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Ask HN: Why are SWE in the US more expensive than SWE in Europe?

Nov 30, 2023 - news.ycombinator.com
The markdown data contains a series of comments discussing the cost of software engineering services in the US versus Europe. Some users argue that US engineers are more expensive due to higher living costs and the influence of Silicon Valley and venture capitalism. They also suggest that clients who are cost-conscious can be challenging to work with. Others suggest that European engineers are cheaper due to a lower cost of living, but this is disputed by comments suggesting that this might be due to consuming less or living in smaller accommodations.

The discussion also touches on the use of AI tools like Copilot and ChatGPT in software engineering. Some users express skepticism about the widespread use of these tools and their impact on the quality of software. Others argue that using these tools is not a significant leap from using resources like Google or StackOverflow. The conversation also includes a debate about the merits of offshoring to cheaper countries and the impact of the UK leaving the EU on costs.

Key takeaways:

  • There is a significant difference in the cost of software development between the US and Europe, with some suggesting that US engineers are more expensive due to higher living costs and the influence of Silicon Valley.
  • There is a debate about the use of AI tools like Copilot and ChatGPT in software development, with some arguing that they can replace certain tasks, while others believe they are not yet at a level to be widely used.
  • Quality of life and cost of living comparisons between the US and Europe are subjective and can vary greatly depending on personal preferences and lifestyle choices.
  • Offshoring to cheaper countries is a common practice for many companies, despite the potential risks and challenges associated with it.
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