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Ask HN: Who has moved from the U.S. to Europe?

181 points feraligators | 1 comments | 25 Jan 22 15:44 UTC | HN request time: 0.235s | source

I've long considered leaving this country for a multitude of reasons.

I'd be curious to hear some first hand experiences of those who've made the move to Europe and what you think of the process and considerations one should make.

A few questions to start the conversation:

- Where do you live?

- What's the biggest sacrifice you had to make (i.e. pay, housing, friends, etc.)

- What have you gained?

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foreigner ◴[25 Jan 22 17:37 UTC] No.30074918[source]▶
Be aware that as long as you're a US citizen you will still have to file a US tax return (in addition to local taxes) wherever you go! Most countries have reciprocal tax agreements with the US (you basically deduct taxes paid in one country from the other) so you don't have to actually pay twice, but you definitely do have to file twice! There are all sorts of peripheral headaches related to this, for example the UK tax year does not align with the US tax year.

Still totally worth it IMO. I moved to the UK for a few years, got cold and moved back to a warm part of the US, but missed it and moved back to the UK. I have no intention of moving back to the US again.

replies(1): >>30101659 #
1. moviecrazy ◴[27 Jan 22 15:27 UTC] No.30101659[source]▶
Wow, I’m in exactly the same situation. Moved to UK (London) two years back in my 40s. Took a 15% pay cut for the same role/company. Pandemic happened, didn’t love 8 months of dull grey weather & 4 months of sun, found a job in the US and moved back.

Now I miss it and moving back next month! I like the ‘quality of life’ way better. That’s a phrase that means different things to different people. I don’t have kids, which is a huge factor. If you’ve saved well early in your career in the US, moving to Europe could be a win win.

Yes the tax filings are a pain. Everything works less professionally overall - you have to “chase” people to get work done (a word used a lot in the UK) and the grey weather can get to you, but I’m going to give it another chance.

NHS is ok, but be aware there isn’t a whole lot in term of preventive care. Private health insurance even through an employer will not cover chronic preexisting conditions (diabetes, heart disease, etc.), unlike in the US - something to consider if it matters, though private hospital bills won’t bankrupt you either unlike the US.