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Foreigners go to the United States when their priority is money. Foreigners go to Europe when the priorities are cultural integration, diversity, quality of life, life in society, etc.

Every time I go to Europe for 2-3 weeks, I come back more energized, happier, thinner and feeling physically stronger. I get back to the US and within a week or 2, I am already feeling exhausted, without energy and down. The US is bad for my mental and physical health.

USA is all about money and status. Europe is about cultural experience, excellent gastronomy, quality of life and integration.

I'm glad that so many Americans are now learning about the rest of the world - and bc they are finally realizing what is that bubble they've living in; and all that explains the amount of Americans thinking about relocating to Europe. You see, that land of the free isn't actually located in North America. I see people in search of a better life, and I don't believe in borders, so choose wisely and pack your bags. All the best!

It’s very simple: in US you can make more money. But once you realize that happiness is not money but good quality of life, you go back to Europe.

Currently living in Hawaii and grew up on both the west coast and east coast of the USA. Though all of my immediate family recently moved to Europe in Greece. I have EU citizenship too and am planning to move to Portugal on my own early 2025 as I want to be closer to them and also am really needing to leave the USA in general for a lot of different reasons, one of the big factors to me is the food. I feel like in order to try to eat healthy in the USA I have to pay double or triple the price (especially in Hawaii) and the food quality ends up still being low a lot of times despite shopping at a health store lol (I saw a $87 big can of jackfruit at a health store last week and $9 for 4 organic avocados) . (organic oat milk or bread has canola oil in it or the additives in foods, I don't feel as physically healthy here no matter how hard I try). Shopping local can be done but is often an extremely high cost, the access to healthy food and restaurants for not insane costs in Europe is something that is incredibly appealing. The crime and homeless population of local, native or minorities is really sad to see here on island and in the USA with little assistance and the gun crimes in the mainland US. Lots of other reasons for the move, but I love your channel as it's really helpful for preparing for Portugal especially being in my early 20s :)

Portuguese living in the Netherlands here. Why are more Europeans moving to the US than the other way around? 2 words: Marketing and Indoctrination. First of all, by this I do not mean Europe is intrinsically better than the US (it is for me, but that is my opinion), just to explain why the consistent net migration to the US. Marketing: the US is a culturally dominant country, in the sense that its cultural output, good or not, overwhelms the rest of the world. This paints a picture of the country which is rosier than the reality (unless you watch a documentary, you wouldn't know about people calling Ubers instead of ambulances). I myself thought for a long time I'd like to move to the US to get a much better paying job, until I actually started going there frequently for work and realized... Hell No! So, Marketing is highly responsible for Europeans (at least those not desperate) wanting to move to the US. Indoctrination. Here comes the other side: why do US citizens not want to go to Europe? Well, first of all ask average americans how much they know about Europe and the questions will be ridiculous. Not their fault, just that the US basically teaches nothing about the rest of the World. Then there are things like Pledge of Allegiance, US Anthems being played before any farting competition, mountains of flags everywhere, God Bless America's at the drop of a hat, and you create a mindset where people act against their own interests and stay in the US even when their well being would be better served by going (besides, having to pay taxes even after leaving is a big issue). I met one person who was deciding where to send her daughter to college. I mentioned that those studies could be done in Europe, in English, at a high level education institution, and where the cost of tuition would be (at worst, if no funding would be available) about 15% of that of her cheaper option in the US. And to that adding a much lower cost of insurances, housing, etc. She was astonished and considered seriously, but decided that it was better for her daughter to stay in the US, on the other side of the country (a 5 hour flight, vs 8 to Europe) burdened with debt and in a somewhat unsafe city (for US standards, very unsafe for European standards). Choice against her better interest. Why? Because it was home (eve half a continent and 5 hours away).

Dave, you nailed it. I have many friends in the US and i love visiting them and enjoying US culture. But for all the reasons you say, i couldn't live there. Number one is universal health care.

In the USA, everything is a business. They hate taxes and socialism but pay way too much for insurances. These companies do the same thing with the money as the government of other countries (if someone needs it, they'll use it, otherwise it's just profit). However, in other countries you can get help without going bankrupt. Another perk of it being public is that if the government needs to allocate money from the citizens from healthcare to education it is much easier.

