Living in Saudi Arabia Vs the USA: Pros and Cons
There are many reasons for living in Saudi Arabia as an American. In general, the expats living in Saudi Arabia are professionals that benefit from its growing economy. This means there are many pros to living and working in the Saudi Arabia. Though not all aspects of life will be the same or better than in the states. Differences in culture and lifestyle can also lead to some cons overseas.
Check out our article on the pros and cons for differences living in the Saudi Arabia compared to the USA below!
Disclaimer for Living in Saudi Arabia: Pros and Cons
It is best to start by addressing that there are differences in living all throughout Saudi Arabia. Living in Dammam, will be different than living in Riyadh, or Jeddah. For this reason, the differences between Saudi Arabia and USA are broad and may not apply to every area in the country.
Pros of Living in Saudi Arabia
Earnings are Tax Free
Expats in living in Saudi Arabia are likely there for business purposes. One of the greatest pros that expats find is that their salaries are tax free meaning they get to effectively make 30-40% more than their American counterparts. Contact your employer because if you meet certain criteria, you may not even have to pay US taxes as well.
New Culture to Experience
Saudi Arabia is unlike any place in the USA, so you are bound to have a different experience. Many will find the different culture to be new and interesting compared to the lives they have in the states. Many expats say they enjoyed the culture in Saudi Arabia and that they would definitely come back to visit when they move back to the USA.
Cons of Living in Saudi Arabia
Intense Summers
One of the hardest things to get used to is the intense summer heat. If you are from a cooler area in the USA, adapting to the hot summers in the KSA may take some time. It’s not crazy for temperatures to get over 110 degrees, so definitely get some suntan!
Adapting to New Culture
As with every other country, adapting to the local culture takes some work. If you don’t adapt to the culture there, you may find yourself having a hard time interacting with the community. Definitely take some time to learn because in the worst case you may find yourself on the wrong side of the law.
Start Living in Saudi Arabia Using Schumacher
With the pros and cons of living in Saudi Arabia, there are solid reasons to move here. Even though there are some differences compared to the US, nowhere is perfect. Saudi Arabia has had a large influx in Americans living there for good reason.
If you are moving or thinking about moving, we at Schumacher Cargo Logistics can help you out. With over 40 years of experience, SCL is a premier moving company. From cars to full households, we can ship your goods door to door from the US to anywhere in the country. There are definitely more differences between the KSA and the US, but we’ll let you experience the rest there.
To get started fill out our Online Quote Form
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There are many reasons for living in UAE as an American. In general, the expats living in UAE are professionals that benefit from its growing economy. This means there are many pros to living and working in the UAE. Though not all aspects of life will be the same or better than in the states. Differences in culture and lifestyle can also lead to some cons overseas. Even still, expats living in Dubai or Abu Dhabi currently outnumber the amount of domestic nationals there.
Check out our article on the pros and cons for differences living in the UAE compared to the USA below!
Disclaimer for Living in UAE: Pros and Cons
It is best to start by addressing that there are differences in living all throughout UAE. Living in Dubai, will be different than living in Abu Dhabi, or Sharjah. For this reason, the differences between UAE and USA are broad and may not apply to every area in the country.
Pros of Living in UAE vs USA
UAE is Tax Free with High Earning Potential
Usually the biggest draw for expats is the great opportunity and tax free status. Many times when an expat is offered a job here, they are paid more than they would receive in the USA. The tax free status also increases the amount of money that is yours to spend. Unfortunately you’ll still need to pay some US taxes though.
Very Expat Friendly
Many expats call UAE the Middle East for beginners. While there are some cultural differences, Americans can get by without having to change too much of their lifestyle. Even with only English, many expats have told us that they got through their stay here just fine. Import goods are everywhere, so product choice is also just as vast as in the US if not more. The UAE is also the fairest to women as they have the same constitutional rights as men. This is why the country also has the highest female expat population compared to its neighbor.
Always Something to Do
Living in Dubai and Abu Dhabi offers expats a world of shopping and attractions everywhere you go. Some examples are the largest malls in the world, indoor skiing resorts, suspended aquariums, underwater hotels, and that’s just scratching the surface. Many leave the country saying that there are still things on their to do list.
