For those who’ve lived in both Europe and the USA, I would like to hear your take. What do you love about each place, and what drawbacks have you noticed? Whether it’s the Old World charm of Europe or the dynamic lifestyle in the USA, spill the beans. In the end, what was the game-changer that made you pick one over the other and if you could share the decision-making behind your preferred choice.
I picked Europe for cultural and economic reasons.
I find Europeans generally more “down to earth”, interested in other things aside money, slightly less materialistic, not as fake as Americans, not as easily to offend means I don’t walk on eggshells. More importantly, not obsessed with guns despite sometimes owning them, not pretending they are the only ones having freedom and rule of law. Less stressed out, and generally in a better mental state. People are also less entitled (aside some cities).
Economic reasons means I don’t have to make a great salary in order to live in a nice, clean area which isn’t a crime infested den. Organic food isn’t as expensive, and the normally priced food is also better. The salary threshold to have the same lifestyle in the US is quite high depending on which areas we compare. And its get even higher if you want a better lifestyle, with similar amount of vacations, healthcare level etc.
However, I am not sure I would recommend Europe for up-starters from non-EU places. The salaries are quite low, assimilation is difficult, properties quite expensive. Many Europeans have already a decent quality of life, and Europe generally lacks the “rat race hustler” dynamic as in the US. The weather in the US is also better for the most parts.