Countries with lower taxes and a better quality of living?

I’m currently stuck in Denmark, and it feels like I’m in a never ending financial tug of war with the government, saying goodbye to 50% of my hard earned cash each month. Add a 25% VAT on everything and throw in some hefty taxes on utilities, electricity etc, and you’ve got a situation that has me questioning if this is the life I signed up for.

Living in a place where the cold weather feels like an extra tax on happiness, I’m craving a change.

I’m all about individualism, self-sufficiency, and independence. So here’s the big question: Where in the world are you guys finding that sweet spot between low taxes and a great quality of life?

As I contemplate my escape plan, Cyprus, Portugal, and Dubai are on my radar. I dream of living in a country where taxes don’t feel like daylight robbery. But, and it’s a big ‘but,’ my online income isn’t quite flexing its muscles enough for a move to the streets of Dubai just yet.

So, where are you residing? What’s the tax scene like in your corner of the world? Are you doing a happy dance every payday, or are you, like me, wistfully staring at your bank statement, wondering where all your money went?

And let’s not forget the living conditions. On a scale of 1 to 10, how would you rate your overall quality of life?

I’m not just asking for my benefit, this is a collective quest for a better lifestyle.

Your input is greatly appreciated!

(Just to be crystal clear, I’m not fishing for a lecture on why I should be grateful for my current Danish situation or any unrelated personal opinions. If your input doesn’t contribute constructively, save it for another time.)

  • makeinomyourgreentea@alien.topB
    link
    fedilink
    English
    arrow-up
    1
    ·
    10 months ago

    Go to the Philippines. Lower taxes, and good quality of life outside Manila as long as you have a house, car, and lots of money.

    Just be careful with getting sick or accidents because your savings will run out after a trip to the hospital (even with insurance) 😂

    Also, don’t expect good functioning social benefits anywhere.

    • SargeUnited@alien.topB
      link
      fedilink
      English
      arrow-up
      1
      ·
      10 months ago

      Any experience with regular dental and chiropractic care?

      I’ve long accepted that in a major accident, I will die. Anywhere in the world.

      • makeinomyourgreentea@alien.topB
        link
        fedilink
        English
        arrow-up
        1
        ·
        10 months ago

        Dental & Chiropractic care are everywhere. Most are not covered by insurance. Expensive for the locals but definitely cheaper for expats lol

        Yeah. But if you won’t die in an accident, that means thousands of dollars in medical fees.

        • SargeUnited@alien.topB
          link
          fedilink
          English
          arrow-up
          1
          ·
          10 months ago

          Any good recommendations in Gensan? Dm if you prefer. I’m looking for a regular chiropractor and I don’t know anyone who uses them around here. So I can just google it but ehhh

      • makeinomyourgreentea@alien.topB
        link
        fedilink
        English
        arrow-up
        1
        ·
        10 months ago

        Yeah but based on his post, I guess he wants to a citizen of other country.

        Hopefully he won’t give up his Denmark Citizenship tho because when he gets old and sick, he definitely needs the social benefits of that country.

        That’s what expats who live in the Philippines do.

        • RoamanXO@alien.topB
          link
          fedilink
          English
          arrow-up
          1
          ·
          10 months ago

          OP has said nothing about giving up his citizenship. And no country on this planet will grant him another one for being a ‘digital nomad’.

            • RoamanXO@alien.topB
              link
              fedilink
              English
              arrow-up
              1
              ·
              10 months ago

              Almost every country works the same in this regard. In most cases, you become a country’s tax resident by staying there for more than 180 days within a year. Then you pay their local income tax (if applicable).

              • makeinomyourgreentea@alien.topB
                link
                fedilink
                English
                arrow-up
                1
                ·
                10 months ago

                For PH, if we got Digital Nomad Visa in Spain for example , we won’t have to pay taxes in the Philippines anymore since we’re not operating in the Philippines.

                But we do have to pay taxes in Spain which I don’t really mind.