Quoted from MtnFrost:Ruling out Europe seems rather rash, given that most countries there and in places like Australia and New Zealand have a far better quality of life
Quoted from Ryguy80:I confess I watch the YouTube videos where people are walking around city streets of different countries filming what they see. Kind of gives you a taste of what other countries are like.
Confess I like those videos too, it is interesting to try to get a feel for what the average lifestyle is like around the globe
When it comes to the best place to live, there is no list than would do justice to the question because the answer is always what is best for your circumstance. For instance, Most of the countries that have a higher quality of life in these lists have higher taxes, that is what creates a bigger middle class (which is what is really raising their averages). It also means that everyone has less material goods (things cost more, housing is smaller, less pinballs), which may or not be important to you, and things like health care are free (but the queues can be longer for certain things). I have healthcare through my military service (e.g. I earned it through service) so I understandable am less excited about paying for someone else's. Given the safety net in these countries, unemployment rates can be higher too, which you may or may not like, especially since you will probably be working as a requirement of entry.
I like having a large pinball collection, something that would be difficult at my income level in Europe. Conversely, cost of living is generally less in a country like Panama (which I have been to and find to be a very nice Central American country), but if you want a little more safety and security for said pinball collection, you are going to have to upscale (nicer neighborhood, gated community which equals more cost). You will find the services you need like cleaning, gardening etc. to be cheaper, but imported goods for a western lifestyle gets more pricey.
I personally think there are a lot of choices in the US for all kinds of lifestyles and requirements, and not just by changing states. I live in a high tax state (Illinois - always in the top 10 or higher for total tax burden). A big part of that is property tax - which is high across the state but ESPECIALLY in the Chicago Metropolitan Area. I would consider my home un-affordable in Chicagoland for both the cost to buy and the property tax - but I live in a rural county downstate and it is probably half or more of what I would pay in Chicago. The state also never taxed my Military income, and won't tax my 401K, SS, Military or Federal pensions.
My quality of life is pretty darn good. Only a little over an hour to downtown Saint Louis if we want to see a Cardinal's game. Only downside is 45 minutes to work on a rural highway with no real traffic.