Here in Europe ain't no shooting in schools or shopping centers, no wooden houses no restrictions on reading ANY! Books, we have social security, and we can keep going on and on 😊

There are always pro ans cons of living in every place but speaking about health insurance, violence and food quality, I can say that there's a huge difference between the two continents. I'm from Rome and I live in Berlin at the moment. Unfortunately, the italian job market is still kinda closed, so speaking about the job market in Europe, I can say that the northern countries are handling a little bit better contracts and work conditions than the southern ones (e.j. Italy, Spain). In U.S. I've heard that the job market is pretty open to everyone. So that might be a difference. There are a lot of differences within european countries though...another example is health insurance, while in Italy is free cuz it's universal, in Germany is private and you must have it cuz it's required by law. It's usually paid by your employer but if it's not it can cost you (depending on the plan and situation) around 350€ per month. On the other hand, here (Germany and other northern countries) universities are free while you pay them in some european countries. Another huge difference is the weather. I miss so much my sunny italian weather 😢 not mentioning the friendly people and the night life. If you chose to move to a northern country in Europe, be prepared to see the sun only once in a while. ✌🏻

Right now I'll take Europe anytime. US is not what it used to be. Make the money is US go spend it in Europe

I’m in Southern California and I work 14 hours a day six days a week just to pay my basic living expenses. I haven’t had a week long vacation in over 10 years and I take one weekend off a year. I have no quality of life and it’s because the cost-of-living is so outrageous here. I can’t work any more than I am and most people are struggling. Trying to run a business here is simply impossible with all the regulations and the high liability insurance and the high rents. No one can make any money here. It’s a bottomless pit. Hopefully, I will be getting my visa in the next six months to Portugal.❤I’m in the process….

I’ll be visiting early next year! I’ve been lucky to travel for the past 10 years, but your channel made me finally make the trip to Portugal.

Obrigado Dave. Really hope all good guys like you feels at home in Portugal. Um abraço

We are super excited to visit Portugal in April! Enjoyed your videos!

The answer to your question, why so many europeans try to establish themself in US or Canada, it is not because of the spectacular quality of life (which is not) or the rich and magnificent culture (which is not). But, because of the job opportunities and the salary advantages (which, both, are very good, especially, if you are a highly educated). Also, because of the perception (or rather, kind of a legend, that the "money can be found on the street". I'm not saying that life in US or Canada is bad. It is not. It is very good. I have been living in Canada (well, in Québec) for over 40 years, did my postdoc in the US, and traveled all over the continent (which is magnificent and vast to explore). Cheers!

What about the crime, homelessness, job security, human rights, work rights, rent/groceries prices, etc. Those are main differences of life quality..

It's depends on which country in Europe Iceland Switzerland are prosperous nations

Heading back home to Portugal in February from the USA to visit and making plans to spend more time there.

I am from Slovenia. I lived 2 years in USA. This was long time ago when my country was still poor. When I moved there (California bay area, Napa..). I was so disapointed. I was young and thought all US was one big Hollywood and every one isna milionar 😂. After two years I saw this life style is not for me (people just work work work, I found USA extremly boring and ugly). So I moved back to my country and never look back. Here I amma physic teacher, working 20 hours per week, having almost 3 moths payed vecation. With my salary I can aford a nice big house and I own horses, I travel Europe with a plane at least 3 times a year, now I am buying a nice sail boat( used ofcourse). I can say my life is extremly comfterble and would never look back. My country also developed and is one of beat country to live in by global ranking. I still have many good friends in USA. I also know at least 5 people who moved there. Most of them came back but some love living there. So the lends on the person. Mostly who moved there are hard workoholics who just love to work 24/7. Sad thing is, they make so much more money and have so much less things and almost non of a free time.

I like your channel. You have a good way of expressing things.

Mate, the UK is not in the EU. You got your map wrong.

Why is Europe better than US? No guns. Simple as that.. Safety is the highest priority.

Love this video, well done.

Very well done analysis thank you 🙏🏻

Great overview, but I wish you'd shared more of your own take. More personal insights, less cautious neutrality, would have been made it better in my opinion. Keep it up though!

Good to see you content in Portugal. I spent a week there (Lisbon) 20 years ago. Been to more than 1/2 the countries in the EU and Italy and Spain seem to be in a tie for my vote. Was a resident in Spain in 2021/2022 and loved it. Was my quality of life better? Not sure, but it was great. I will be moving back in the near future.