Cons of Living in UAE vs USA
High Cost of Living
The cost of living in Dubai and Abu Dhabi is high compared to the US and the rest of the world. This issue is enhanced by the excessive spending here. Since many of its goods are imports, you do pay a premium for this choice with more expensive goods. An example of costs that expats tell us all the time is you must pay rent for the year upfront. Even though the cost of living is higher, expats say their increased wages affords them a higher quality of life.
Intense Weather Conditions
Very few people can walk the streets in UAE when the summer days begin. Regular temperatures average greater than 100F and on some of the hottest days it can reach 130F. Unless you are used to living in Arizona heat, this is unbearable for most. Luckily, all buildings are air conditioned and there are a ton of indoor activities. A plus is during the winters the temperature hovers around 60-80F which is quite nice for many.
Some Non-Western Rules
UAE is more tolerant of Western culture than its other neighbors in the Middle East. This doesn’t mean that everything is the same as the US. One rule many expats say is that there is a night scene, but drinking is only allowed in certain areas. In this case just having alcohol in your system is a punishable offence in public. Another is it is illegal to live together or share a hotel room with the opposite sex before marriage. There are a lot of nuanced non-western rules like these to look into before you start living here.
Start Living in UAE Using Schumacher
With the pros and cons of living in UAE, there are solid reasons to move here. Even though there are some differences compared to the US, nowhere is perfect. The UAE has had a large influx in Americans living there for good reason.
If you are moving or thinking about moving, we at Schumacher Cargo Logistics can help you out. With over 40 years of experience, SCL is a premier moving company. From cars to full households, we can ship your goods door to door from the US to anywhere in the country. There are definitely more differences between the UAE and the US, but we’ll let you experience the rest there.
To get started fill out our Online Quote Form
Additional Reading
Schumacher Cargo Logistics Reviews
4.7/5 Based on 5141 Reviews
There are many reasons for living in Qatar as an American. In general, the expats living in Qatar are professionals that benefit from the massive energy industry. This means there are many pros to living and working in Qatar. Though not all aspects of life will be the same or better than in the states. Differences in culture and lifestyle can also lead to some cons overseas.
Check out our article on the pros and cons for differences living in the Qatar below!
Disclaimer for Living in Qatar: Pros and Cons
It is best to start by addressing that there are differences in living all throughout Qatar. Living in Doha, will be different than living in Al Rayyan, or Al Wakrah. For this reason, the differences between Qatar and USA are broad and may not apply to every area in the country.
Pros of Living in Qatar as an American
High Quality of Life in Qatar
The quality of life in Qatar is very high for American expats since salaries are high. In addition, there are no taxes which further increases your take-home. Also many American conveniences and brands are still available, though at a higher price due to import. This means you won’t need to sacrifice much of what you are used to when staying here. A majority of expats tell us they are able to live much better than they do in the states even with the same occupation.
Friendly Expat Community in Qatar
Qatar is a country where expats make up more than half of the population. This leads to large centers for expat events and gatherings. They are very welcoming since they have all gone through the same process of moving here from another country. The size of the city is not large and at times you will run into your friends shopping or relaxing at a local cafe. A small community is great for making friends and many expats report that they’ve made lifelong companions.
Excellent Security
With ample security, Qatar is one of the safest places in the world. One of the benefits of their harsh punishments for crime is there are very few criminals. There are guards almost everywhere including the compounds many expats live in. This makes street moderately safe and expats tell us it is okay to walk alone at night in most areas. A downside to this is if you do commit a crime, punishments are harsh with large fines or deportation being possible for even small offences.
Great Housing Options
Since there has been a boom in expat population, many new expat compounds have opened in the last few years. Also many employers will either house you or find one of these for you to live in once you move. All of these compounds are basically brand new, so you’ll be one of the first ones to live in these homes. Many amenities are also included such as pools, gyms, spas, etc. Though make sure there is air conditioning and maintenance people or else you may find yourself in a very hot situation.
Cons of Living in Qatar as an American
Women Have Less Freedom then Men
Many countries in the Middle East are difficult for women as they have a patriarchal society. This means that women have less authority and yield to men. There is also discrimination when it comes to certain things like government status and segregation at businesses. Even though there is still a preference toward men, Qatar is one of the best places for women expats in the Middle East. Women are permitted to have autonomy and can act independently of a man. Western women don’t need to wear a face cover, although there are still certain apparel restrictions. They can also shop and drive alone, which means more freedom than most of their neighboring countries.
