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Americans are paying more than people from other countries for some key services.
- Americans pay a less than consumers in many countries for myriad products, but they pay much more than their
international counterparts for certain services. - Education and healthcare are the two areas where citizens of the United States pay significantly more than people from almost any other nation.
- In many nations, government subsidies dramatically drive down consumer costs, leaving more money in the hands of the citizens.
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In many ways, the average American consumer has things pretty good.
Gasoline costs half as much in the US as it does in most of Europe, and we pay less than most of our European counterparts when it comes to rent and real estate, too. American food prices are relatively low, utilities are comparatively cheap, and clothing is affordable.
But in other areas, Americans are shelling out significantly more cash than citizens of other nations. From internet access fees to drug prices, the US consumer is often forced to pay higher prices than found internationally, and for commodities that can't easily be skipped.
Here are six things you are paying more for in America than you would if you lived abroad.
