We have had some of the same experiences here in Switzerland with the price of eating out.
The current state of our thinking is lunch out offers better value for money. We try to support the neighbourhood restaurants or rather village restaurants. Not all quite as pedestrian as Rocco’s new home in Barcelona. More often than not with dinner prices, we feel aggrieved and somewhat overcharged.
Makes us look forward to semi-retirement in South Africa. My estimate is that the price difference from Switzerland to Europe outside of major cities like Meilen is a reduction by 50%, and then to South Africa, generally another reduction of 50%. Making Switzerland four times as expensive as South Africa. We are certainly looking forward to those prices in the southern hemisphere.
really enjoyed this, the cost of eating out these days is ridiculous in the USA. We really enjoy it but, even on two strong salaries, we can't afford it. I could go down a rabbit hole of the other unaffordable parts of Los Angeles but know that isn't the topic of this post. Looking forward to diving into your other posts about life outside the US. I have a newsletter called "Experimenting Away In LA", would love if you check it out as I write about amazing food here on the cheap, but also leaning into finance pieces as well.
So exciting to see your friends out there and know that they are not too far away for more frequent visits. I could not be more happy for how things are coming together for you. If you need some Trader Joes comparisons, I have a TJ's a few blocks away where I shop frequently.
Speaking of shocking prices! -A sudden increase in immigration minimum requirements on income and healthcare, along with eliminating the two visas for opening a small business, have temporarily paused my plans to move (both Ireland and UK). I say temporary as I scramble to find other options. Looks as though they are trying to stop immigration, even for those of us that would be contributing members. What I wouldn't give for a Digital Nomad Visa right now... and a country that says We Want You To Come Here!
I had a latte, three egg whites, sour dough toast, and two sausage patties for $19, not including tip (which by the way, when the server brought back a ten-dollar bill she asked if I needed change for the tip).
A couple days ago we did a sushi run for my birthday. We had a boat for two, a couple beers, and a green tea. Total cost: $101 without tip; we tipped heavily because we had great service and the server threw in a smile or two for good measure.
Yesterday we tried a new fast food that caters to healthy. I had a tofu and quinoa bowl, my husband had a noodle bowl with chicken and veggies; not including the highly encouraging tip jar that the cashier kept fooling with as he went over our order asking if we would like anything else... Total cost: $30 (we didn't tip, bad luck if you shame me at a fast food to tip, what exactly did you do other than your job?).
This all took place in Nowhere, USA, closest "metropolitan area" is 43.7 miles away where these same delicacies are no less expensive, and not any more fresh.
I'm in the service industry so I'm very dependent on tips, but the one thing I learned over the years is that I should do a little more than rote work if I want to get a nice tip... and even then, no guarantees.
I can't wait to explore this new lifestyle we're seeking, no matter where we end up. Things here are now are not only expensive but many times annoying.
We have had some of the same experiences here in Switzerland with the price of eating out.
The current state of our thinking is lunch out offers better value for money. We try to support the neighbourhood restaurants or rather village restaurants. Not all quite as pedestrian as Rocco’s new home in Barcelona. More often than not with dinner prices, we feel aggrieved and somewhat overcharged.
Makes us look forward to semi-retirement in South Africa. My estimate is that the price difference from Switzerland to Europe outside of major cities like Meilen is a reduction by 50%, and then to South Africa, generally another reduction of 50%. Making Switzerland four times as expensive as South Africa. We are certainly looking forward to those prices in the southern hemisphere.
really enjoyed this, the cost of eating out these days is ridiculous in the USA. We really enjoy it but, even on two strong salaries, we can't afford it. I could go down a rabbit hole of the other unaffordable parts of Los Angeles but know that isn't the topic of this post. Looking forward to diving into your other posts about life outside the US. I have a newsletter called "Experimenting Away In LA", would love if you check it out as I write about amazing food here on the cheap, but also leaning into finance pieces as well.
So exciting to see your friends out there and know that they are not too far away for more frequent visits. I could not be more happy for how things are coming together for you. If you need some Trader Joes comparisons, I have a TJ's a few blocks away where I shop frequently.
Speaking of shocking prices! -A sudden increase in immigration minimum requirements on income and healthcare, along with eliminating the two visas for opening a small business, have temporarily paused my plans to move (both Ireland and UK). I say temporary as I scramble to find other options. Looks as though they are trying to stop immigration, even for those of us that would be contributing members. What I wouldn't give for a Digital Nomad Visa right now... and a country that says We Want You To Come Here!
You'll find a way. The goalposts seem to shift on this stuff regularly. It's nerve-racking.
Luckily I took a picture of a Trader Joe's receipt! So that's coming soon. I should a couple more images of receipts on my phone.
I had a latte, three egg whites, sour dough toast, and two sausage patties for $19, not including tip (which by the way, when the server brought back a ten-dollar bill she asked if I needed change for the tip).
A couple days ago we did a sushi run for my birthday. We had a boat for two, a couple beers, and a green tea. Total cost: $101 without tip; we tipped heavily because we had great service and the server threw in a smile or two for good measure.
Yesterday we tried a new fast food that caters to healthy. I had a tofu and quinoa bowl, my husband had a noodle bowl with chicken and veggies; not including the highly encouraging tip jar that the cashier kept fooling with as he went over our order asking if we would like anything else... Total cost: $30 (we didn't tip, bad luck if you shame me at a fast food to tip, what exactly did you do other than your job?).
This all took place in Nowhere, USA, closest "metropolitan area" is 43.7 miles away where these same delicacies are no less expensive, and not any more fresh.
I'm in the service industry so I'm very dependent on tips, but the one thing I learned over the years is that I should do a little more than rote work if I want to get a nice tip... and even then, no guarantees.
I can't wait to explore this new lifestyle we're seeking, no matter where we end up. Things here are now are not only expensive but many times annoying.
That breakfast! Looks amazing!I haven't been to Barcelona since 1998 and this shook my nostalgia hard.
It really is great here. Such a bustling city. But so easy to get to know and get around.