I see many comments here from lower-wage people saying they want to move to Europe because it is so much better. Now if you want to move for the culture, history and the wonderful people, great! That's the reason to move to Europe. However if you want to move just to “get free stuff” that you don't get in the U.S., maybe read this article. (was not behind a paywall for me)
https://www.wsj.com/articles/europeans-poorer-inflation-economy-255eb629
A few highlights:
*Since 2008 Americans have grown richer while Europeans have grown poorer.
*Private consumption declined 1% since 2019 in the EU and has risen almost 9% in the U.S.
*A 33-year old nurse was shopping at the half-price-meat and said “you almost need to work 2 jobs to survive”. “In Brussels, one of Europe’s richest cities, teachers and nurses stood in line on a recent evening to collect half-price groceries from the back of a truck
*GDP of the EU & US were about equal in 2008. 2023 EU GDP is only < 1% above 2008. The US is almost double what it was in 2008.
Only notable (that I know of) tech companies in the EU are Ayden, ASML Holding and used to be ARM.
My wife and I are seriously considering a move to Portugal but we're considering it due to weather and a base to see the rest of Europe for a few years or so. So many plusses in Europe but don't think that financially it will be a big win for someone wanting to work there.