Great video! 👏

In my opinion at least in Portugal the American dream this death, most people i know in Portugal when they want no move they perioritize countries in EU and if they want money they go to countries like Dubai where they receive a lot of money in a short time and the immigration process is simpler. At least the people I know even when they work for American companies don't think about moving to the USA.

Excelent video, TY for sharing. Congratulations for your channel. TC

2:19 why is the UK in the european union?

Dave, have you noticed no one is talking about how the Southern Polo caps has been shrinking, and the Northern Polo capes are growing back to normal size? I am enjoying your platform. I am looking forward to know how mush did you pay for your home? Is Portugal using A.C. current ? I have a stereo I would like to bring with me, when I retired.

Goodness gracious Dave, come off the fence. Boiling water may be hotter than ice. I have never listened to so many may be's. There may be more gun crime in the US than the EU really took the biscuit. I love your videos, but man oh man 😂

We are from UK living in US for 6 years. In the top 5% of earners in the US healthcare is amazing, housing is affordable, pay is fantastic, entrepreneurship is easier. Potential for travel inside and outside of the US is convenient. If you can pay, Education is more progressive and than anything i’ve seen in Europe. I couldn’t imagine moving back to England. We will just base in the US and travel a lot.

Love it or leave it. I was told that when I was an exchange student in USA in 1987. Afterwards I spent more years in US. I agree. If U don't like Europe, love or leave it means go home where you feel better, maybe visit later.

Dave! Hello, from US planning a trip to Portugal and have an unusual question. Is it possible to find a family to stay with while I am traveling around? I want to visit Nazare and Sintra just to mention two. I would like to learn and experience the culture and learn as much as I can. Might you know if there are websites or a Google phrase you can recommend?

Fair, objective, relevant 👍

The percentage of foreign-born people living in the US who are from Western, Southern and Northern Europe (gonna exclude gems like Ukraine and Moldova here) is something on the order of 5%, which includes people who moved over in the mid-20th century, when the disparity in quality of life was vast and England and France were experimenting with socialism

Ambitious people are much better off in the US. If you are content with little, you are better off in Europe. I’m nearing an early retirement in my mid 40s, and will enjoy spending time in Europe. But I realize I could never have had an early retirement if I had a career in Europe. Europeans ask “early, how can you retire early? We don’t get a pension until our 60’s!”. It’s just a different mentality.

I really wanna live in Europe once I turn 18 because my grandma used to live in Germany for 10 years back in 1982 and she was always telling me how nice it was and how much better it was then the USA but the only reason she was in Germany for 10 years was because she was stationed in Germany since she was in the us military

Hi dave! Great channel. Few questions, as im planning om moving/buying a house in portugal myself aswell. Did you get residency in portugal before or after you bought a house? How much was the down payment? I read you can get 70-80% maximum? Any insights on resources on this would be highly appreciated!

We like this topic, but can you narrow it down? Can you please make a video geared toward retired people who are thinking about moving to Portugal?

Wow, good video!!! I find there the actual questions ⁉️ for me

Dave I've been enjoying your videos and appreciating your hard work in helping us make an informed decision for moving to Portugal or not. But this is the first of your videos that sounds like you're just reading AI content.

For me it’s the gun issue, I could not send my child to school worrying about that, living in Ireland our Gardai don’t even have guns

America offers a level of upward mobility that many European countries don’t, especially P.I.G.S. I understand that these comparisons make for better content, but let’s forget that it’s the money that Americans make in America… thanks to American corporations or entrepreneurship, that allow them to cherry pick which town in Europe to buy property.

I moved from Switzerland to the USA a few years ago. That was a huge mistake. I want to move back to Europe by the end of next year. How much money do you need in Portugal to pay rent in a city, car and car insurance, health care, food?

Thats a strangely American question- Europe is incredible different depending on which country you actually live

People live longer in Europe

Problem is. Grass is greener on the other side. Or is it? Life is hard everywhere but less of a Hunger Games in Europe.

I'm looking forward to moving to old town Covilha with D7.

There are plenty of things that the USA does better then europe and quality of life is something personal. If I would move to the USA, I must be able to adapt to their way of living. Also important is the language and to find a job. With a education in europe and knowing english it is easier to find a job in the USA. In the Netherlands there is even a discussion going, pleading for attracting lesser expats and lesser foreign studunts. I'm not sure if I agree with that. But for sure, you can attract a lot of people with no effort.

