[electrograv]

> However, you get health care out of that and can retire early with a lowered risk in terms of health issues.

I’m not aware of any major tech company in the US that doesn’t offer excellent health insurance and retirement plans. And the quality and availability of healthcare in the US is arguably the best in the world, if you are insured (that’s the ‘catch’ I suppose).

[jeffwilcox]

Modern American tech firms only offer insurance while you work for them, it is not a lifetime benefit. As a result, you stop working, you need to go hunting and paying for your own healthcare.

[jekdoce]

If you decide to retire early (say 50), before medicare kicks in (at 65), then you are on the hook to buy insurance yourself. That's maybe the difference between US and Europe that the above commenter refers to.

[foldr]

You still have to factor in the cost of medications, doctor's visits, etc. etc., which can run pretty high even with a good plan.