How I See The US After 8 Years in Europe
After spending more than 16 years living abroad, with the last 8 years in Europe, my perspective on life in the U.S. has changed in ways I didn’t expect. Whether it's about American consumerism, cultural shifts, or just the everyday experience of living abroad, there are many differences that stand out to me. Here’s how I see the U.S. after all these years living in places like Italy and Portugal, and experiencing life in Europe as an expat.
American Consumerism
One of the things that shocks me when I talk to my friends in the U.S., or those who have recently moved abroad, is how much stuff people in the U.S. collect. It’s not just the amount of stuff, but the space that people have to store and display it all. Houses in the U.S. are huge compared to what I’m used to in Europe, especially places like Italy and Portugal, where living spaces tend to be smaller and more practical. It’s not that people in Europe don’t have their collections, but the difference in the scale of it all really stands out. Consumerism is just on a different level in the U.S.
Cultural Shifts and Language
Having lived abroad for this long, you notice cultural shifts back in the U.S. that feel strange when you see what things are like there now. Words and phrases that weren’t around when I left now seem like a regular part of daily conversation. There’s also something interesting about the way people speak in different parts of Europe. In Italy and Portugal, for example, you often have to navigate a new language and adapt to the cultural context. Being exposed to multiple languages is normal in Europe, but back in the U.S., speaking just one language is still the norm, and that’s something that becomes more noticeable after so many years abroad.
The Division in the U.S.
What really surprises me, though, is how divided things have become in the U.S. over the years. Whether it’s politics, religion, or even simple personal views, people seem less willing to listen to each other. It feels like that divide just keeps getting wider. When you’re living in Europe, you don’t feel that same kind of intense division. Sure, Europe has its own issues, but people seem more willing to agree to disagree, rather than being so entrenched in their opinions.
Safety & Security in U.S. Cities
Another thing that’s really caught my attention is the situation in some of the big cities in the U.S. Places like San Francisco, Venice, California, Portland, and Seattle have changed so much. Seeing videos of these cities today, with the level of homelessness and drug use, is shocking. Some parts almost look like zombie lands. It’s hard to believe this is happening in places that used to be so different. In Europe, cities like Lisbon, Porto, or Florence have their own challenges, but the sense of safety and security in daily life feels very different compared to some American cities.
Cost of Living & Quality of Food
The cost of living in the U.S. has become absurd in recent years. When I hear about the price of a dozen eggs or a cocktail in places like New York City, I’m horrified. It’s crazy how much basic things cost now. And when you look at the food quality, it gets even worse. In Europe, especially in Italy and Portugal, food tends to be more natural, with fewer additives and chemicals. In the U.S., even the fact that you have to label genetically modified foods is mind-boggling. I’ve definitely come to appreciate how much cleaner and simpler food is in Europe.
The Indirect Way of Speaking
Another cultural difference I’ve noticed is how indirect people are when speaking in the U.S., especially on the West Coast. There’s this tendency to talk around sensitive topics rather than addressing them directly. In Southern Europe or the Middle East, people are usually more straightforward, and I’ve gotten used to that. It’s not that one way is necessarily better than the other, but it’s a noticeable shift when seeing what things are like back in the U.S. after living abroad for so long.
Cost of Travel
The cost of travel in the U.S. is another thing that blows my mind. Flying between cities or even going on vacation within the country is so expensive compared to Europe. In Europe, you can still find cheap international flights if you’re flexible, especially if you’re traveling light with just carry-on luggage. It’s hard to believe you can fly internationally for 30 or 40 euros in Europe, but in the U.S., the cost of travel seems to keep going up.
Languages – Short Distances, Big Differences
One of the coolest things about living in Europe is how much cultural and linguistic diversity you can experience within short distances. In the time it takes to drive from Los Angeles to San Francisco, you could cross through several countries in Europe and experience completely different cultures and languages. It’s common to speak more than one language here, and even if you’re not fluent, you’re exposed to multiple languages regularly. That’s a huge difference compared to life in the U.S., where it’s rare for people to speak more than one language.
Healthcare Abroad vs. the U.S.
Healthcare is a massive difference between Europe and the U.S. In most European countries, healthcare is affordable, and in some cases, it’s even free. Living in places like Italy and Portugal, I’ve been able to access affordable healthcare that would cost a small fortune in the U.S. Even simple things like going to the emergency room are a completely different experience in Europe. In the U.S., you have to think twice before seeking medical help because of the cost, which just doesn’t happen the same way in Europe.
Renting a Home/Apartment: USA vs. Europe
Renting a home or apartment in the U.S. is such a quick and impersonal process. You sign a contract, pay your deposit, and move in, often with little to no negotiation. In Europe, though, renting can be a long process, with a lot of back-and-forth negotiations. Leases tend to be longer, and there’s more room to work out details. It’s funny to think about how fast things move in the U.S. compared to the more deliberate way things are done here in Europe.
American Food is Just Too Sweet for Me!
After living abroad for this long, I’ve noticed that American food, especially sweets, is just way too sugary for me now. Even things that aren’t supposed to be sweet, like snacks or bread, have so much sugar in them. In Europe, food is generally less sweet, and I’ve really come to prefer that. My taste buds have changed over the years, and now when I try American snacks or soda, it’s almost overwhelming. Even though I’ve always had a sweet tooth, American desserts feel too intense for me now.
European Brands in the USA
Something I’ve found interesting is seeing European brands becoming more common in the U.S. Stores like Aldi or products like Magnum ice cream are now easy to find in the U.S., but I never saw them growing up. It’s funny to hear my friends in the U.S. talk about these brands like they’ve always been there, while for me, they’re a reminder of life abroad.
Walking Culture
One thing I love about living in Europe is the walking culture. In many European cities, it’s common to see people, especially older couples, walking hand in hand through the streets. It’s a normal part of life here, whether you’re in Italy, Portugal, or elsewhere in Europe. In the U.S., though, walking isn’t as common, and many cities aren’t designed with pedestrians in mind. The car culture dominates, and that’s something that really stands out to me after living in Europe for so long.
Living abroad for 16 years, especially in places like Italy and Portugal, has changed the way I see life in the U.S. The differences in consumerism, healthcare, food, and culture are stark, and they become even more noticeable the longer you’re away. It’s amazing how much perspective you gain when you move abroad, and these are just a few of the things that have stood out to me over the years.