Comparison of Living in Los Angeles vs Taipei: A Personal Perspective
When choosing between cities to live in, it's often a matter of personal preference and experiences. In my own journey, I've spent significant time in both Los Angeles and Taipei, each offering unique advantages and drawbacks. After a thorough comparison, it becomes evident that my preference leans heavily towards Taipei, where I found a wonderful circle of friends and a vibrant city that stands out as a top place to live.
Personal Preferences and Experiences
My experience in Los Angeles and Beverly Hills is now looked back upon with nostalgia, while my time in Taipei remains fresh in my mind. Among the two, I find Taipei to be the best place I've ever lived, due to the fantastic social circle I have there. It's a city that truly suits my lifestyle and personal preferences. However, for those considering a move to these cities, it might be helpful to compare their pros and cons.
Los Angeles: The Pros and Cons
Los Angeles, as a world-class city, offers a multitude of job opportunities and diverse cultural experiences. It's a melting pot of people and viewpoints, making it an exciting place to live. However, the high cost of living and taxes significantly offset the benefits of this diverse city. Tax deduction means I only take home about 60% of my paycheck, with a substantial portion going towards healthcare.
Despite these challenges, LA attracts immigrants from all over the world, which exposes residents to a wide range of cultures, worldviews, and cuisines. The city is also a great jumping-off point for international travel. On the downside, the city's infrastructure is lacking, with canceled projects and poorly maintained public facilities. The food, while diverse, is often watered down and unhealthy. Also, public places can be dirty, and there have been instances of crime, proving that safety is not guaranteed.
Taipei: The Pros and Cons
Taipei, on the other hand, offers an entirely different experience. The city's infrastructure is top-notch, with fast and reliable public transportation. It has thriving public health systems and is extremely safe, with very little violent crime. The public health system provides universal healthcare, ensuring every citizen is covered. Additionally, Taipei is a small, yet rich, city that always has something new to offer.
However, challenges exist in Taipei's job market, which is highly competitive, and the pay is meager. Many Taiwaneses consider a salary of NTD 40,000 (approximately $1,300 USD) to be decent, which is far below the Californian minimum wage of $10 an hour, totaling $20,000 annually. The weather can be hot, which is not ideal for everyone. Moreover, the future of Taiwan is uncertain, with potential political strife making some residents pessimistic about their future.
Work culture and hierarchy: In Los Angeles, the work culture is laid back compared to the strict hierarchy common in East Asia, particularly in cities like Taipei and Tokyo. Worker-friendly policies like business casual dress codes are present, but it's not uncommon to work 12 hours a day.
Taipei, while offering many benefits, has its downsides such as the difficulty in finding peace and quiet, high taxes, and the struggle of finding a job and making ends meet. Despite these challenges, Taipei's safety, affordability, and cultural richness make it a compelling choice for those seeking a home.
Conclusion
Ultimately, the comparison of Los Angeles and Taipei comes down to personal preferences and priorities. For someone seeking vibrant cultural diversity and ease of travel, Los Angeles might be the better choice. However, if one values safety, affordability, and a strong sense of community, Taipei is undoubtedly the preference. The city's unique blend of Eastern and Western influences, coupled with its rapid growth and innovation, makes it a place where one can truly make a home.
Future Prospects
While it would be ideal to work in Los Angeles but live in Taipei, the realities of taxes, travel, and cultural differences make this option challenging. Nevertheless, it remains a dream for many, representing the best of both worlds.