Yeah that was something that surprised us after moving to Amsterdam, we have a slightly smaller tax rate (due to Netherland's 30% ruling for US expats) than we

Yeah that was something that surprised us after moving to Amsterdam, we have a slightly smaller tax rate (due to Netherland's 30% ruling for US expats) than we did in California, but the services here are SO well funded. Healthcare is essentially free, services for families like childcare / schools / etc are world class and free, the roads and biking infrastructure are amazing here as well. The peace of mind that if we have a medical emergency that we won't have to pay 5 or 6 figures out just for an ER visit + surgery is HUGE.