USA, Canada /
Would like to move back to Poland from New York after living in USA for 20 years. [155]
Well for me it has been 23 years. I lived all over the world, Europe, USA and Asia and I have to say it doesn't matter where you live and how much you earn you will have to pay the same bills just in a different currency.
For example if you earn (just an example):
2000PLN, 2000$ or 2000EUR, you still have to pay 1000PLN/1000$ or 1000EUR in rent somewhere and you will have still the same expensive just in a different currency.
I did some research in the last two weeks (expenses are based on what I've paid in the States, Washington State, Germany and Poland is based on my friends expenses)
POLAND/ USA / GERMANY
Income 2500PLN / 2500U$ / 2500EUR
Internet/phone/TV is 100PLN / $99 / 80EUR
rent for a good size apt is 1300PLN / $1200 / 800EUR
car insurance 130PLN / $ 150 / 250EUR
Gas/Water 80PLN / $ 120 / 60EUR
The only difference is when you travel from Germany to Poland you have 4 times as much money to spend/invest, if you from the USA you have 3 times as much money to spend/invest than the locals, so you are a little rich for limited time in Poland.
I have also researched buying/building homes and buying cars. The homes and cars have Western European prices (Homes 350.000PLN, Audi 108.000PLN) meaning they are expensive for Polish people and for you if you decide to move.
For me I will keep working, enjoying my daily life and save so I can move back and have enough money cash to buy myself new cars. Because I love having a new car every few years :-)
I hope these numbers can be of some help to some of you.:-)
Cheers,