[hayden55]

Originally Posted by Ecky

After all of the inflation in the US over the last few years:
-Rent/buying in the capital city is similar or a bit less than PNW prices
-Wage ceiling is lower, but the floor is higher - US brings up its average with high earners

-Taxes are lower
-Utilities are cheaper (electricity, phone, internet)
-All food except meat and dairy is cheaper
-Restaurants are cheaper (I can eat for $6-8usd)
-Used cars are cheaper
-Car insurance is not mandatory and much cheaper (I pay $8usd per month for optional coverage)
-Healthcare is basically "free"
-Virtually no heating or cooling costs

-Meat and dairy cost more
-Fuel is more expensive (equiv $6.00usd/gal for 87)
-Tools are more expensive
-Building materials are more expensive (paint, drywall, etc)
-Consumer goods are either equivalent or more expensive - most electronics seem about the same, but sometimes random things like can openers are oddly pricey.

I had some coworkers recently get back from the 'States, and they stated they'd always had the perception it was more expensive to live here, but they were shocked by the cost of everything in the US (now). Overall I'd characterize the cost of living as being more than, say, West Virginia or Georgia, but less than Massachusetts or Oregon, while wages are more Massachusetts.

That is, unless you factor in healthcare. I sprained my shoulder a few days ago. A friend asked, "do you want me to call an ambulance?" and my brain nearly broke. I walked into a clinic, had about an hour wait, saw a doctor (nice long session where I could ask some general questions), then he wrote me a note to take to radiology across the street. Another 30 minutes and I had xrays (no damage). At the front desk I was told they'd send my records to my primary doctor and get me booked for an ultrasound in a few days. No mention of payment for anything. In the US I would simply have avoided medical care, and that's how I would have controlled costs.

If you have a meat and dairy heavy diet, buy a lot of consumer goods, and drive a large vehicle, you might find the cost of living pretty high.

I think i would be in trouble but yeah it does sound nice over there.