Me and my girlfriend will be living in Spain within the next 8-10 years and we can't wait to change and better our quality of life! In the USA we laugh at the Kardashians because they are a joke. In Europe they laugh at us as if the USA is all Kardashians.

I love it here in Portugal. But I get that it is more expensive on the mainland.

you are king in Bulgaria!!!!!

One important thing I don't think was mentioned here: Wages. I was looking at potential jobs for when I graduate my PhD program, including jobs in other countries (I'm in the US). The jobs I saw in Europe generally had much lower salaries for the same positions. Obviously it's not all about the money, but that shouldn't be left out of a quality of life discussion, especially if considering the ability to afford raising kids, as implied by the inclusion of the section on education.

I would leave usa in a heartbeat if i had the means and money. even in portugal u must show u have $10,000 in the bank to get a D7 visa.

This felt a little too broad of subject matter. Casting a wide net on this one.

Most Americans live on long vacations in Europe but Europeans in the US create a life, be it a husband, children, etc.

Hi Im swapna from india Is it safe place for me to work in portugal as a non IT employee

My family is from The Azores Islands and they definitely live a better life than us in The USA

Grass is always greener…the human condition

2 place

There He goes again... :) - C'mon Dave, some of us cannot be there for economic reasons. We know, life is better there, already. ------------(it's a mess in the -mitten- USA) --------------- But, really Cheers, glad You're able to be there at least. I just cancelled a trip to LIS.

Your map is slightly out of date, not including Croatia 🇭🇷 and showing like the UK is still there 😅

There are alot of European's in South Africa

Most French people I know who are moving to North America are doing so because they believe in competition and the virtues of capitalism. They often want to create a startup or work extra hours to move up in their company because they are career driven. They often complaint about the French people being lazy, always on strike and valuing a little bit too much their personal life over their professional life and their productivity. They value personal success more than anything else. However, they are also pointing the fact that salaries are higher in North America, the proximity with nature offers a better peace of mind than the population density in Europe. But overall, I would live in Europe any time if my employer was offering me the choice and the exchange rate wasn't so bad for us (I live in Canada and the Canadian dollar is worthless).

⭐️

The quality of life is directly proportional to how rich you are, completely independently from where you are

*The rate of decline is much faster in the USA David. Visit Seattle, San Francisco or San Diego. it’s heartbreaking* These cities are blighted by massive increases in drug taking, a fentanyl crisis. The education system is obsessed with woke and DEI issues. Massive declines in propsperity and massive and rapid increases in crime.

@daveinportugal UK is not part of the European Union anymore...

3:44 it's university from my city in Ukraine

What would a anhlo know about quality of life in the US?

Interesting how Americans, even educated, view Europe as one country or at least as an entity same as the US with its states. While on that continent people would say, " Germany vs US". "France vs. US"

I sounds like quality of life in the US is characterized by disparity, some of the best and worst. Great for a minority of people, not so great for most of the rest.

An element of quality of life is living having a shared culture, language, history and being close to your extended family. This place usually is in the land of your birth.

America is an invention of Europeans, it is certainly not the America that the native people would have wanted, I don't know if it would be better or worse, as the natives were either killed or placed on reservations, America is simply a country with European roots with its differences like any European country.

Both areas have pros and cons in many aspects but when it comes to quality of life this isn't even debatable. Let's be real for a moment. Do you want to live in a country where you spent the majority of your life working for someone else's bonuses. All that money you've grinded for goes to big pharma because it's a financial challenge to eat healthy as even that costs more. You can't walk anywhere because cars come before people. Where some road rage could lead to gun murders. The US has some better aspects for sure but quality of life? Naaaah not even close like it's an actual joke. The US citizens barely have human rights.

If you get the insurance charges based on race some people's ethnicity are charged more because of their ethnicity in the US.

Financial aid and scholarships don't address it at all

Though I do find the idea of living in a big American city somewhat appealing, American Suburbia looks like my version of hell, with its cardboard houses and HOAs, it’s like a perverse mockery of human existence.

I have been watching your videos with great pleasure for a while now, but this one was disappointing, sorry... I found you waffled a bit trying to avoid the "real" and true comparisons to be made here. You seemed wary.... maybe KZfaq or someone has hinted that you must not "offend" one side or the other by opening up in black and white? Just felt wishy washy and inconclusive. Nice to see you again though.

