Why I'd Rather Live in a Third-World Country Than a First-World Country.
I'm not moving to America. Or Europe. Or any other expensive country.
Hey there! So, today I want to chat about something interesting that I’ve noticed lately.
I work at a Dutch company based in Malaysia, which means I get to have lots of fun conversations comparing life in the Netherlands and life here in Malaysia.
But before we cover that, let me explain a little about the differences between first-world and third-world.
First World:
Economy: Super wealthy, highly developed, and with industries that scream “advanced.” High GDP per capita is the norm here.
Government: Stable, democratic, and with a strong rule of law. A government you can count on.
Living Standards: High life expectancy, excellent healthcare, top-notch education, and low poverty rates. It's the dream, right?
Technology: Cutting-edge and everywhere. You’ll find modern tech in every corner.
Global Influence: Major player on the world stage with significant power and influence.
Third World :
Economy: A bit less developed, with economies often relying on agriculture or natural resources. GDP per capita? Not as high.
Government: This can be a bit shaky at times with some issues like corruption and weaker governance.
Living Standards: Life expectancy isn’t as high, access to healthcare and education is more limited, and poverty is more common.
Technology: Not as advanced, but still getting there. There’s room to grow.
Global Influence: Not as much clout on the global stage, but making strides.
Now, with all these fancy benefits in the first-world, you’d think it’s paradise, right?
But hold on a second—let’s talk about what it’s actually like to live there.
The Reality of Living in a First-World
Here are some of the things my colleagues have told me about living in the Netherlands:
Eating Out: Forget about it! Food is pricey, and dining out can burn a hole in your wallet.
Electricity Costs: Also through the roof. Running appliances can get expensive.
Summer Struggles: No air conditioning during those sweltering summer days, not even fans in most places.
Transportation: Most people ride bikes instead of driving because owning a car is expensive—oil and parking fees are no joke.
Housing: Super small and very expensive. Your living space is tight, and your wallet is tighter.
This same story seems to repeat itself in Singapore, our friendly neighbour to Malaysia.
To me it’s great to have great tech, a good GDP and possibly a good government but food, accommodation and transport are basic needs.
If we can’t afford them, is it worth it?
Why Malaysia Just Makes Sense
And this, my friends, is why I get why so many people are flocking to places like Bali, Kuala Lumpur, and Bangkok. The reason?
It’s just more affordable to live here! You get all the same things—food, housing, transportation—for way less money. My colleagues can get a luxury apartment in the heart of KL city for the same amount of rent they would pay for a 1-bedroom tiny house in Amsterdam.
Your quality of life improves, and you get to enjoy life. You live in a place where your hard-earned money goes further, where you’re not just working to survive but thriving.
That’s the appeal of Southeast Asia, and it’s why more and more people are realizing that living in the so-called “Third World” might be a step up in many ways.
The Third World Isn’t What You Think
For a long time, the idea of living in a developing country came with a lot of misconceptions. But times are changing. Investors, entrepreneurs, and even regular folks are starting to see the perks of life in Asia.
The West, on the other hand, seems to be bogged down with rising taxes and increasing regulations. Meanwhile, Asia is booming, offering new opportunities, lower taxes, and a lifestyle that allows you to keep more of what you earn.
And even the locals here are still able to buy houses, and cars and eat out.
So, I’m staying in Malaysia
After giving it some thought, I've decided that staying in Malaysia is the best choice for me.
As a child, the idea of moving to a first-world country was so tempting—it seemed like the ultimate sign of success and making big money.
But now, I’ve realized that I can have all the same comforts right here in Malaysia, and enjoy an even better quality of life. Honestly, I don’t see any reason to move anymore.
-Shini-