Why is the Cost of Almost Everything in the United States More Expensive than Ireland

 

One of the downsides - and the only one I can think of - is the 'high' price of almost everything. Buying or leasing a home or apartment in any Large Irish City or large town

(think Dublin, Galway, Killarney or Cork) has become PROHIBITIVELY expensive. Renting or buying in Rural Ireland (a village such as Eyeries) is almost Impossible! In Eyeries, as one example, Planning Laws along the coast of Southwest Ireland prohibit almost anyone from building new homes, apartment blocks or any 'tall' structure that might change the coastline or coastal view. The average price to rent a small cottage with a sea view (like mine) is well over $1000 per month. Which isn't much compared to what you'd pay in the United States.

    As another example: if I rented the house I'm in right now in Crystal Lake, Illinois, the price would be $2,200 or a little more. This rental would be fully furnished (as mine is) but would not have the views or the scenery of a coastal home in Ireland.

    In researching the cost of housing in many estates across the area north of Chicago, I find that most homes and apartments cost much more than most small towns in Ireland. Why the discrepancy? A few reasons:

    First, this area is within an easy drive or train ride from the heart of Chicago. This means that prices have been forced up as more people move into Estates near where I live to have an easy commute into the City (one of the largest Cities in the U.S.)  In turn, the area has proven to be a 'magnet' that draws in more shopping centres, strip malls, restaurants and petrol stations. As the population increases, more homes and apartments have been built, but that does NOT seem to have met the demand.

THE TARIFF CRISIS IN THE UNITED STATES

    As everyone now knows, Trump has raised Tariffs to outlandish rates. Tariffs against Canada is increasing the price of wood and petrol, to name two items. Most U.S. homes and other buildings are made of wood (as well as concrete, steel, plastic and a few other necessary products). ALL of these products are being hit by Trump Tariffs. This means, of course, that the price of new homes is going up. Which also means (because families and individuals still have to live somewhere) that the price of renting a home or apartment, or buying any industrial building, will also go up.

    The U.S. economy is, in great part, driven by the Automobile Industry. Yet, the price of a new car is about the same as Ireland. Pick a car! I recently visited a number of Car / Truck Sales Showrooms just to 'kick the rubber' as they say in America. Yes, there are some really good deals still to be had. For instance, a Brand New Toyota Corolla costs just over $20,000. That price does not inlcude a Trade In, and can also be negotiated. That particular vehicle is MUCH less expensive than a similar New Toyota bought in Ireland.

    BUT, Tariffs will also affect the price of any new vehicle bought in the United States. Car Parts, Tyres, the process of Assembly - all will increase significantly. Dealerships around the U.S. are preparing for this. Some dealers that I talked to are very, very worried about sales in the Mid-Term. What's also crazy is that the price of a Good Used Car will also increase significantly and for the same reasons as housing. Most people here have to drive. While there's a good train system in many parts of America, this country is HUGE. Many people live in areas that are not served by trains or buses or any other kind of public transport. 

    I live a good 10 minute drive from a train that can take me into Chicago. I own a car out of necessity. While I could take an Uber to the train, it simply makes no sense. In many ways, it's like living in Rural Ireland. Without a car, I'm stuck. And I know damned well that the price of everything related to cars is bound to go up. From the cost of maintenance, to new tyres, to a U.S. gallon of Petrol (which is also being affected by Tariffs).

WHAT ELSE IS MORE EXPENSIVE

Just about everything! The price at a reasonably good restaurant for one person is now well over $20.00. While the portion sizes are large, I'd rather pay for a small plate of food. In Ireland, we can order Half-Portions of almost everyting. Even a Big Mac is more expensive than Ireland, as is a Burger King Whopper. When I talk to Americans about the high prices of almost anything, they'll say to me: "Tom, prices are going through the roof again. Money is like water. If I pay with cash, I find that I run out of cash in no time. And as for my other bills? They're out of sight now!"

    Some things here are the same as the prices in Ireland. For instance, I now have a contract with Xfinity. The monthly price for WiFi, Cable TV including Netflix and my mobile phone with some long distance calls and texts cost me about the same as it does in Ireland. Too, some things here are a real steal. Public Libraries cost me nothing at all. If I shop at Aldi (rather than a 'regular' grocery store) or Walmart, prices can be about the same as Ireland for many things. But even bread is a bit more expensive here. So is milk, eggs, coffee and anything having chocolate in it. 

    Another great place to get deals on food is at Patel Brothers. This HUGE Indian Grocery store is filled with everything you need except a delicatesan where you can buy fresh meat (Indians don't eat beef - but they do eat chicken and pork). The prices there are very, very reasonable. I've been two times so far and I'll go again. They sell the best and freshest Vegatables and fruit that I've ever seen or tasted. Too, they have an incredible selection of rice, spices, great buscuits, bread, canned goods and many other items. And their bakery is to die for!

    Under Trump, this country has changed for the worse, not the better. Prices will continue to go up for as long as the President insists on imposing new Tariffs. Too, the stock market right now is all over the place. This means that businesses can't plan on any kind of expansion for the foreseeable future. While inflation seems to be under control for now, there's a good chance of a major global recession, or so says many Global Banks and their Chief Executives.

    For that reason, many people are cutting back on what they spend. While restaurants remain full and people continue to demand good entertainment (such as watching Films either at home or at their local Cinemas, reading books that they either buy or take from their Library, playing Golf or other forms of exercise, and seeing their favourite teams by going to the local Ball Club Fields) they are also Tightening Their Belts. That's what I'm doing right now. I'm waiting to see what will happen over the next six months.

    For years, the Irish have called their country "Rip-off Ireland". That may well be true at least in the past (I do know that prices for many things purchased in Ireland, from the EU or from any other country in the world will go up. That's also the result of Tariffs). But what constantly amazes me in the U.S. is that the price of most things (including medicines and certain medical related requirements such as a doctor's visit or going for Physical Therapy) is MUCH more expensive than Ireland (unless you're able to buy good Insurance which is ALSO EXPENSIVE). 

    The Irish and most Europeans pay a great deal in tax. But in the United States, most people pay even more tax! Yet they seem to get much less here for their 'tax dollar' than we get for our 'euro tax'. 

    Eventually, I'll include most of these details in a new novel that I'm writing. Too, if you'd like to see our New Mood Movie for Lost Lovers...or HOW MY FIANCE LOST ME 3 TIMES ON MY WILD JOURNEY AROUND THE WORLD (the Mood Movie gives you some idea of this hystical comedy romance) then do feel free to visit our website: Storylinesent.com. 

    Many thanks again for reading. And to all of my friends both in America and in Ireland, I wish you a fond farewell. Tom