Hi there! I’ll just jump right in and get economical. Those who have heard the stereotype that Europe is super affordable to live in and traveling is less expensive overall clearly have not stayed in the continent for as long as I have, and to keep it truthful at the beginning, so did I until I realized that I was not spending monopoly money and Apple was not the one paying.
To place more of a perspective on this matter, know that I’m comparing life in the States to mainly being stationed in Italy for school. First of all, the pros and cons of Europe: yes some entrance to attractions can be affordable, especially if you can qualify for a student discount, but nobody talks about how Europe charges for everything. The most baffling example was this weekend when I went to Tuscany to view Pisa and on my walk I came across a pretty garden that was charging me about e22 just to look at it (not joking)
From switching metro lines, being charged for 8 oz of tap water, using the restroom, and watching a salesperson restock their one-of-a-kind item. You can take an educated guess and land on the fact that on average you are spending close to 50-100 a day—yes, 100 if you’re visiting a city for the day. Don’t ask, just trust that somehow some way you do. I will for sure agree that the convenience of heading to other great countries is wonderful, and of course, you are able to find cheap travel accommodations when you are already traveling from a European country, but the truth of the matter is that it’s just like anywhere else really where you have to wait for a deal to pop up, because I don’t know about you guys, but a weekend trip to Switzerland from Italy should not be costing $400 (one way so x2) on just flights on flight scanner.
Yet all of that can somehow be masqueraded by its beautiful scenery, fresh and clean and affordable food, with no sales tax being a huge win. Overall, of course, I’m aware that, on a bigger scale, the average European is not really spending this much every day, for everyone has a routine and habits that work for them.
When it comes to the U.S., there is much to say about everything, but I’ll try to keep these comparisons alike. I have to give it to the States when it comes to public attractions and events. Where you only truly pay for exclusive experiences but nobody is charging you to go to Central Park or attend museums and art galleries with discounts to spare and most of the time having free admission based on age or educational status. I have to give credit to the free water and restroom with the occasional rule or purchase something before being allowed to go. Yet again, safety has plummeted a bunch, not to mention the poor health or produce even at the top-tier stores.
Both of these locations have their wins and not, and I believe that overall it has helped me debunk theories and stereotypes about them. Of course, nowhere is perfect but just as I have found myself missing certain comforts from the States, I am well aware that I will miss even more the easygoing way of life of Italy along with everything being walkable with meaningful communities.
Ciao!
DU Abroad 