18 "America Is A Scam" Stories That Might Have You Packing Your Bags Immediately

Recently, we featured a viral TikTok that compared the cost of living in the U.S. and Australia, which concluded that "America is a scam." Many people (like myself) were shocked by the numbers, but those in the BuzzFeed Community who've either moved to or from the U.S. to another country knew about the differences all too well. Here are some of the most insightful and shocking "America is a scam" stories people have:

1."I lived in Korea for a few years, and I have to say that I never needed a car since public transport is awesome and cheap, and so many people walk. Also, I got really sick once and had to visit the emergency room. I had to get meds, and it was less than $40. Everything is more expensive in the U.S."

2."I've lived in Germany and loved it. I actually felt more at home there than anywhere in the U.S., and I've lived all over America. The pace of life, values, and culture just really suited me. Living in the U.S. can be an awful challenge, especially now that we are NOT doing great. So many of us are suffering under the boot of corporate America and bad government policy. Don't get me wrong — there are a lot of things I love about my home country and the people: so much natural beauty, Americans' confidence and can-do spirit, and how unique the country is. However, I've thought a lot about moving back to Europe. If I did move back, it would be for the community, connection, and ease, something that the U.S., unfortunately, is really lacking. No place is perfect and there are headaches and problems everywhere, but it's about choosing which ones you can tolerate."

—violetbleustar

3."When people think Europeans don't want to work and take time off constantly because they're 'lazy,' but Americans are hardworking individuals who help create a great economy. I worked in London for 15 years at some of the fastest-growing companies in Europe, and guess what? They had fast and sustainable growth, all while people used their statutory minimum required vacation time of 30 days per year or more. By the way, why does one of the richest countries in the world have one of the lowest quality of life for its citizens? It makes no sense."

4."One of my buds retired and lives in Mexico. He pays less than $100 for major car repairs, $300 for rent in a big apartment (with an included cleaning service), and very little for medical treatment. He lives a wonderful, full life. His pension is less than half of what I make, yet he seemingly lives the life while I struggle. It's warm and beautiful where he lives with plenty of ex-pats. I've heard other Americans who've retired to Mexico say the same thing. It's something to think about."

—fayeesnow

5."I'm a Scottish guy who lived in America for a few years. I had insurance covered as part of my visa, and I had a bike accident resulting in a bad head injury. I took an ambulance to the hospital, saw a doctor, got stitches, had a follow-up appointment, got medicated, and the lot. The bill was $25,000."

6."I wouldn't say America is a scam, but the price comparison is jarring. I spent several months in France, and the rent was lower and did not rise rapidly as it does here. The biggest thing that stuck out to me was the cheap availability of high-quality food. Fresh and organic food in France costs about the same as bargain preservative-laden food in the States. You could also go to a nice restaurant without feeling like a total splurge. Plus, the price of the menu was the price you'd pay. France has a really well-developed leisure and tourism industry that benefits from its scale in a way that is not really matched to that of the States."

—Anonymous

7."I've lived in multiple countries but will use London as my reference since I've lived there for 10 years. I returned to the U.S. because of the pandemic, and there are so many scams. First, people do not have free health insurance. We are one of the wealthiest countries in the world and have the best healthcare, but only if you can afford it. Meanwhile, in the U.K., you can pay for private healthcare, but even if you don't, there's the NHS (National Healthcare System). Regardless, everyone has access to a doctor, period. In America, prescription costs vary depending on the drug and your insurance. In London, you either pay for prescriptions, or you don't. All prescriptions cost the same, and birth control is free. I could go on and on, but I'll stop my anger from building up more than it is."

8."Food in places like Egypt, Japan, and even countries in Europe is more wholesome and tastier. Come on, America, why the shit food?"

—Anonymous

9."I moved from the U.S. and now live in Hong Kong. My tax rate is 12%, and my electricity costs less than $500 USD per year. I spend $400 a year on healthcare, $75 a month for public transit, and $15 a month for my phone. My largest expense is my apartment with a part-ocean view, and I pay $2,800 a month, which is a good price for staying outside the city."

10."I haven't moved (yet), but I am in Germany now, and so far, the food is a lot better, ALL the beer is food, public transportation is SO MUCH BETTER, and, from what I've seen, most things cost less. Germany also has monetary government help if you have children or older adults in your family. Yep, monthly stipends with no means testing. This is a far cry from the USA, which has absolutely none of that, and where you can just die on the streets if you can't make it. Really, in about 95% of ways, living in the USA kind of sucks. It does hurt me to admit this, but it's true."

