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"My medicine doesn’t eat up half my paycheck here" – Americans share why life is better in Europe

Szőke Angéla4 min read
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"My medicine doesn’t eat up half my paycheck here" – Americans share why life is better in Europe — Leisure
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Guns

Guns
My kids in the Netherlands don’t have to learn what to do in a school shooting drill. When I hear a loud bang on the street, I still flinch because my first thought is "gunfire," while my Dutch friends aren’t fazed—they know it’s probably just a backfire or a popped balloon. I can walk home at night without feeling like a target for pickpockets.

Slower pace of life

Slower pace of life
In America, parks are often filled with homeless people and drug users, so hanging out with friends usually costs money—restaurants, movies, bars, or malls. In Italy, I hop on a bus or bike to a well-kept park where we picnic with friends while kids play and young people toss frisbees nearby. When I go alone, I bring a book and lose myself for hours. People here truly value slow, quality living and free ways to unwind. Relaxing doesn’t mean being lazy—it’s healthier this way.

Finances

Finances
Back home, my fiancé and I both worked 12-hour days and had nothing left after rent, two cars, gas, and other expenses—even though we barely went out because we were too tired on weekends. Here in Norway, we live comfortably on just his salary. He doesn’t come home like a zombie, and every weekend we hike or go out for dinner and drinks with friends on weeknights. We have zero plans to move back.

A few things

A few things
My medicine doesn’t take half my paycheck. I’m not super rich here either, but the difference is huge: being poor in America is much harder than in Europe. Drive a few hours and you’re in a new country with a different language, culture, rich history, and stunning architecture—none of which you find back home. Cultural life is vibrant here, and people truly appreciate art—music, theater, exhibitions. Food is better quality, tastier, and less sugary.

The American Dream

The American Dream
My wife and I moved to Spain seven years ago, mainly because we wanted a family without lifelong debt—and that wasn’t possible back home at the lifestyle we wanted. We still have a mortgage, but the payments don’t crush us, and I see the light at the end of the tunnel. Life here is less materialistic: people aren’t defined by expensive stuff, and Christmas really is about family—not who gave the biggest gift.

Peaceful walks

Peaceful walks
Except maybe New York, Americans don’t really think about pedestrians—they even drive to the corner store. Europe helped me discover the joy of walking, and it’s a relief not to worry about being stopped by police (I’m Latino) or getting shot.

Summer vacation

Summer vacation
Not sure how well known this is, but in America, paid vacation is basically unheard of. I’ve lived in Berlin for years and still can’t believe I get five weeks off a year—and it’s paid. Plus, I get a full hour for lunch every day to eat comfortably, not scarf down a sandwich at my desk. Thanks to this work-life balance, my quality of life has improved beyond words.

Stress-free healthcare

Stress-free healthcare
I miss my home, the national parks, and my friends, but I’ve lived in Portugal for years and know I won’t go back. Back home, healthcare caused constant anxiety. Six months after moving here, I had an appendectomy and couldn’t believe it cost nothing. Back home, even a minor surgery can leave you in debt for life. A friend who’s a doctor and also moved to Europe says he loves his job more now, knowing his patients won’t face financial ruin from tests or prescriptions.

Human connections

Human connections
During COVID lockdown, I found calm, and when the world restarted, I realized I’d lived in constant anxiety in America. I moved to Switzerland, where people are balanced, calm, and don’t know the daily tensions of “culture wars” or harsh political and ideological conflicts.

Social safety net

Social safety net
My parents mostly regret that their grandkids don’t live in America, but they can’t argue with the benefits Austria offers. They couldn’t believe you can stay home for two years after having a baby (which simply doesn’t exist in the States) or that daycare is free. Schools are high quality and well equipped, teachers are kind and dedicated because they’re paid well. And there’s no need to start saving for college from birth—higher education is free. It feels like a utopia.
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