I Left the U.S. for Europe, I Make $67K a Year and I Am Miserable (Video)

In this 13 July 2026 published video, host Michael Bordenaro talks about how Americans are moving to other countries and finding the different economy of the country does not improve their lifestyle.

The misery is likely driven by the “Expat Curse” (or Ulysses syndrome). Moving abroad—especially to an expensive European city on a $67K salary—forces a massive drop in purchasing power, compounded by the emotional exhaustion of rebuilding your social network, professional identity, and support systems from scratch.

While $67k is a median living wage in many parts of the U.S., converting that to Euros or Pounds significantly reduces your purchasing power. High European income tax rates, VAT (sales tax), and inflated central city rents can eat through a $67k gross salary, leaving you with very little disposable income for travel or emergencies. Top-tier salaries in Europe typically plateau much earlier than in the U.S., meaning you face a much tighter financial ceiling.

Expat mental health struggles are highly common, characterized by migratory grief and a profound sense of isolation that peaks once the initial “tourist excitement” wears off. Dealing with identity disruption requires a professional who understands the unique psychological toll of living abroad. Consider exploring BetterHelp or finding a licensed English-speaking counselor via directories like Expat Therapist Directory to help untangle your situation.

If your visa allows it, consider whether moving to a lower-cost-of-living (LCOL) city or town within Europe would relieve your financial anxiety. Remember that there is no shame in returning to the U.S. Leaving abroad fundamentally changes you, which can sometimes make returning home disorienting—a phenomenon known as reverse culture shock. Read personal experiences on platforms like the Reddit Expats Forum to see how others weigh the cost-benefit trade-offs of returning to the states. Before you make your next move, use the Expatistan Cost of Living Calculator or Numbeo to compare exact prices of groceries, utilities, and rent between your current European city and the U.S. cities you might be considering.

https://youtu.be/VyW2CRsCC0w