Is this the end of the American dream?
The land of the free, the home of the brave, the melting pot, the land of opportunity... You name it, the US claims to offer it. This has made it a nation where many want to build a life. Chasing the American dream can be enticing, but before you take the final plunge, it’s important to consider both the pros and cons of life in the United States. While the US boasts world-class universities and has a comparatively strong economy, let’s not forget the challenges it faces. Is the US the right place for you? Click through to find out.
Pros of living in the US
There are numerous pros, or upsides, to living in the US, from the economy to the vibrant cultural hubs. Click through to explore nine benefits of life in America.
2. Diverse nature
From white sandy beaches to snow-capped mountain tops and everywhere in between, the US boasts diverse nature options. According to surveys, Massachusetts, Washington, and Maryland have some of the top natural environments in the country.
4. Low taxation
US taxes are low, relative to those in other high-income countries. In 2023, the US was near the bottom of the list with a 29.9% tax burden compared to an OECD average of 34.8%. The countries with the highest taxes were Belgium, Germany, and France.
6. Strong currency
The US Dollar is actually the world's reserve currency and has continued to demonstrate strength. The dollar is used globally to buy and sell goods between countries that may not have the same currency, like South Korea and Brazil for example.
8. Diversity
The US is known as the "melting pot," and in certain areas, there is a lot of racial diversity. While diversity doesn't necessarily mean equality, it is a positive factor in the US overall.
Cons of living in the US
While there are many great aspects of living in the US, unfortunately, there are also many downsides. Click through to explore the 16 negative aspects of life in America.
2. Poverty
Extreme poverty is another downside of life in America as the federally mandated minimum wage is only US$7.25 per hour. Though the US has lower taxes and fuel costs, the rate of pay hasn’t risen anywhere near as much as the prices of homes, fuel, groceries, and electricity.
4. Paid time off
A whopping 28 million Americans don’t get any paid vacation or paid holidays! This lack of work-life balance can cause long-term damage to your mental and physical health. Americans who do get paid vacation are only allowed 11 days on average per year. People need time to relax and enjoy their lives, but the US thinks otherwise.
6. Gun violence
In the United States, the Republican and Democratic parties hold opposing views on stricter gun control laws. Meanwhile, gun-related homicides in the US are 22 times higher than in Europe. In 2024 alone, 499 shootings were reported, highlighting the persistent tragedy of gun violence with no clear end in sight.
8. Education costs
Coming in at nearly twice what most countries pay for university, in America, a four-year degree will set you back nearly US$37,650. Many students are forced to take out expensive loans with high interest rates. For years following their graduation, American students are crippled by debt.
10. Life expectancy
Life expectancy in the US is currently sitting at 79.25 years old which is lower than in comparable countries. There are experts who attribute this reduced life expectancy in the US to the terrible healthcare system and Roe v. Wade being overturned, contributing to higher maternal mortality rates.
12. Climate change
The US is the world’s second-largest greenhouse gas emitter. Americans need to stop deforestation and add more fuel-efficient means of transportation (amongst other things) to their agendas, or the world will continue to suffer.
14. Obesity
The US is the worldwide leader in obese citizens and a lot of that can be attributed to the abundance of fried foods, fast food restaurants, and the availability of questionable ingredients that are often banned in other countries.
16. Political divisiveness
The political divisiveness in the US is striking. Even if you don’t consider yourself a political person, you will be impacted. For example, in states like Florida, there have been book bans and even the removal of psychology coursework from high schools, amongst many other things. There is a huge division of values in the US which leaves minority groups in danger.
FAQ: Is America a good place to raise kids?
While the USA can be a good place to raise children, the high cost of childcare coupled with a poor work-life balance creates problems for many. This doesn’t mean you can’t raise children here, but it might be difficult and expensive.
