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.)
Well. Half to the gov, the other half to ex wife as alimony. Haha, the life!
No real suggestions (I’ve heard New Zealand comes close, but have no actual data), but I am so glad you posted this if only to shut up the whiny Americans who point to Scandinavian countries as utopian examples of “if they have free healthcare, why can’t we?!” Nothing’s free. I’ve pointed out elsewhere that Denmark, also Finland and I think Sweden, take half your paycheck to take care of other people before you can take care of your own family. I mean, if that floats your boat, have at it, but I’ve been bullied on other subs for having the gall to point this out. Like there’s something wrong with someone who isn’t glad to, as you put it, hand over half your salary to the government each month. I stand in solidarity with you. Let us know what you decide!
Thanks for the insight Beth.
You are absolutely right, most people have no idea how it is to live here. It’s absolutely insane, prices and taxation on everything.
The keyboard warriors are sitting either jobless or unemployed attacking the hard working people tbat is contributing to society. Whatever that means.
I am done living my life for the sake of others, paying 50% just to see the government send another billion to Ukraine.
Just drained and sad tbh. There must be more to life than this, sad and pathetic country.
Thanks for the affirmation, Malik. You mention Portugal as a candidate for your next stop. I’m toying with retiring there. What data do you have on it?
Even if I didn’t mind letting the government take half my pay, Scandinavia, Finland, and Estonia are out just because of the weather.
Honestly, if you can’t achieve upwards financial mobility in DK, you wouldn’t stand a chance in the US or Dubai. It’s absurdly easy to carve out a comfortable middle class lifestyle here. If you’re goal however is to be super rich, then yes Northern Europe isn’t set up for that. But you’re going to have to adjust your mindset
I am on your side on the excess taxation and working all the time to meet these obligations but I am not going to roll huge tear drops for you living in Denmark. Maybe take Prozac or go visit Sri Lanka, Zanzibar, Africa, etc to gain perspective of how your life could be. When a 4 year old is trying to sell fruits by the side of road while you are complaining that you net only 30-50K after all these taxes. You of all should not mention unemployed keyboard warriors when unable to put 2 plus 2 together…This is for your comment of not liking Bali because of its lack of infrastructure. No taxes, equal no healthcare, no pension, no roads, etc. Wherever low taxation country you move, don’t forget your pension because it will not earn itself magically.
Same boat here in Belgium. My taxes pay for lots of peoples kids (none myself) and was told that’s one of the perks of living here. As a single childless person - the taxes are brutal.
I’ve wanted to ask this question before because not all of us want to live in these places with high taxation. Some of us would love to have savings. Or own a house.
These people downvoting you and OP are those basement dwellers who get rock hard off righteousness.
I met a lot of people in Paraguay like you. It definitely attracts the ‘libertarian’ types.
Bro, i know and feel your pain. Finally got rid of it. DM me if you want some serious help.
And you live in Denmark, one of the most progressive countries and you enjoy free education, healthcare and an amazing public system and public amenities. Get a grip sir.
Yeah, who likes an educated populace? Much better to be around a bunch of dumb dumbs.
Yeah, who likes an educated populace?
All those with shorter education who pay very high taxes so that spoiled middle class kids can study gender studies and look down on them.
The government has begun cutting into universities now, due to waaaaay too many danish (women) having useless educations.
Better to have the money available and then contract the services you need
Let’s imagine you make 100k a year. You pay 50% in taxes, and then maybe 3k a month for rent food and whatever. You have 14k left for savings and investments. If you work for 45 more years, you might have a million saved up! Now you can enjoy retirement at 70!
Alternatively, you move to (Dubai, Cyprus, Bulgaria, etc) and pay 10% in taxes. Your rent is also probably a lot less. Now you are saving 60k a year. Your savings just quadrupled! In 15 years, you will have a million dollars invested, and you can retire at 40!
It’s clear to me that taxation is theft, and is a system for wage enslavement nowadays. They will take every penny they can, and waste it on enormous ineffeciency. Many countries offer reasonable, competitive tax rates, with good QoL, roads, health care, etc. The biggest lie we’ve been told is that paying half your salary is fair, necessary, or the moral thing to do