—Suzan, 66, Oregon

11."I have been living in Thailand and Bali this past year, and in both cases, I am far, far ahead of when I lived in the Seattle area in the U.S. My expenses are around half, and I lack almost nothing except some peccadillo-like things like major music concerts (some are in Bangkok, but that's not a place I choose to pass through). Further, the culture is so much better — none of the fear and anger that have reared their heads since Trump entered the scene. The people here are so kind, accepting, and joyful. I haven't even seen a case of road rage! I have no desire to go back to the USA."

12."When my daughter was born in Amsterdam, we didn't find out until she was a few weeks old that she needed corrective heart surgery. Never mind that we didn't pay anything out of pocket for the birth, but her heart surgery and appointments for it didn't cost a thing either. If we still lived in the States, we would have been bankrupt, even if we had good insurance."

—Mark, 43, Netherlands

13."We are being scammed. One of the biggest differences I noticed when living abroad was that even wealthy people were outspoken about prices. America's rising cost of living is vastly outpacing inflation — and we accept it without much protest. I've spent a fair amount of time in Germany, Czechia, and Argentina, where I have local friends and some family. People would tell the servers that the prices were too high, or they'd complain at the supermarket and leave items at the register saying, 'This is too expensive.' In America, we've been trained to accept things as they are because we are gaslit into thinking it's OUR fault that we suddenly can't afford to eat out or go to the hair salon."

14."I lived in Mexico my entire adult life and moved back to America in 2022. My salary in Mexico was lower than in dollars, but I had a much higher standard of living there. Healthcare is free unless you choose to go private, and you can still get free healthcare even without a job. Car insurance costs far less, and even the cars are cheaper because they sell more basic models of the same brand. My rent in Mexico was only about 20% of my salary, and it was easy to find plenty of places in a similar price range. In the U.S., it's at least 30% of my salary. I've realized that in the U.S., everything is designed to be bigger, fancier, and more expensive."

—Anonymous

15."In the late '90s, I studied in Paris, France. I could pay my tuition, dorm, groceries, and public transportation for 18 months on a $15k U.S. school loan. In 2015, I lived in Quebec, Canada for five months, and my rent in a very nice three-bedroom apartment was $400 CAD a month, with all utilities included. I've compared my U.S. salary with friends in Germany, France, and Norway; though my salary is 'higher,' they have much lower utility, cellphone, and other costs. Plus, they never had school loans to pay back, and even after taxes, they still had MORE money at the end of the month than me — not to mention the six weeks of vacation every year, parental leave, etc."

16."After I moved to America, I realized that how the U.S. presents itself to the rest of the world is bull. There's a poor healthcare system, no labor laws to get paid for statutory holidays, the wages are a joke compared to the cost of living, and if you're wealthy, the law is yours to bend. It shocked me to see how the U.S. votes in judges and how fragile the separation of church and state really is! It's scary living here."

—Lisa

17."I'm originally from the U.S. and currently living in Germany. My husband and I have two kids born in the U.S. We moved to Berlin when they were 18 months and three, and their daycare was FREE, except for the food. For two kids a month, we paid an equivalent of $58. Also, the healthcare system in Germany made me realize that America is a freaking scam. I had a lipoma on my neck that needed to be removed. Including the CT scan, bloodwork, and a one-night hospital stay, I paid 10 euros, which is about $10. And I have public health insurance. On top of that, I don't have the fear and anxiety of being shot in public because of the rampant gun violence in the U.S. Germany is not a sexy place to live, and it's difficult living here when you're not fluent in the language. But living here is 1,000% better than the U.S."

18.Lastly: "We lived in Brazil for seven years for work-related reasons. Although there are significant social issues in Brazil, there were substantial advantages, such as the lack of high-processed foods. Repatriating to the USA was a horrible experience that landed me in mental health therapy. So, we are preparing to leave America for good and go to a country where we can establish a simpler lifestyle for about $2,700, including everything! So, yes! The 'American Dream' is a nightmare and is definitely a scam."

—Richard, 67, California

*Big American sigh*. If you moved from America to a different country or vice versa, what is your "America is a scam" realization story? Let me know in the comments, or you can submit your story anonymously using this form.

Note: Some responses have been edited for length and/or clarity.