The quality of life at my house is the best on the planet.

US culture might be open for debate but America has some of the most unique and beautiful parks and landscapes in the world.

segment on Crime begins: BLARING HIP-HOP-LIKE MUSIC PLAYS dude... this negative association isn't new. please do better.

Why would I want to go anywhere else since the U.S. is the best country in the world and california is the best state in the union? We are the richest, most cultured and civilised people in the world. Look how crazily other countries consume our culture? We invented Hip-Pop, internet and give the world Kardishians.

Dave, I lived in 5 Europeans countries. Although I did enjoy myself, I still prefer the US. Food quality is very important. The US offers boundless opportunities. That is one of the reasons why millions are paying to come here. If your goal is to be rich, the possibilities are greater in the US. I create my own quality of life. There is organic and fresh food everywhere. It might cost more, but it is available. As for health care, Americans have to fight for it. The leaders should make it a priority. If we would put pressure on the politicians, we could achieve it. One doesn't have to leave the US to have a good quality of life.

All of the good points covered in this video. And it’s true that they are very individual and debatable. You seem to be well rounded and hold yourself great in front of the camera. The videos that you post are educational. Any journalistic background?

Way better in the US. Love america

I was dumped here. I hate US. Parents went back to Canada, my country. At 15 not easy to just go from one country to another. I have both UK and Canadian citizenship. I'm now on own, a widow, and now able to leave.

Many Europeans have become tired of American hegemony in too many sectors... and especially of their great lack of culture.

From the outset I'll say I fond the quality of life in Europe vastly superior to that of the US. that being said, I don't think you mentioned everything you should have in this video, especially about things which may tip the balance in favour of the US for those who prefer that. 1. Stay at home (mums/dads). In the US it is much more common to see one spouse stay at home, That means usually a lot more quality time with the kids. I personally would not like that, neither for me nor for my partner, but for those who value it, the US gets the nod. 2. Financial potential. Well, this is a no brainer: the US has a much higher ceiling for potential earnings than Europe. Salaries can be much higher (especially for people with higher education) and starting businesses can be much easier and get greater financial rewards. You may work more, but this is a clear point the US has in favour. 3. Consumer choices. It isn't always clear cut and for me not even desirable, but consumers have a lot more choice in the US. Be that breakfast cereals or exercise bikes, this is a fact. 4. Availability and diversity of Nature. Granted, the US citizens do not have a lot of time to enjoy it, but the breadth of Natural wonders available in the US is astonishing and vastly superior to those of Europe. Normal for a "younger" region (counting the US opposite of Europe as wholes) and also less populated. 5. Level of entertainment. I find i overwhelming, but in the US it is difficult to get bored with the amount of entertainment available. I dislike much of it, but many do not. Anyway, for me, healthcare, education, violence (gun or otherwise), social safety nets and a simple culture of enjoying life as opposed to just making money will always give the nod to Europe, But others may disagree. And that is also fine.

The USA has geography. And, NorCal and Hawaii for the trust fund babies.

There’s trade offs to both. Portugal itself has had millions leave for USA, and continues to find itself in a youth exodus. There’s a very trendy movement in the USA and western civilization in general to develop a star-eyed view toward Europe. Most Americans who moved to Portugal ended up leaving. When vacation ends and life starts there’s a lot of exhausting facts about European life. Europeans can also be over the top in proving how cultured they are. Watching the Euro 2024 draw was a comedy routine. Do we have to sit through classical music to see who our teams are playing? If we want to digest classical music we can attend a symphony. This was sport.

Just looking at the state of San Francisco right now - my top place to visit when I was younger... Eek. Political/ideological extremism is ruining American society.

Hahahahaha..... Dave.......Da Dudenesssse!!! 😂😂😂 I don't know how many people get that!

My perception of the US is of a very happy, outgoing, motivated society. I am Portuguese. Portugal is the exact opposite; Portugal is the country that loves and actually celebrates sadness, melancholy, emotional or spiritual despair. Nonetheless a very sensible community. I found Portugal very similar to Ireland, in the context of their geopolitics.

There is literally so many diverse cultures in North America that it baffles me that anyone can say otherwise. North America has its problems of course but a lack of culture is NOT one of them.