The older I get, the more I see how tough life in America can be compared to elsewhere in the western world. No universal healthcare, underfunded or expensive education, high gun crime, people are overworked with minimal maternity leave and holidays... Yet it’s glamourised a lot.

I think the US is a great place to live if you’re financially comfortable or rich. If your income is average or you’re poor, it’s definitely a different experience. My US friends who are well travelled always have a different view of the states versus my US friends who aren’t.

Growing up, many of my British friends (including myself), always wanted to move to America. Largely based off what we saw on TV. But for many of us, our view has changed with age. Why is America pushed as the greatest nation in the West when so many Americans are suffering?

A few shocking facts:

Average annual healthcare cover:
UK: £0
US: $4,000

Average cost to give birth as a citizen:
UK: £0
US: $10,000

Full time worker average paid holiday:
UK: 28 days government mandated
US: 7.6 days (0 days mandated)

Statutory maternity leave:
UK: 39 weeks paid
US: 12 weeks unpaid

Homicide gun deaths per 100,000:
UK: 0.06
US: 4.4

Incarceration rate per 100,000:
UK: 142
US: 737

Average household debt inc mortages:
UK: £60,000
US: $137,000