Is it cheaper to live in the U.S.A?

by haujobbz 37 Replies latest jw friends

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  AjaxMan

  I also forgot to add that as JanH mentioned about visitors particularly those from UK and Ireland, they get a better currency exchange rate ($1.50 for 1 pound, roughly). So for English and Irish tourists, they are getting more for the money when they visit America.

  It is partly true what JanH said about whether you're a local or a tourist in the case of Americans here in America: For a Northener (NYC, Boston), it may be cheaper for them visit Southern states (Florida, Georgia), but the reverse isn't necessarily true.

  Edited by - AjaxMan on 8 August 2002 15:46:59
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  AjaxMan

  I take it that in Europe, you folks have higher income tax bracket than us in America.
• 

  frogit

  The USA as such a massive economy compared to the UK, its like buying in bulk you get bigger discounts.

  Food is more expensive here because of the EU, this subsidises poorer farming communities.

  Belgium chocolate is best; it's not as sweet and contains more coca.

  UK does have a rich heritage, but it seems like we pay the price for it. We are also ripped off in the UK by the greedy.

  We have the NHS (National Health Service), so medical care is free on demand, for example if you need a heart by-pass all you do is wait, Oh and wait, (oops sorry Mr Blair abolished NHS waiting list). We waste a lot of money in the NHS, I know I work for the NHS from time to time.

  frogit
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  haujobbz

  Why isnt there a nhs service or social security system in the usa!!
• 

  JanH

  Ajax,

  Income taxes in Europe are generally higher than in the US, yes, especially in the north & west. I forgot to add that Norway and Denmark have 24% and 25% sales tax (aka VAT) respectively. This varies from US state to state, but I bet no US state comes even close to such a level. Last I heard around 6-7% was typical over the pond.

  When we go to places with lower or no sales tax (practically everywhere!), of course we get a good deal. And the poor tourists coming here get screwed (except for larger items, then there is a partial tax refund for tourists).

  - Jan
• 

  BeautifulGarbage

  It would also depend GREATLY where you actually LIVE in the US.

  California and New York, because of the cost of housing, tend to be more expensive than the Mid-Western states. It also varies greatly from city to city within those states. A nice 3/2 house in Desert Hot Springs goes for about 125K to 150K. Yet, only 20 miles away in the city of Indian Wells it would easily bring 500K. Same with apartment rents. It's varies greatly.

  I do understand food is much cheaper here. I can understand why. The state where I live grows 20 percent of the worlds produce. Plus, most things are available year around. Again, price varies by State and even can vary by area of state. I know that the supermarket where I shop at has "zones". They price their products according to the competition and average income of the area.

  Fuel IS cheaper. Unless you live in a city with GREAT public transportation (usually a LARGE city) you will HAVE to have a car. That means having insurance and a license. That also varies by State.

  Then, there is medical care. Very expensive. Health insurance in a must. Hopefully, your employer will have a good plan. Even then, most expect you to pay a share of the cost. For instance, 50%. That can easily run into several hundreds of dollars a month. And still, you have co-payments, deductables, and preauthorizations. We have to fight with our insurance company all the time over prescription medications that my spouse needs.

  I would never recommend anyone from another country to just move here. Visit first. Hopefully, a long visit. And don't just go to the tourist areas. Some euros love it here and some don't.

  Andee
• 

  ballistic

  I must admit, us Brits moan a lot about our National Health Service, but when you hear how much you guys pay when our health care is free it all pales into insignificance.
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  haujobbz

  Employers expect you to pay up to 50% of the cost of medical insurance plans "blimey" i wont ask if your put on a waiting list lol,even though we a national health system we do have to wait a longtime for it,and you could be dead by then,i was told you can practically sue anyone for anything over there,it does seem to be settin a trend for the uk.
• 

  AjaxMan

  I forgot to add that Norway and Denmark have 24% and 25% sales tax (aka VAT) respectively.

  HOLY SHIT! I cannot believe it! You're right, JanH. No state in the US come close to that. The highest that I heard is in CA at 8.25% (correct me if I am wrong, Californians). I don't know about other states.
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  BeautifulGarbage

  That is many do. Not all, however.

  Yet, I do know that for the most part most do not have to be put on a "waiting list". If you need something, it's scheduled and done. Period. As long as you have insurance and it's ok'd. I hear about the waiting list thing in Canada too. That makes me nervous.

  When I needed gallbladder surgery, it was scheduled for my convenience and that of my family.

  There is good and bad in both systems, IMO.

  Andee