Introduction to the True Cost of Living in the U.S. vs Europe vs Asia
Living in a different part of the world can be a transformative experience. Deciding where to live involves not just comparing cultures, but also understanding the true cost of living. This article delves into the financial realities of living in the U.S., Europe, and Asia, focusing specifically on the dynamic between the U.S. and Europe, as well as how it compares to countries like the Netherlands and Germany.
My Journey from Vietnam to the U.S.
My academic journey started in Vietnam, and then I moved to the U.S. in 2020. Before that, life in Hanoi was quite fulfilling, even if many of the needs felt more luxurious than necessary. My regular hair salon visit, complete with a neck and shoulder massage and a face mask, cost me only 7 USD. When my air conditioner broke at noon, a repair crew arrived by 4 pm and took it away, quickly providing a new one. A regular driver kept me moving around the city, and a maid ensured my house was clean. All this luxury cost me 550 USD per month, quite manageable in Vietnam.
Comparing Cost of Living: U.S. vs Europe
The moment I moved to the U.S., the financial burden seemed to skyrocket. In comparison to the Netherlands or Germany, the cost of living is significantly higher. For instance, if I wanted the same services in the U.S., I’d need to work full-time jobs simultaneously to afford it. Moreover, getting a new air conditioner would mean waiting weeks, not hours.
Other Cities: Taiwan and Los Angeles
A memorable trip to Taiwan brought home the stark contrast in living costs. A hearty meal in an overpriced tourist district there cost only 3 USD, making it incredibly affordable compared to the U.S. Taipei offers an entire family apartment for less than 1000 USD per month, a fraction of the Los Angeles cost. However, the shocker was when I compared salaries. For my position, a salary in Taiwan would be a mere tenth of what I earn in California. This further diminished the allure of moving back to Taiwan, despite its low cost of living.
Work Culture and Quality of Life
While the idea of cheap living in places like Taiwan is tempting, the work culture doesn’t align. The cultural and legal norms in Taiwan can be quite challenging. Strict unpaid overtime was common, and the work environment was not to my liking. On the other hand, my current remote position in the U.S. offers a more balanced work-life scenario, albeit with some occasional overtime.
Conclusion: Making Informed Decisions
Understanding the true cost of living involves more than just comparing grocery prices or rent. It’s about evaluating every aspect that contributes to your quality of life. If you truly want to know if a country is affordable, get a job making the local wage. This ensures a realistic evaluation, free from the skewed perspective of expat wages.