9 Mundane Items That Americans See as Luxuries

Americans might be surprised to discover that many items and services considered luxuries in the U.S. are easily accessible and affordable in other countries, particularly in Europe. From healthcare to public transportation, several things that are expensive or hard to come by in the U.S. are a standard part of everyday life elsewhere.

Vacation Days

In the US, 28 million workers lack paid vacation. Americans usually get 5 days of leave in their first working year which extends to 10-14 days in the second year and so onwards. It is a stark contrast to Europe where at least 4 weeks of paid leave is guaranteed. Over half the US employees work during their PTO and millions of vacation days go unused annually due to work pressure. 

Decent Quality Chocolates

Finding decent-quality chocolates can be challenging in the US. Many products contain excessive sugar and less cocoa compared to European countries. Allegations suggest some American producers use processes like controlled lipolysis. It results in an unpleasant taste reminiscent of vomit. 

Quality of Work Life

Europeans typically enjoy better work benefits from the start, contrasting with the US where such perks often require years of tenure. This leads to the lack of a proper work-life balance in the country. For instance, the weekly working hours in France is 35 hours. It provides ample time for personal pursuits compared to the average American work week of 40 hours or more. 

Comprehensive Healthcare Coverage

With US healthcare spending reaching $4.5 trillion in 2022, averaging $13,493 per person, comprehensive coverage remains in luxury. In comparison, other wealthy countries spend less than half on healthcare per person. This difference underscores the challenges Americans face in accessing affordable healthcare as compared to their European counterparts. 

Gaps in Bathroom Stalls

Unlike in Europe, where bathroom stall doors offer more privacy, US stalls often feature noticeable gaps between the door and the frame. This design flaw reflects differences in construction practices and regulations. American builders prioritize cost savings over user comfort and privacy. 

Towel-warmer Racks and Heated Floors

Towel-warmer racks and heated floors, commonly found in Europe are a rarity in the US. This is because of the design preferences and cultural norms. American bathroom designs typically prioritize cost-efficient over luxury amenities. Consequently, many American households miss out on the comfort and luxury of stepping onto warm floors or using heated towels after bathing.

Bidets

Bidets are rare in the US due to plumbing differences and cultural habits favoring toilet papers. In contrast, Europe offers more hygienic and environmentally friendly options. The disparity showcases how even basic bathroom amenities vary, making bidets a luxury in America.

Real Farmers Markets

Farmers’ markets were initially a cost-effective option for fresh produce in the US. However, they now offer goods priced similarly to supermarkets. This has resulted in a steady decline of these markets. 

Moreover, this shift is influenced by factors such as increased labor cost, organic farming practices, and consumer demand for locally sourced products. 

Ticket Prices for Movies

The average movie ticket prices in the US have risen steadily over the years. It is included by factors like inflation, production costs, and industry consolidations. In the 1980s, the average movie-ticket price was $2.69, while today it stands at $10.53. The surge in ticket prices makes movie outings significantly more expensive and a less leisure activity for many Americans.