When Americans discovered what a “good” pay in the UK is, they were taken aback.
And because of the sharp differences in how each country handles living expenses, it has caused a bit of a rift between TikTok users in the two countries.
Given that the NHS provides free treatment to us Brits and that we have different demands when it comes to spending money, it’s already inevitable that there will be inequalities.
Naturally, though, Americans like the opportunity to contrast themselves with (and assert that they are superior to) us.
Someone from the UK sent a “money chart” to a TikToker who “reveals how people spend money,” which broke down their income and displayed their expenses.
The chart was created by a person earning £30,000 a year.
That was previously the average for the UK according to Forbes.
“This is a good salary in the UK?” limmy0705 exclaimed, pointing out that it works out at roughly $40,000 – saying people in the US would think of you as ‘broke’.
The Brits make £17,000 from a part-time job and an additional £14,400 from their landlord, so that £30,000 isn’t their main source of income.
The TikToker is shocked to see that he is paying £18,000 on rent, which is “more than half of your full-time income,” out of his £61,800 budget.
“People say over here that you’re doing a good job if you’re keeping the amount of money that you spend on rent less than 30 percent of your income,” he slams.
However, as the majority of renters in many UK cities are aware, it isn’t exactly a simple undertaking.
British users in the comments were quick to say, “I’ll take my free health care, lower cost of living, free university and free prescriptions.”
Others stated that they consider £30,000 to be “average” and “livable,” rather than a fantastic pay.
According to Forbes, the top 10% of Britons make £59,200 or more annually, which is a significant increase from what the Americans are criticising us for.
According to Demandsage, the average yearly salary in the United States is $61,984 (£42,6000).
Additionally, according to a GoBankingRates.com survey, the majority of American people stated that they think it will be feasible to live comfortably in 2025 with an income between $75,000 (£56,000) and $100,000 (£75,000). Therefore, it makes sense why they are so taken aback by this individual’s £30,000 income.
However, everyone’s definition of “comfortable” can vary greatly, not to mention our varying expenses. “Brits don’t pay $12 (£9) for six eggs,” one person did note.
Another hit is “You get paid more so you can pay your medical bills lmao.”
On Reddit, another wrote: “But also, the US is a more competitive place and less worker friendly than the UK, some of that higher pay reflects longer working days, less holidays, at-will employment, less leave with respect to bereavement, parenthood, and general higher expectations of work.”
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