If you had to choose between a fat savings account or a shorter commute and better weather, which would you pick? I’m currently weighing two job offers: one in Lisbon with a lower salary but amazing lifestyle perks, and one in Amsterdam that pays nearly double but has a terrifying housing market. I want the sun, but I also want to actually be able to retire one day.

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It’s a very personal choice. In my early career, I chose to do consulting out of my Midwestern hometown over NYC or another major US city, since my consulting firm paid the same salary across the country. I chose the lower cost-of-living (my rent was a third of NYC) and a fuller bank account over living somewhere more exciting during my 20s. It was 100% the right choice for me, but our office was entirely people that grew up there looking to save or people needing H-1Bs looking for less competition to get into consulting.

Decide based on what is going to make you happier. I got my MBA in Europe, and loved living there although it was expensive. I’m now living as an expat in my spouse’s hometown, which is a major city in APAC. It has stupidly high cost-of-living, so I’m financially not feeling comfortable, and I just don’t love it like my European MBA city. However, I know plenty of expats that love living here.

My point is, do your due diligence on cost-of-living. The Euros saved at the end of each paycheck is what matters in terms of your long-term financial security. Rate both cities on any other criteria that matters to you, then choose which is going to make you happier.

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