Countries with lower taxes and a better quality of living?
I’m currently stuck in Denmark, and it feels like I’m in a never ending financial tug of war with the government, saying goodbye to 50% of my hard earned cash each month. Add a 25% VAT on everything and throw in some hefty taxes on utilities, electricity etc, and you’ve got a situation that has me questioning if this is the life I signed up for.
Living in a place where the cold weather feels like an extra tax on happiness, I’m craving a change.
I’m all about individualism, self-sufficiency, and independence. So here’s the big question: Where in the world are you guys finding that sweet spot between low taxes and a great quality of life?
As I contemplate my escape plan, Cyprus, Portugal, and Dubai are on my radar. I dream of living in a country where taxes don’t feel like daylight robbery. But, and it’s a big ‘but,’ my online income isn’t quite flexing its muscles enough for a move to the streets of Dubai just yet.
So, where are you residing? What’s the tax scene like in your corner of the world? Are you doing a happy dance every payday, or are you, like me, wistfully staring at your bank statement, wondering where all your money went?
And let’s not forget the living conditions. On a scale of 1 to 10, how would you rate your overall quality of life?
I’m not just asking for my benefit, this is a collective quest for a better lifestyle.
Your input is greatly appreciated!
(Just to be crystal clear, I’m not fishing for a lecture on why I should be grateful for my current Danish situation or any unrelated personal opinions. If your input doesn’t contribute constructively, save it for another time.)
I find the people who complain about high taxes are usually complaining from a very selfish point of view. They want all the benefits of society that has a great infrastructure but they don’t want to pay for it. They often scapegoat people who are less off than them, but fail to look upward at the people who are tenfold better off than them who are not paying their fair share, and getting all kinds of legislation, corporate, and other, sweetheart deals that benefit only them.
As a middle class person I can't afford a mortgage. Private sector rent is also high. I earn too much to qualify for social housing. My lower earning friends are therefore better off than me. We have the same lifestyle because they get a ton of rebates and they live in a cheaper and better place. I can save more, but they don't care because the welfare state will provide them so no need for savings. They don't see the point in earning more. Why do I bust my ass and take on more responsibility to earn more? Literally no point except misplaced pride, I was taught to 'work hard'. The joke is on me. Better to do the opposite.