bottom 20% does not have a great life in Europe either or any other advanced country...
Location: We_tside PNW (Columbia Gorge) / CO / SA TX / Thailand
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USA? Do you have $40,000 / yr to spend on Health care insurance? (not including actual HC services, those are REALLY expensive!)
Your choice may be preferred by some (who have no experience actually succeeding in immigrating to those countries..... not EZ...
Personally I would choose, The Netherlands, Denmark, and Switzerland in the Europe region. But.... it is not a FREE choice, as those countries will not allow me to move there. I much prefer NZ to Australia, but neither will accept me. (Nor will Canada)
Anywhere that can garner a story like this has to be amongst the WORST places in the world to live!
Like I said it's getting 'de mode'. To use just one random example, during my time there around 2009-2011 traffic jams were already a nightmare and today from what I've heard UAE's population has doubled in just ~5 years...imagine the kind of traffic problems they have now.
+ You have to blame your own compatriots for all the dubai hype...I mean even Piers Morgan has made documentary about it and all the British celebs have properties there.
And what's your issue with Israel? It's LGBT friendly from what I can tell, they have among the biggest lgbt prides not just in the region but in the world.
I thought you guys enjoy 4 or even 5 weeks mandatory holidays, stronger union culture compared to the US, etc...
The US has no federal mandatory holidays, Canada has 2 weeks.
Federally yes. Provincially it varies. For instance in BC it's mandatory 3 weeks after 5 years.
Yes, New Zealand is not one of the choices in the OP but it is a beautiful country. It is probably the only country that I would happily move to. But having said that, the price of housing in Auckland is exhorbitant. I think it has the highest relative cost in the world.
Different places are probably better at different ages. Where I am is great if you are retired. Like Europeans, we do not have to think about the cost of serious illnesses. We tend to use our private insurance for elective surgery so that we can ensure the date and doctor. I am having my cataracts done next year and I could go public for free or it will cost about $400 in US dollars per eye using private insurance. Our tax system is overly beneficial for retirees and the basic government pension is more than adequate for home owners (most older people are ) and is non-contributory though means and asset tested.
However, life is harder for younger working families with kids. Childcare is partly subsidised but can stil cost a lot, especially in Sydney. Free education does not start til kindergarten when they are over five. Housing is very expensive in Sydney and Melbourne, which is where half the population live.
It is only academic to think which is the best country anyway. It is not that you can just march in and set up home.
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