Don't forget VAT is double. Property tax is higher. Employment tax (paid by employer, not part of gross pay) is a lot higher. I always feel like tax should be

Don't forget VAT is double. Property tax is higher. Employment tax (paid by employer, not part of gross pay) is a lot higher. I always feel like tax should be measured in "if my employer pays 100 extra, how much more can I give another company for a good/service". I don't know about US but for Germany the answer is between 25 and 40 depending on how low your income is and what your family situation is.