US takes 'richest nation on earth' crown from Switzerland

Re:US takes 'richest nation on earth' crown from Switzerland by rndgermandude on Thursday September 19, 2019 @09:49PM (#21022608)

Well, you try to adjust by Purchasing Power Parity. That works well for things where you can directly compare, like the price of an apple. However, it doesn't work so well for other goods and services, e.g. single payer health care vs health care costs in the US, because at best you're comparing apples to oranges.

On top of that, it does not account for things you may need in one nation but not in another. E.g. cars spring to mind. In the US you need a car in most places even the bigger cities, to get to work for example. In a lot of places in the EU you don't.

[ Parent | on HN ]

Re:US takes 'richest nation on earth' crown from Switzerland by gridlockd on Friday September 20, 2019 @05:38AM (#21024844)

Having a car and being able to drive it around is a form of wealth. Cars in the US are also much more affordable.

The "I don't need it" argument only goes so far. You can't go shop a lot of groceries. You can't transport bigger items. You can't go on a road trip. You travel according to whatever public transport affords you.

I might just as well say "I don't need it" in regards to healthcare. You don't need it until you do, but then you can't afford it.

[ Parent | on HN ]