That isn't the question in this thread though. The question is if you are on net better in the UK vs the US inclusive of taxes, healthcare expenses and salary differences. You get more for your money in the UK, but if you more than that difference for the same job (net of taxes), you could still come out ahead, as an individual. Society as a whole might be worse on some measures (due to the gaps in coverage for many in the US, or the hassle of the whole thing, the behavioral influences and impact of avoiding preventative care, the risk of falling into a scenario where you aren't covered and the anxiety of that risk). There are many downsides. But if you make enough then at some point that covers those risks. The salary gap has gotten sufficiently high that the break-even appoint seems to be somewhere at middle-level salaries now, not jut the high end.