Quality of life living in the US vs Dublin

buytolet89

** IRISH PEOPLE LIVING IN THE STATES **

In about a years time i will be able to put in a request for a transfer to the states with my current company Boston, Arizona and Nevada are my options.

If i choose to apply and somehow get the luck for it to go through i would definitely give it a shot i would have a sum of around 70-90k(dollars) to bring and would be in employment straight away but i just want advice from Irish people living the states

How does the quality of live in Dublin/Ireland compare to the states,is it hard to purchase a home?How are the Americans in comparison to the Irish?Is working more rewarding?obviously money is important but is it worth the move if you already have a job here?

Sir Arthur Daley

More Macdonalds in the USA.

Tar.Aldarion

** MURICA **

The Backwards Man

It's legal to shoot armadillos in the US.

There are no armadillos in Dublin.

snubbleste

four more years!

Breakfast in America now!

SamHarris

The US if four times bigger than Europe, your going to have to be a little more specific about where.

But in general things are most expensive in New York, which is about as expensive as Ireland running down to about 1/4 the price for pretty much everything in lower tax places, with twice the average wage in a rich city, for example Houston (wage actual statistic, prices my experience/nature of taxation).

Houses of the same price are on average 2.5 times larger for the same price (actual statistic), but that very much depends on where.

Unless your in New York everything will be far cheaper, and yes there is more of pretty much everything but buy insurance.

snubbleste

I thought you were going to be living at home for the next three years OP?

The Backwards Man

The Backwards Man wrote: »

It's legal to shoot armadillos in the US.

There are no armadillos in Dublin.

The American version of Aldi/Lidl has guns & ammo instead of angle grinders & welders for sale in the weekly specials.

Princess Consuela Bananahammock

http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/forumdisplay.php?f=917
More apt forum.

WilyCoyote

Deleted User wrote: »

Breakfast in America now!

Breakfast In America, Dinner in London, Luggage in Hong Kong

buytolet89

snubbleste wrote: »

I thought you were going to be living at home for the next three years OP?

Weighing up my options chief

buytolet89

SamHarris wrote: »

The US if four times bigger than Europe, your going to have to be a little more specific about where.

But in general things are most expensive in New York, which is about as expensive as Ireland running down to about 1/4 the price for pretty much everything in lower tax places, with twice the average wage in a rich city, for example Houston (wage actual statistic, prices my experience/nature of taxation).

Houses of the same price are on average 2.5 times larger for the same price (actual statistic), but that very much depends on where.

Unless your in New York everything will be far cheaper, and yes there is more of pretty much everything but buy insurance.

I stated Boston, Arizona and Nevada are my options

Arizona and Nevada will be generally cheaper to live in than Boston, especially housing. I'd recommend a long holiday taking in all three areas before you decide though, sometimes a place just 'feels' more like it could be home than others.

SamHarris

Deleted User wrote: »

The American version of Aldi/Lidl has guns & ammo instead of angle grinders & welders for sale in the weekly specials.

This is actually true. Went into a sports center in Texas, passed a bunch of footballs, jerseys, normal stuff. Then assault rifles. Civilian version of the M16? 120 dollars. Free clip. No lie. Not for the faint hearted that place but absolutely awesome, damn near lawless.

SamHarris

buytolet89 wrote: »

I stated Boston, Arizona and Nevada are my options

I said even more specific. Your still talking a couple of times bigger than Ireland, with States having even more varied taxes and wealth than most of the EU.

Slutmonkey57b

There are space monkeys breeding with armadillos in trailers under the Brooklyn bridge and you can buy their offspring to perform on flatbed trucks on the set of the wire.

buytolet89

SamHarris wrote: »

I said even more specific. Your still talking a couple of times bigger than Ireland, with States having even more varied taxes and wealth than most of the EU.

We'll I'm not 100% sure exactly where but i reckon i would rather Arizona or Nevada.I would only be on around 45k (dollars) if that helps

comongethappy

I think the quality of life here is a bit ahead of America overall.
Some things are cheaper there, but some more expensive.

Research property tax rates before you choose

You will also miss good television & the food in Ireland is better.

SamHarris

comongethappy wrote: »

I think the quality of life here is a bit ahead of America overall.
Some things are cheaper there, but some more expensive.

Research property tax rates before you choose

You will also miss good television & the food in Ireland is better.

