Hacker Newsnew | past | comments | ask | show | jobs | submitlogin

Excessive taxes and expensive housing. In much of Europe it is simply impossible to buy a house on a single income, if you obey 100% of tax laws. These taxes are used to pay for the elderly, their welfare (pensions) and healthcare.

If you are in the US you may not appreciate how heavy the tax burden is in Europe. It varies by country but its normally something like: 30% payroll tax paid by employer. 30% income tax paid by you. 20% sales tax paid by you. Then, very expensive housing due to the high population densities and limited room to expand.

Additionally in Europe, many parents want their children to be educated in English, however the language of instruction is usually the local language. This is partly why the migrant stream into the Anglosphere is so high. The alternative are private international schools, which are hideously expensive.



Much of Europa has very cheap houses because populations are declining. It's just in large cities that real estate is becoming expensive.


And just like the US the jobs, education and culture are in the cities.

Housing in a second-tier Polish city is more expensive than Chicago!

https://www.otodom.pl/oferta/klimatyczny-apartament-balkon-w...

https://www.zillow.com/homedetails/5345-S-Ellis-Ave-H2-Chica...


Horribly wrong




Consider applying for YC's Summer 2026 batch! Applications are open till May 4

Guidelines | FAQ | Lists | API | Security | Legal | Apply to YC | Contact

Search: