“I had a bike accident resulting in a bad head injury.
The bill was $25,000.”
Also, I got really sick once and had to visit the emergency room.
I had to get meds, and it was less than $40.
Everything is more expensive in the U.S."
2.
“I’ve lived in Germany and loved it.
The pace of life, values, and culture just really suited me.
Living in the U.S. can be an awful challenge, especially now that we are NOT doing great.
So many of us are suffering under the boot of corporate America and bad government policy.
However, I’ve thought a lot about moving back to Europe.
violetbleustar
3.
I worked in London for 15 years at some of the fastest-growing companies in Europe, and guess what?
It makes no sense.”
“One of my buds retired and lives in Mexico.
He lives a wonderful, full life.
It’s warm and beautiful where he lives with plenty of ex-pats.
I’ve heard other Americans who’ve retired to Mexico say the same thing.
It’s something to think about.”
fayeesnow
5.
“I’m a Scottish guy who lived in America for a few years.
The bill was $25,000.”
“I wouldn’t say America is a scam, but the price comparison is jarring.
The biggest thing that stuck out to me was the cheap availability of high-quality food.
Fresh and organic food in France costs about the same as bargain preservative-laden food in the States.
You could also go to a nice restaurant without feeling like a total splurge.
Plus, the price of the menu was the price you’d pay.
Anonymous
7.
I returned to the U.S. because of the pandemic, and there are so many scams.
First, people do not have free health insurance.
Regardless, everyone has access to a doctor, period.
In America, prescription costs vary depending on the drug and your insurance.
In London, you either pay for prescriptions, or you don’t.
All prescriptions cost the same, and birth control is free.
“Food in places like Egypt, Japan, and even countries in Europe is more wholesome and tastier.
Come on, America, why the shit food?”
“I moved from the U.S. and now live in Hong Kong.
My tax rate is 12%, and my electricity costs less than $500 USD per year.
Germany also has monetary government help if you have children or older adults in your family.
Yep, monthly stipends with no means testing.
Really, in about 95% of ways, living in the USA kind of sucks.
It does hurt me to admit this, but it’s true.”
Suzan, 66, Oregon
11.
The people here are so kind, accepting, and joyful.
I haven’t even seen a case of road rage!
I have no desire to go back to the USA.”
Mark, 43, Netherlands
13.
“We are being scammed.
One of the biggest differences I noticed when living abroad was that even wealthy people were outspoken about prices.
America’s rising cost of living is vastly outpacing inflation and we accept it without much protest.
“I lived in Mexico my entire adult life and moved back to America in 2022.
In the U.S., it’s at least 30% of my salary.
“In the late ’90s, I studied in Paris, France.
It’s scary living here.”
Lisa
17.
“I’m originally from the U.S. and currently living in Germany.
For two kids a month, we paid an equivalent of $58.
Also, the healthcare system in Germany made me realize that America is a freaking scam.
I had a lipoma on my neck that needed to be removed.
And I have public health insurance.
Repatriating to the USA was a horrible experience that landed me in mental health therapy.
The ‘American Dream’ is a nightmare and is definitely a scam.”
Richard, 67, California
Note: Some responses have been edited for length and/or clarity.