Transportation is Not Easy
Public transit in Qatar has issues where it is unlikely to take you directly to work unless you are very lucky. This leaves you with either driving or having someone drive you everywhere. Many expats end up having to pay a lot in order to get to work, even if gas is very cheap there. After awhile, they usually come to us in order to ship their car to them. It ends up being cheaper to ship a car there and ship it back rather then rent or hire a driver. However if you choose to drive, you need to be very careful as the roads are very wild. People drive crazily, so you will always need to have a close eye on any cars near you.
Intense Summer Weather
If you thought Arizona is bad, just wait until you start living in Qatar. This heat is so bad in the summer season that most people actually just leave the country. When this happens, some business no longer operate and it is a ghost town in many areas. The heat is really that bad. Though the upside of the weather is during the winter months the heat is pretty good. In this case, you can go out for a sunny day event in December.
Start Living in Qatar with Schumacher
With the pros and cons of living in Qatar, there are definitely reasons to move here. Even though there are some downsides, nowhere is perfect. Qatar has had a large influx in Americans living there for good reason.
If you are moving or thinking about moving, we at Schumacher Cargo Logistics can help you out. With over 40 years of experience, SCL is a premier moving company. From cars to full households, we can ship your goods door to door from the US to anywhere in the country. There are definitely more differences between Qatar and the US, but we’ll let you experience the rest there.
To get started fill out our Online Quote Form
Additional Reading
There are many great reasons for living in Italy as an American. Ultimately, it offers a great experience to both expats looking for work and to retire. However, there are pros and cons of living in Italy vs USA to look at first. Not all aspects of life will be better than in America and it is worth it to compare the differences.
Check out our article on the pros and cons for differences living in the Italy below!
Living in Italy: Pros and Cons Disclaimer
One disclaimer to start with is that there are differences in living all throughout Italy. Living in Rome, will be different than Milan, Naples, Turin, etc. For this reason, the differences between Italy and USA are broad and may not apply to every area in the country.
Pros of Living in Italy
There are many pros when living in Italy vs the USA. The fact that so many Americans are living there right now should be a testament to that. We’ve listed some of the many things that expats love when living here.
Amazing Food and Wine
The first things expats write to us about is the amazing food in Italy. Where else can you get the most authentic Italian food, than in the country that created it. From real handmade pastas to authentic margarita pizzas, you’ll be sure to have something incredible to eat here.
Culture and History
With it’s long history and great preservation, Italy retains some of the most famous pieces of history in the world. There are some of the greatest buildings still standing such as the Roman Coliseum or the Leaning Tower of Pisa. It is also home to legendary artists like da Vinci, Michelangelo, and Caravaggio. In Italy, you’ll always be able to experience a little bit of the past anywhere you look.
Easy Home Buying Procedure
For countries like America, Italy offers a reciprocal home buying policy. This means that property is pretty straightforward to buy. Many countries make it much harder for foreigners to buy a home compared to Italy. It becomes much easier to live or retire in Italy if you have a permanent place to stay.
Cons of Living in Italy vs USA
Unfortunately, there are also cons when living in the Italy vs the USA. When living here, many Americans have experiences that are unappealing and detract from the overall experience. We’ve listed some of the many cons expats have told us they experienced while staying here.
Language Barrier for Many Americans
Many people can speak English in the main cities, but generally prefer to speak Italian. This means that when trying to communicate with locals, you may have a hard time. Though there are also many expat communities in Italy if you want to have an English speaking experience.
Expats Still Pay US Taxes
Given that you are an American expat in Italy, you still have to pay income tax to the USA if you make money. You can get rid of your US citizenship and become an Italian citizen, but that is a drastic way to avoid this. Most expats pay the taxes to both countries as many want to return in the future.
Employment Issues
If you are plan on moving here before employment you may have a harder time. Many spouses of expats try to look for work, but struggle to find jobs with the same ease they did in America. People retiring in Italy don’t have to worry about this issue, though it does end up being a big problem for some.
Want to Live in Italy
With the pros and cons of living in Italy, there are definitely reasons to move here. Even though there are downsides, nowhere is perfect. Italy has had a boom in Americans living there for good reason anyways.
If you are moving or thinking about moving, we at Schumacher Cargo Logistics can help you out. With over 40 years of experience, SCL is a premier moving company. From cars to full households, we can ship your goods door to door from the US to anywhere in the country. There are definitely more differences between Italy and the US, but we’ll let you experience the rest while you’re there.
