The wages in most European countries are far lower than in America, yet the costs of living are much higher! So whats the deal, how are people affording this?
2007-10-23 15:26:51 · 18 answers · asked by Anonymous in Travel ➔ Europe (Continental) ➔ Other - Europe
Maybe because you got your facts wrong.
2007-10-23 15:30:09 · answer #1 · answered by Ithilien 3 · 6⤊ 0⤋
I always find America cheap, so if my wages are low then i would find America average
Is the cost of living here high???
I am in the UK I buy a new car every 3 years thats brand new, we eat out at least 3 times a week we have 4 computers in the house and 5 tv,s with all the kids have xbox,s amd playstations as well as hand held games PSP DS
My average weekly grocery bill is around a hundred and eighty pound
2007-10-24 06:22:17 · answer #2 · answered by Andy s 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
To widen the question a little, you could also say that standard of living shouldn't be measured exclusively by disponible income, even though that is important. It's not only health care that is tax-financed in most countries in Europe. We don't need to save up for our children going to college, either.
Another thing: How much time do you have to spend at work to get your wage? In Sweden where I live eceryone has 5 weeks paid vacation every year, and paternal leave for more than one year. You could say that we get the benefits of a rising productivity in part as free time instead of money. Might not be the choice everyone would make, but I think it's the right one for us (we need to spend tim outdoors when there's light ...)
2007-10-23 23:43:17 · answer #3 · answered by tessan_bc 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think you will find on a like-for-like basis wages are higher in the UK than in the USA, but as for your point on prices, you are correct, most things probably are more expensive here. But, prices in two economies do not really stand up to comparison, they are driven by more local factors. Right now it seems to us in Europe that the USA is very cheap, the dollar being 2 for 1 v the pound Sterling. We have quite a high tax economy, but we get healthcare funded from general taxation, free at the point of use. So there is an expense we don't have to worry about. Prices in the shops and at the fuel pumps seem quite high, but in return for the high indirect sales taxes and excise duties, direct taxes on income are quite low.
2007-10-23 15:51:24 · answer #4 · answered by Phil McCracken 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It's because we Europeans have learned to live consecutively in alternate universes.
No, seriously, by being frugal in certain areas. You make choices. I don't go to the pub a lot, and when I do, I don't drink much. Nor do I smoke, and this saves me a packet every month.
I also refuse to have a clothes dryer in my house, as they are expensive to run and are environmentally unfriendly.
I keep my food simple, and do most of my own cooking. Processed foods are not worth the expense and most of the time I prefer my own cooking anyway.
I do not allow computer games in my house. Or fizzy sweet drinks. Both are expensive slow-acting poisons.
People also share their skills and resources more. Plus taxes tend to be higher, as education and health care are partly state subsidised.
2007-10-23 22:09:13 · answer #5 · answered by Orla C 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The wage point you raised is not completely accurate across the board.
I'm from Britain but now reside in the US, and the salaries I earned over there were typically higher than what I get here. Also, I didn't have to pay extra for healthcare over there, and my paid vacation time was four weeks a year plus national holidays....far more than I get here.
Even those on minimum wage in the UK earn the pound equivalent of around $11 per hour, compared to minimum wage in the US (which is around $5.85 per hour I believe?).
So you see it's not as black and white as you might think.
2007-10-23 15:31:28 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 9⤊ 0⤋
If you live in the major countries of Europe,you have a good standard of living.The Americans on average are on a good wage,but that money is only good in America.With an exchange rate of $2 to £1 they can't afford to travel.We on the other hand,will find it cheap in America on holiday.You can't have it always,the Americans need good wages to pay for health service,we don't.
2007-10-23 15:46:07 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 6⤊ 0⤋
Well, if you're converting U.S. dollars to Euros, then yes it is expensive because the conversion rate is at it's all time lowest right now.
But mainly, you've got your facts wrong.
Also, in Germany and maybe some other European countries, the Government pays for health care, so that would be a factor.
2007-10-23 15:31:06 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 7⤊ 0⤋
uh not in denmark...our minimum wage is 15-20 dollars an hour.
I live way better here then i did in the states (home), and i buy way more.
2007-10-24 07:31:02 · answer #9 · answered by aubrey p 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Europeans are rich! Luxembourg is the richest country. Also, Pounds are twice as much than US dollar is worth.
2007-10-23 15:37:14 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 8⤊ 0⤋
Dont worry dear. We Europeans are rich.
We dont have any issues regarding financial stability or wages.
2007-10-23 15:30:58 · answer #11 · answered by Anonymous · 7⤊ 0⤋