[viraptor]

> so car ownership is much more expensive

That's kind of the point. A significant part of my hometown takes a bus to work and shops in a walking distance from home. There's just not that much need for the cars in the first place.

> usually no AC

Among other generalisations, this is the most striking. Where in the EU? Due to the climate, I don't think anyone in my hometown has any need for AC. On the other hand, every block of flats has hydronic heating which regarding comfort and cost is way better than what is common in other countries.

Things like that are just not comparable at a scale of a continent.