To get started fill out our Online Quote Form or read another of our Italy guides below.
More Italy Guides
Americans moving to the UK will notice various pros and cons of life in the UK compared to the USA. Most of us would think the transition to another English speaking country would be easy. But we all tend to forget about the smaller daily life rituals and cultural differences that may take a little more time to get used to. If you are prepared, and know what to expect, it may help with your move to the UK.
Through our many moves, we’ve heard back from American expats on things they would like to have known before beginning their UK life. To help we’ve compiled some of the major differences for expats acclimating to life in the UK.
A Note About Life in the UK Pros and Cons
Before we begin, it is important to note that there are differences in life throughout the UK. Just like in the US, life can be different depending on the area you are in even within the same country. Living in England will be different than Scotland, Ireland, Wales, etc. The differences for the UK vs USA in our list are broad and may not apply to all areas.
Housing in the UK vs USA
Housing in the UK is different in many ways to the housing you in the states. One of the most notable differences is the size. Houses in the UK are significantly smaller than US houses on average. Beyond size, there are also differences in amenities and appliances. Another housing difference noticeable right away is the outlets use a different plug style. Many bathrooms do not have outlets and if they do they need to be away from the shower/tub. Almost no houses in the UK have air conditioning, while in the US air conditioning is almost standard.
Public Transportation in the UK
Since the UK is pretty interconnected, public transport is usually abundant. This means you can get to where you are going easily without having to drive. In fact it is not uncommon for people to walk 20+ minutes to get to a destination in the UK. You are also free to roam in the UK. You can cross any street anywhere vs the US where you must use the sidewalk and a crosswalk. With most towns not as spread out as in the US it makes sense that people in the UK get out and walk more. In the US, most areas require a car to get around.
Housing in the UK Pros
- Public transport is generally accessible to housing in the UK
- Many large cities offer great amenities nearby
Housing in the UK Cons
- The housing is generally smaller and less roomy
- Different amenities and layouts from homes in the US
Food in the UK vs USA
Cultural differences in what foods are commonplace in the UK vs the US are to be expected. Many food items allowed in the US are actually banned in the UK. Due to differences in regulations, foods by the same name in both the US and UK may have some noticeable differences. One item to show that difference is eggs. In the UK, hens vaccinations are mandatory which makes the eggs safer from salmonella. In the US, this is not the case and is the reason why American eggs need to be refrigerated. There are also interesting cultural difference such as people in the UK use a fork and knife for most meals. Eating a rack of ribs with your hands looks normal in the US, while this could be gross in the UK.
Food in the UK Pros
- Generally safer due to more strict regulation
- Less food additives and preservatives
- Local UK foods that can only be found there
Food in the UK Cons
- Costs on regulated items may be more expensive
- Some food may seem odd coming from America such as haggis
Drinks in the UK vs USA
Many Americans have different drinking habits compared to the UK. A majority of Americans drink soda, while British people drink tea. There is always a surprise for people from the US when their drink arrives with no/less ice. People in the UK believe that ice waters down a drink and is preferable without ice. Sizes are also one size down in the UK. A large there would be a medium in the US.
Drinks in the UK Pros
- Tea is a healthier option compared to soda
Drinks in the UK Cons
- Changes in drinks from soda or coffee to tea may be difficult
Work Culture in the UK vs USA
When Americans go to the UK for work, they are always surprised by the difference in work culture. Employees in the UK generally prioritize work life balance. Many UK companies usually provide 20-30 days of paid time off. In the US there is no minimum requirements for vacation days. Having 10 vacations days per year in the US is considered very good. Conversely, salaries in the US are higher on average and allows more wealth flexibility comparatively. Within life at work, British people have different customs and practices as well. There will generally be a lot of tea, small talk, and it’s common to go to the pub daily after work.
Work Culture in the UK Pros
- More vacation days
- Better work life balance
Work Culture in the UK Cons
- Lower salary for similar jobs
- Need to adjust in new environment for American expats
Want to Live in the UK?
If you are moving or thinking about moving to the UK, Schumacher Cargo Logistics can make it easy. With over 40 years of experience, SCL is the premier moving company to the UK. From cars to full households, we can ship your goods door to door from the US to anywhere in the country.
To get your move to the UK started, fill out our Online Quote Form read another of our UK moving guides below.
Additional UK Guides
Other Pros and Cons Lists
