Europeans enjoy many services and benefits provided by their governments or employers that Americans typically have to pay for out of pocket. From healthcare to higher education, these differences reflect cultural and policy priorities.
Europeans enjoy these benefits thanks to robust social safety nets and collective investment in public goods—a stark contrast to the U.S. system of individual financial responsibility.
Here are 15 things Europeans often get for free that Americans pay for.
Read here how to pack for Europe and Best eSIM for Europe
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Takeaways
Cultural Priorities: Europeans prioritize access to basic needs like healthcare, education, and work-life balance, funded through taxes.
Reduced Financial Stress: These free or subsidized services contribute to greater financial security and well-being.
Lessons for the U.S.: Adopting similar models could reduce inequality and improve quality of life.
1. Healthcare
What Europeans Get:
Most European countries provide universal healthcare funded by taxes, covering doctor visits, hospital stays, and emergency care.
What Americans Pay:
Americans face insurance premiums, deductibles, and co-pays. Even with insurance, medical bills can be significant.
Example:
A hospital visit for a broken leg in Europe might cost nothing, while in the U.S., it can exceed $10,000 without insurance.
2. Prescription Medications
What Europeans Get:
Many European healthcare systems heavily subsidize prescription drugs, making them free or very affordable.
What Americans Pay:
Drug prices are often exorbitant, with out-of-pocket costs depending on insurance coverage.
Example:
Insulin in Europe can cost as little as $10, while in the U.S., it often costs hundreds per month.
3. Higher Education
What Europeans Get:
Public universities in many European countries are free or charge minimal tuition fees.
What Americans Pay:
U.S. college tuition can range from $10,000 to $50,000 annually, leading to massive student debt.
Example:
In Germany, tuition is free for domestic and international students, while in the U.S., student debt averages $37,000.
4. Paid Parental Leave
What Europeans Get:
Many European countries mandate paid maternity and paternity leave, often lasting several months.
What Americans Pay:
The U.S. has no federal paid leave policy; parents must rely on unpaid leave or employer-specific benefits.
Example:
Sweden offers up to 480 days of paid parental leave, while many American parents receive none.
5. Childcare Subsidies
What Europeans Get:
Free or subsidized childcare is common in Europe, easing financial burdens for families.
What Americans Pay:
Childcare costs in the U.S. average $10,000–$15,000 annually per child.
Example:
France provides nearly free childcare, while U.S. families often face unaffordable daycare fees.
6. Paid Vacation Days
What Europeans Get:
Workers in Europe are legally entitled to 4–6 weeks of paid vacation annually.
What Americans Pay:
Paid vacation is not guaranteed in the U.S., and many workers receive only 10–14 days, if any.
Example:
In Italy, workers get at least 20 paid vacation days by law.
7. Public Transportation Subsidies
What Europeans Get:
Public transit systems are often subsidized, with free or discounted fares for certain groups like students or seniors.
What Americans Pay:
Public transit in the U.S. is less subsidized, and many cities lack affordable or efficient options.
Example:
Seniors in the UK travel free on public buses, while Americans pay full fares.
8. Sick Leave
What Europeans Get:
Sick leave is guaranteed and paid in most European countries, often with no limit for genuine illness.
What Americans Pay:
Paid sick leave is not mandated in the U.S., leaving many workers unpaid or risking their jobs when ill.
Example:
In Germany, employees receive up to six weeks of full pay during illness.
9. University Textbooks
What Europeans Get:
Textbooks are often included in the cost of education or freely available through public libraries.
What Americans Pay:
U.S. college students spend an average of $1,200 annually on textbooks.
Example:
In Scandinavian countries, educational materials are often free.
10. Public Parks and Museums
What Europeans Get:
Many parks and museums are free to enter, preserving access to culture and nature.
What Americans Pay:
Admission fees for museums or parks can add up, especially in major cities.
Example:
The British Museum in London is free, while American museums often charge $20–$30.
11. Public Restrooms
What Europeans Get:
Public restrooms are widely available and free in many places.
What Americans Pay:
In the U.S., finding a free public restroom is often challenging, with many requiring a purchase.
Example:
In Nordic countries, restrooms in train stations or malls are typically free.
12. Energy Efficiency Upgrades
What Europeans Get:
Governments often subsidize or provide grants for energy-efficient home upgrades like solar panels or better insulation.
What Americans Pay:
While some incentives exist, many Americans bear the full cost of these upgrades.
Example:
Germany’s government offers subsidies for green home renovations.
13. University Housing
What Europeans Get:
Student housing is often subsidized, making it affordable or free for students.
What Americans Pay:
U.S. students can spend $10,000–$20,000 annually on dorms or off-campus housing.
Example:
French students benefit from subsidized housing through programs like CROUS.
14. Legal Aid
What Europeans Get:
Free or low-cost legal aid is available for individuals in need, ensuring access to justice.
What Americans Pay:
Legal fees in the U.S. can be prohibitively expensive without private insurance or pro bono assistance.
Example:
In the UK, legal aid covers criminal and civil cases for low-income individuals.
15. High-Quality Tap Water
What Europeans Get:
Clean, drinkable tap water is widely available, reducing reliance on bottled water.
What Americans Pay:
Americans often purchase bottled water due to safety concerns or personal preference.
Example:
In Switzerland, tap water is not only free but of exceptional quality.
About the Author: Ruben, co-founder of Gamintraveler.com since 2014, is a seasoned traveler from Spain who has explored over 100 countries since 2009. Known for his extensive travel adventures across South America, Europe, the US, Australia, New Zealand, Asia, and Africa, Ruben combines his passion for adventurous yet sustainable living with his love for cycling, highlighted by his remarkable 5-month bicycle journey from Spain to Norway. He currently resides in Spain, where he continues sharing his travel experiences with his partner, Rachel, and their son, Han.