We asked people who moved abroad to share their most eye-opening experiences.
Their stories paint a striking picture of how life outside the U.S. often feels more affordable, equitable, and balanced:
1. Why Your Credit Score Feels Like a Rigged Game
“Credit scores are just a random number that can control your entire life.
They can stop you from living in a nice neighborhood, getting a good job, getting fair rates on insurance or loans, and even block you from improving your life.
For the record, I left the U.S. almost 15 years ago.
Now, I live in Poland, run my own business, and enjoy full civil rights and privileges.” – Mark Johnson
2. An $11 Reminder of How Expensive the U.S. Can Be
“I went to Panama on vacation and realized I forgot my asthma inhaler.
All I had to do was walk into a pharmacy (no prescription needed) and buy Albuterol for $11.
In the U.S., the same inhaler, with a prescription, costs around $150.” – Kevin Brown
3. Unions Aren’t the Enemy, They’re the Answer
“I live in the UK and work in the public sector, which is unionized. The benefits are amazing, holiday leave, healthcare, and retirement packages are all top-notch.
But the best part? If I get seriously ill, I get six months of paid leave, and I still keep all my holiday leave when I return.
I don’t have kids, but my coworkers enjoy a year or more of maternity leave.
It’s wild to see America portray unions as ‘bad’ for workers. If you have the chance, unionize! It makes all the difference.” – Rachel Carter
4. Getting Sick Abroad Was Surprisingly Affordable
“I lived in Korea for a few years and never needed a car. Public transportation was amazing, super cheap, and everyone walked everywhere.
Once, I got really sick and had to go to the emergency room. I got treatment and medication, and the total cost was less than $40.
It’s hard not to compare that to the U.S., where everything feels way more expensive.”
– David Kim
5. Breaking the Spell of ‘American Exceptionalism’
“I lived in Northern England for a while on a student work visa and needed birth control.
When I went to the doctor, they offered me an implant that wasn’t available in the U.S. for years.
I asked about the out-of-pocket cost, and they looked at me like I was speaking another language, there wasn’t a cost, of course.
Years later, my British roommate’s doctor made house calls during her pregnancy, and she got a full year of maternity leave with a guaranteed job waiting for her.
Living abroad opened my eyes to how the idea of ‘American exceptionalism’ blinds us to subpar conditions.
When I was younger, I wanted to leave the U.S. for adventure, but now my reasons are tied to a declining quality of life and growing political instability.” – Emily Roberts
6. Trading $2,800 Rent for a Better Life in Asia
“I used to pay $2,800 a month to live in Los Angeles. Now, I pay $400 a month to live in Taipei.
On top of that, my purchasing power is about five times greater since I left the U.S. for Asia.” – Alex Chang
7. Finding Home Away from Home in Germany
“I’ve lived in Germany and honestly felt more at home there than anywhere in the U.S.—and I’ve lived all over America.
The pace of life, values, and culture just felt right for me.
Living in the U.S. can be really tough, especially now, with so many people struggling under corporate control and bad government policies.
That said, I do love a lot about my home country: the natural beauty, Americans’ confidence and ‘can-do’ spirit, and how unique the U.S. is.
Still, I’ve thought a lot about moving back to Europe.
If I did, it would be for the sense of community, connection, and simplicity—things the U.S. seems to be missing.
No place is perfect, and everywhere has its issues, but it comes down to deciding which challenges you can live with.” – Michael Davis
8. The Myth of ‘Lazy Europeans’
“When people think Europeans don’t want to work and take constant time off because they’re ‘lazy,’ it’s laughable.
Meanwhile, Americans are praised as hardworking builders of a great economy.
I worked in London for 15 years at some of Europe’s fastest-growing companies, and guess what?
They achieved rapid, sustainable growth while employees took their statutory minimum of 30 vacation days per year—sometimes even more.
So why does one of the richest countries in the world, the U.S., have one of the lowest qualities of life for its citizens? It really doesn’t make sense.” – James Parker
9. Retiring in Mexico: A Life That Feels Like a Dream
“One of my friends retired and moved to Mexico.
He pays less than $100 for major car repairs, $300 for a spacious apartment (that even includes a cleaning service), and barely anything for medical treatment. He’s living a wonderful, full life.
His pension is less than half of what I make, yet he seems to be thriving while I’m stuck struggling.
Where he lives is warm and beautiful, with plenty of ex-pats for community.
I’ve heard similar stories from other Americans who’ve retired to Mexico. It’s definitely something to think about.” – Tom Harris
10. A Bike Accident That Cost $25,000
“I’m a Scottish guy who lived in America for a few years.
My visa included insurance, but I had a bike accident that left me with a serious head injury.
I took an ambulance to the hospital, saw a doctor, got stitches, had a follow-up appointment, and received medication, the full treatment.
The total bill? $25,000.” – Liam McGregor
11. A Price Comparison That Hits Hard
“I wouldn’t say America is a scam, but the price differences are striking. I spent a few months in France, and the rent was lower and much more stable than in the U.S.
What really stood out was how affordable high-quality food was. Fresh, organic food in France costs about the same as the bargain, preservative-filled options in the States.
You could even enjoy a nice meal out without it feeling like an indulgence, and the price on the menu was exactly what you’d pay, no surprises.
France also has a well-developed leisure and tourism industry that feels unmatched in its scale and accessibility compared to the U.S.” – Daniel White
12. Why Is the Food Better Everywhere Else?
“Food in places like Egypt, Japan, and even many European countries is more wholesome and tastes way better.
Come on, America—why the terrible food?” – Chris Evans
13. Life-Saving Surgery Without the Price Tag
“When my daughter was born in Amsterdam, we didn’t find out until a few weeks later that she needed corrective heart surgery.
Not only did we pay nothing out of pocket for her birth, but the surgery and all the follow-up appointments were completely free as well.
If we had still been living in the U.S., even with good insurance, we would’ve been bankrupt.” – Sarah Miller
14. America’s Cost of Living: Are We Being Gaslit?
“We are being scammed. One of the biggest differences I noticed while living abroad was how even wealthy people spoke out about prices.
In America, the rising cost of living is skyrocketing past inflation, and we just quietly accept it.
I’ve spent a lot of time in Germany, Czechia, and Argentina, where I have friends and family.
People there openly push back, telling servers the prices are too high, complaining at the supermarket, or leaving items at the register saying, ‘This is too expensive.’
In the U.S., we’ve been conditioned to accept things as they are, gaslit into believing it’s our fault we suddenly can’t afford eating out or a trip to the hair salon.” – Rachel Stewart
These accounts may not tell the whole story, but they reveal a common theme: life in America isn’t always as it seems, and exploring other perspectives can spark important conversations about the changes we need.