Very much depends on where for all the above, TV is probably better there imo but to each there own. Food runs the gambit from absolute crap to awesome for far cheaper than you'd get here to crap for far more expensive. About the only thing that I can say for the entire place is there is fare MORE of ... stuff.

They are pretty big states but in general you would be looking at a far bigger house for the same price, and that money going surprisingly far in terms of material you will get. Concidering you have that much set aside I would think you should travel just a little at least. I doubt you would regret it, would be fun regardless, and it's far better than settling down before you realize you far prefer a different place.

buytolet89

SamHarris wrote: »

Very much depends on where for all the above, TV is probably better there imo but to each there own. Food runs the gambit from absolute crap to awesome for far cheaper than you'd get here to crap for far more expensive. About the only thing that I can say for the entire place is there is fare MORE of ... stuff.

They are pretty big states but in general you would be looking at a far bigger house for the same price, and that money going surprisingly far in terms of material you will get. Concidering you have that much set aside I would think you should travel just a little at least. I doubt you would regret it, would be fun regardless, and it's far better than settling down before you realize you far prefer a different place.

Great advice, cheers for that looking into visiting family in New york in September then may take a trip to them places

Yamanoto

Deleted User wrote: »

The American version of Aldi/Lidl has guns & ammo instead of angle grinders & welders for sale in the weekly specials.

American version of Aldi = Aldi

Only been into their MI & IL stores, no firearms for sale.

whirlpool

SamHarris wrote: »

I said even more specific. Your still talking a couple of times bigger than Ireland, with States having even more varied taxes and wealth than most of the EU.

Out of sheer curiosity, how much more specific did you want him to be?

And if he narrowed it down to Boston, Arizona and Nevada, why were you talking about New York and Houston?

Just curious is all.

ceadaoin.

I live in Nevada, we moved here last year. I would say the quality of life here is better. Groceries and eating out etc is cheaper. We are renting currently but if you were buying you get a lot more for your money. There was a property crash here in Vegas but prices are starting to rise again now, still a lot cheaper than Ireland though. The house we rent is 2500 sq ft, including the garden (with pool) and garage it's over 6000 sq ft and is valued at $350,000. Nevada has no income tax btw so that might leave you with more disposable income.

SamHarris

whirlpool wrote: »

Out of sheer curiosity, how much more specific did you want him to be?

And if he narrowed it down to Boston, Arizona and Nevada, why were you talking about New York and Houston?

Just curious is all.

Well I know those two better, and I think they are a good example of how different the US states could be - both very rich, one incredibly cheap, very different geographically, maybe even culturally.

Just asked in the off chance I had been to the specific place he was looking at. Boston was specific enough, though, I'm sure.

buytolet89

ceadaoin. wrote: »

I live in Nevada, we moved here last year. I would say the quality of life here is better. Groceries and eating out etc is cheaper. We are renting currently but if you were buying you get a lot more for your money. There was a property crash here in Vegas but prices are starting to rise again now, still a lot cheaper than Ireland though. The house we rent is 2500 sq ft, including the garden (with pool) and garage it's over 6000 sq ft and is valued at $350,000. Nevada has no income tax btw so that might leave you with more disposable income.

You have no idea how jealous i am of you That is living the dream right there

Don't mean to be nosey but what kind of sector do you work in and also what sectors besides the casino,gambling industry is there much work in??

SamHarris

Don't listen to him, don't go to small town Texas. Trust me.

Big city Texas on the other hand, absolute must.

WilyCoyote

Yamanoto wrote: »

American version of Aldi = Aldi

Only been into their MI & IL stores, no firearms for sale.

Have been to stores in MA, NH and Vt. Our local one in Brattleboro sells the usual Workforce tools (but not as many). Guns and Fishing Gear would be seasonal but I can't remember if I've seen them there or not. The choice in Aldi Ireland is far better than the one's that I've been to here - no pop in the microwave curries. They have big expansion plans in the pipeline.

SamHarris

SamHarris wrote: »

Don't listen to him, don't go to small town Texas. Trust me.

Big city Texas on the other hand, absolute must.

Ive lived in small town Texas, its fine people are very nice and welcoming

WilyCoyote

SamHarris wrote: »

Don't listen to him, don't go to small town Texas. Trust me.

Big city Texas on the other hand, absolute must.

