Is Life Better in the US or Europe? | NYC vs Paris
In the latest installment of my channel, I dive deep into the age-old question: Is life better in the US or Europe? Join me as I compare two of the world’s most iconic cities—New York City and Paris—through my personal lens. Having spent six transformative years in Manhattan and now two enriching years in the heart of Paris, I’ve witnessed firsthand the unique charms and challenges each city offers.
In this video, I explore some of the biggest stereotypes surrounding life in NYC versus Paris. With a spirit of adventure and openness, I dissect aspects like work culture, healthcare, cultural vibrancy, and cost of living. Each city has its strengths and weaknesses, and my insights are drawn from personal experiences living in the bustling 9ème and 4ème arrondissements of Paris.
Whether you’ve dreamed of the fast-paced life in NYC or the romantic allure of Paris, this video is an invitation to think critically about what makes a city feel like home. I encourage you to share your thoughts in the comments: Where do you think life is better—NYC or Paris? Let’s spark a lively conversation!
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Join me on this journey, and let’s discuss what truly makes life special in these two vibrant cities!
Watch the video by Elena Taber
Video “Is life better in the US or Europe? | NYC vs Paris” was uploaded on 01/31/2026. Watch all the latest Videos by Elena Taber on Gretopia

































excellent and very fair comparison. and you know what just blew my mind?? life expectancy in paris and nyc are actually THE SAME! both are around 83y 😮😮😮 relly surprising, considering average in the US is just 77.
I think the biggest and most important difference is that one is still a democracy and one is slowly but surely becoming an autocracy…
Hey, Elena. I love your videos and value what you have to say, but the lack of dedicated mic makes it hard to hear the value you’re trying to share. I’m struggling to understand and not get distracted by all the room reverb.
I’d love to hear your words better. Even using the free Adobe AI podcast cleanup tool would help this so much. Your video and editing is so good. Just need to get the audio to match it!
Your words matter. Give them the attention and care they deserve.
Hope this comes across well. Can’t wait for the next video! 🫶
France is no longer France…. and New York is gonna the same path with this new Mayor …. Be aware ! https://youtu.be/f6-zhxpNsVQ?si=DeQXdOQv8JQ3lUCl
In the US tinme is money everywhere else, no one case
it’s so so interesting to hear, as a french person i totally agree with you on the french side!
Crazy how different are circles are in NYC. Most my friends have more like 4 weeks off (I have 6 weeks). Also can't believe you didn't mention "summer fridays", which is such a NYC thing! For those who don't know, it can range from at best have fridays off Memorial day weekend (late may) to Labor day weekend (early September) to having half days Fourth of July to Labor day.
Cost the living in NYC is much higher obviously, but our salaries are also like twice as much as what they are in Paris. I'm guessing you were still earning US dollars and working with US brands so yes, to you, Paris would be much more affordable.
I feel like it's kinda crazy to post a vid like this right now. Like America is ruled by fascists and is going to shit. Likeeeeeee I don't know. Maybe just me though.
I get you wanna post about this stuff, but maybe with some awareness and advocacy would be cool too.
What you described about relationships is often depicted with the peach/coconut model. Some cultures are peaches, and some are coconuts.
Coconuts – Hard on the outside, takes time to get to the good part, but once you're in, they're loyal.
Peaches – Warm and fuzzy on the outside to strangers, yet guards the deep stuff for more private relationships.
totally agree with you about Paris, thank you for sharing – I really enjoyed this xx
So glad we've been able to live in France and the US!
Morning wow amazing work on this video
Great video but I don’t think you factored in politics
Aw i really loved this video!💛
wish you had a mic, this is really hard to listen to 🙁
It was really interesting to hear, in Germany we are quite the same like the Parisians in terms of friendships. Two years ago I was in the California and i looooved the friendly and open people there. There were so many situations where the Californian people helped us and been so nice – it would neeeeever happen in Germany that way 😂😂😂
ADDENDUM by a French citizen living pretty much their whole life in France and few years now in Paris : dont forget to take everything with a grain of salt as she is speaking from an American pov with white passing privilege and huge financial ressources that average people here don't have. Life is always easier and smooth when you are not panicking at the end of the month like many French people actually do. Meanwhile everything she says about the difficulties to "be a part of" or "having friends" here is so real.
One of the advantages of living in Europe(I live in Germany), is that you are sometimes a train ride or short flight away from other cities. A weekend getaway Friday after work, returning on Sunday? amazing all the places you can visit. If you plan in advance, train tickets are also not so expensive. Nice Video! 🙂
Very fair and honest video… good job!
maryam kaite youtube channel
Super interesting!!❤
I lived in NYC for 2 years and now in Berlin for 2 years and I can definitely relate to a lot of this! I still miss the energy of NYC so much, but there are also so many things to appreciate here in Berlin. I still can't figure out where I want to be long term 🙂
Since you're now in Paris, it's better in Europe. ☺
Life can be good in both places. There are differences. I love living in the USA for many reasons, but I enjoy being in Europe short-term.
I loved this video. Since your TikTok say you are living in London, would you do another series on London? I love the comparisons. Very interesting!