Ask HN: Which countries are best for software engineers?

[markwaldron]

I'm currently living outside of NYC and have for most of my life. I've always wanted to live in another country but I'm unsure of what other countries would provide a similar quality of life and would allow me to continue working as a software engineer. What other countries have strong tech hubs with well-paying software jobs?

[snicky]

I guess it all depends on what you understand by the quality of life. If you are talking about a high purchasing power you get in exchange for your work then US is second to none, at least according to my research. I might be wrong, because I've never lived in US myself, but I was based in both Europe and Asia and it seems to me that IT salaries vs taxes and costs in your country can get you much further than in other places.

Nonetheless, there are still some spots with decent wages like London (particularly strong in fintech, but there's also lots of startups), Ireland (if you prefer to work for a branch of an American big-co), Singapore and Hong Kong if you'd like to change your environment entirely or even Australia. It all depends on your experience and selling skills though, as in most these places outside of US the difference between a senior's and junior's salary might determine your ability to rent a 3-room apartment vs a 100 square feet room in a shared-house with 8 flatmates :)

Most importantly, choose a place that you have a genuine interest towards. The rest doesn't really matter that much. If you pick a crowdy place you'd get a lower life quality in terms of purchasing power and living space, but higher from a cultural/social point of view and more job opportunities as well, so yeah, that's your tradeoff.

[aminozuur]

The Netherlands has a high shortage of programmers. IT students are snatched away by companies in their first or second year, and many of them are happy to drop out because job security at large corporations is good. Human Development Index is also very high.

I have an American friend who came here to work for Adyen (Amsterdam-based unicorn) and recently bought a house here.

[mrcold]

Is that why the pay is shit? You can get a higher salary in Eastern Europe with a 5x lower cost of living.

Western Europe is horrible when it comes to the software industry. Underpaid immigrants that are just happy to live somewhere with clean streets.

There is no shortage. Companies are just fighting for the same set of naive students and juniors. And complain when their shit offers get refused.

[eecks]

Do they speak English in work? I know that Dutch people have perfect English but I am wondering if it is used 100% in work.. in docs, meetings, casually, etc

[allenleee]

In Asia, I would say Seoul > Tokyo > Singapore > Shenzhen > Taipei.

In Euro, London > Berlin > Paris.

[chairmankaga]

Can you please elaborate on Seoul VS Tokyo?

I've seen the work culture (non programming) in both and as far as my friends go.. I have a VERY difficult time seeing my korean friends vs my tokyo friends.

As far as compensation, I'm not sure about Seoul but Tokyo wages for software is very low I've found.

[stannol]

You'll find many startups in Berlin, anything else not so much. Try München, Hamburg, Frankfurt and Stuttgart if you want a good wage and interesting work.

[davidf18]

Israel. Startup Nation.

[tejasu]

Ireland is the silicon valley of Europe.

[solipsism]

No, it's the Rhode Island of Europe.

[allenleee]

Really? I thought there are not many startups there compared to London and Berlin.

[samblr]

Tax heaven for US corporates.

[mianasif]

I think so in Pakistan you can find the best software engineers

[idnan]

On which base you are saying that Pakistani's are the best Software Engineers?

[kingoflegions]

Lol terrorists!