Sam Harris is afraid of tumbleweeds (official)

SamHarris

Jake1 wrote: »

Ive lived in small town Texas, its fine people are very nice and welcoming

The people all over Texas are absolutely charming, yes. been to 25 countries and honestly was never in a place as friendly. And the women! But I think from Ireland to small town Texas might be a culture shock, to say the least. The big cities are so rich (particularly Houston), with barmen easily making 100k in tips, and there is so much going on, that I'd recommend anyone go, really. Except maybe Dallas unless the OP is over 65.

SamHarris

WilyCoyote wrote: »

Sam Harris is afraid of tumbleweeds (official)

It's saloon doors

SamHarris

SamHarris wrote: »

The people all over Texas are absolutely charming, yes. been to 25 countries and honestly was never in a place as friendly. And the women! But I think from Ireland to small town Texas might be a culture shock, to say the least. The big cities are so rich, with barmen easily making 100k in tips, and there is so much going on, that I'd recommend anyone go, really.

Id move back in the morning if I could Lot of wealth there, big rich filthy wealth

SamHarris

Jake1 wrote: »

Id move back in the morning if I could Lot of wealth there, big rich filthy wealth

Indeed, interestingly it's the one place I've been that I actually felt like I was going to a poorer place, ten years in the past, on returning home. Every other time I've travelled I've enjoyed myself, but always had a new appreciation for how well everyone was doing here on returning. Coming back from Houston was honestly like going from Dublin to some medium-wealthy Eastern European country. Just car-azy wealthy.

ytpe2r5bxkn0c1

boombapp wrote: »

First of all, congratulations OP. Most Irish people would kill for a chance to emigrate to the USA. Many settle for Canada instead, which is a bland, second-rate USA in my opinion. Most Irish go to Disneyland in Orlando on holidays and their whole perception of America is based on this, which is stupid. New York City doesn't represent America either. Most Americans hate New York. Very few people on this forum will have experienced the real America, in small town Texas, Kansas or Wyoming.

To answer you question:
Everything is cheaper in America, especially gas for you car, but wages are lower.
Tipping is a pain in the hole and takes a while to get used to. Are you supposed to tip the barber? etc
Poverty is very visible. You'll see old blacks pushing trolleys full of the whole life's possessions. There are "no-go" areas in most towns and cities.
Infrastructure is a million times better than Ireland.

I agree with much of this but have to question some. I lived in the US for several years. Motor insurance was much more expensive as were many grocery items. The infrastructure in many parts of the states is in a very bad way. Electricity networks are close to collapse in some states, road and bridge maintenance is very neglected and the railroad system while extensive is at times antiquated.

The OP asked about quality of life as opposed to standard of living. I personally find the quality of life in Ireland much better than the states. Health care in the US is poor and it is no place for many to grow old. I have family who returned here recently after 25 years there, as they wanted their kids educated at second and third level in Ireland.. Oh and consider college fees in the states too!
A great place to visit and explore for a few years but all in all I think Ireland trumps it for quality of life.
I know many will feel otherwise but that's my personal experience.

Edit, and 45k is a pittance to enjoy any lifestyle in the US,

ceadaoin.

buytolet89 wrote: »

You have no idea how jealous i am of you That is living the dream right there

Don't mean to be nosey but what kind of sector do you work in and also what sectors besides the casino,gambling industry is there much work in??

Actually, I don't work:P So I don't know too much about the job market, sorry. My partner works in the sports betting industry and has done for years, which is how we ended up here

SamHarris

Wait, somebody wanted to go to an Irish university over an American one or was it the fact that it's incredibly expensive there, by and large?

buytolet89

ceadaoin. wrote: »

Actually, I don't work:P So I don't know too much about the job market, sorry. My partner works in the sports betting industry and has done for years.

Happy days, how did you get in? was it a company transfer or a visa, green card etc

I work in IT so I'm not sure about my chances of getting a job.If i get accepted I'll just try save as much as i can before i move

SpaceTime

It's very, very hard to generalise about the USA. There are enormous variations between states and even cities in the same state.

I wouldn't agree that infrastructure there is a million times better than here. It was maybe 20+ years ago but if you compare Ireland with an equivalent area in the US like say parts of Oregon or maybe upstate New York (and ignore NYC) Irish infrastructure is quite comparable and often newer.

Cost of living varies enormously. Generally the bigger more affluent cities are pretty expensive.
Energy costs are significantly cheaper though.

Groceries etc are definitely cheaper but the difference is less than you'd expect in areas like California or Boston etc.

