Originally Posted by Lisa_wanna_b_quilter
I never understand how people in England and Europe can afford gas at the prices they have over there. Are wages higher, too? Do you all just not drive as much as Americans? Is public transportation more available?
I am UK born, so I get a single persons UK pension allowance of the $153.61 per week. Because I live in Ireland, where the cost of living is deemed higher than in the UK, the Irish Govt tops that up by about another $60. So yes, cost of petrol/gas is a big consideration, and I try to limit trips out to no more than twice a week. I live 6 miles from the nearest shops, doctors etc., which is also where the nearest place I could get on a bus. My nearest train station is about 10 miles away.
My biggest cost during the winter is oil for the central heating, and I dread to think how much the next tankful will cost.
My DB has lived in the US, and says that he estimates that food here costs 55% more here, and 40% more in the UK. Our national sales tax here is 21%.
Salaries in the UK are generally about 30% higher, and only about 15% higher here.