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.)

  • nowwmad@alien.topB
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    1 year ago

    In all my years nomading, I’ve never actually met a single scandinavian person who felt happy living there. But hey! Those happiness indexes always puts them at the top. Always felt such bs. Country where half the years sun doesn’t shine? Happy? Yeah, sure.

    • fouxfighter@alien.topB
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      1 year ago

      Me neither, but I gather that it’s great for people who fit the mould (say 90%??) and horrible for anyone who doesn’t.

    • igormuba@alien.topB
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      1 year ago

      The lack of needing to survive allows one to pursue it’s own happiness, if he can’t find satisfaction in a wealthy and safe space to me it doesn’t seem like he can find it somewhere else, the grass will always be greener in another place

      • Acceptable-Amount-14@alien.topB
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        1 year ago

        The lack of needing to survive allows one to pursue it’s own happiness,

        You’re very naive if you think surviving means you can find happiness.

        Scandinavia is a class society too. An expensive one. Everything is expensive. You won’t afford to pursue your interests.

    • Fictional-adult@alien.topB
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      1 year ago

      If your sample consists of nomads, is that really surprising? Like if I was happy in the US I wouldn’t be in South America right now.

    • sagestruggler@alien.topB
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      1 year ago

      Really? Because I’ve met plenty here in Norway that are quite happy here. Very few that say otherwise.

    • matadorius@alien.topB
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      1 year ago

      probably cuz the ones that are happy do not leave the place where they are happy?? and the want they arent go nomading ???