The climate is very varied so, it ranges from polar to Irish style to continental European style right through to desert.

Public transport in some cities is excellent in others it's literally non existent to the extent that they don't even make provision for walking - you drive everywhere.

Other than that watch out for politics too. You may not feel comfortable in very conservative areas for example.

Also research crime. Most cities are fine, some are many, many times more violent than anything in Ireland.

Some areas of the US have very deep social problems, others don't and a lot of it is dictated by social policy at state or even city level rather than federal government. It can be like comparing Greece and Sweden.

Also factor very large health and educational costs into your calculations. They can often counteract any perceived tax advantages.

There are just too many variables to give you an answer really.

In general on a decent income I would say the lifestyles are comparable. Dublin isn't that dramatically different to many US eastcoast cities although the housing here is a bit more compact and expensive compared to equivalent cities in the states.

Femme_Fatale

Yamileth Nutty Backpacker wrote: »

Oh and consider college fees in the states too!

My cousin over there was saying it was a great day for her when her student debt dropped to a five-figure sum. :eek:
And she got a scholarship to her undergrad course! She did that and a postgrad and that was it.

Her father's "stamps" he worked up prior to becoming a citizen don't count towards his pension either.

homeless student

choose america if you like, serial killers, school shootings, loud mouths, hurricanes etc i know where i would choose.;)

Femme_Fatale

homeless student wrote: »

choose america if you like, serial killers, school shootings, loud mouths, hurricanes etc i know where i would choose.;)

You're talking a whole continent. There aren't serial killers and school shootings and hurricanes at every turn. And serial killers and hurricanes aren't America-only things.

The Backwards Man

The OP certainly came to the right place to get differing views on Texas anyway didn't they?

I was in Mongolia once OP. It was shite.

SamHarris

homeless student wrote: »

choose america if you like, serial killers, school shootings, loud mouths, hurricanes etc i know where i would choose.;)

Unfortunately, there are people like this in the US to.

buytolet89

homeless student wrote: »

choose america if you like, serial killers, school shootings, loud mouths, hurricanes etc i know where i would choose.;)

Or maybe i might pick the one with horrible weather, no incentive to work, a place run by a state who houses and caters for all the lazy people of the EU.Yeah this welfare state really does seem alot better than the US

ceadaoin.

buytolet89 wrote: »

Happy days, how did you get in? was it a company transfer or a visa, green card etc

I work in IT so I'm not sure about my chances of getting a job.If i get accepted I'll just try save as much as i can before i move

Visa

The tech industry is growing in Vegas apparently

http://venturebeat.com/2013/06/26/part-3-why-investors-tech-startups-are-flocking-to-downtown-vegas/

SamHarris

On quality of life I would say if you don't have kids to worry about and have an IT degree it's a no brainer (again depending a lot on where, but by and large). If you can get a steady job and your in your twenties, I seriously doubt you will regret it at all.

Big cities there are incredible in how much you feel at the center of things, with so much going on, very dynamic. So if your looking for the movie - type America do try keep to them.

You have plenty of money to travel though, do one of the driving routes. There is one from Chicago, down Texas, through to the Grand Canyon and up through Nevada that I'm planning to do myself and is supposed to be the bee's knees.

Frank Lee Midere

When looking at taxes look at the cost of state, city and federal taxes. It adds up. They also have far more tax bands than Ireland. Then there are the extra costs associated with health and 3rd level education in particular. Housing can be cheap or expensive dependent on your area.

The thing about America is you should be prepared if you want a "middle class lifestyle" to move to the less salubrious cities. Detroit must be a paradise on $45k. In San Francisco that would be rent on a studio.

Popescu

One man's meat is another man's poison.

SpaceTime

If you want to try it out go for a year initially and don't sell what you have here. It should be easy enough to let a house / apt in Dublin at present.

Test the water, see if you like it. Find a city you feel at home in and then make a move if it's what you want.

I wouldn't advice studying sticking a pin in the map and just moving blindly.

Yamanoto

If the US were your home instead of Ireland, you would....

use 2.1 times more electricity
spend 2.2 times more money on health care
experience 46.58% more of a class divide
consume 42.1% more oil
have 23.54% more chance of dying in infancy
have 22.5% more chance at being employed
be 3 times more likely to have HIV/AIDS
work 18.07% more hours each year
make 9.95% more money
have 1.91% less babies
die 0.17 years sooner

http://www.ifitweremyhome.com/compare/IE/US