For rough comparisons in these threads: The tax rate for someone making $20 USD per hour in the United States is: Gross pay: $41,600 Tax due: $6,157 Net pay:

For rough comparisons in these threads: The tax rate for someone making $20 USD per hour in the United States is: Gross pay: $41,600 Tax due: $6,157 Net pay: $35,083 The same wage through Denmark's tax rates: Gross pay: $41,600 Tax due: $23,212 Net pay: $18,388 Now in the United States, add unreported tips to that already colossal difference in net pay. Add reported tips to the gross pay side of the equation. That gives the American $20/hr wage earner an additional $16,695 plus tips to attempt to secure health care coverage compared to an equivalently paid Danish citizen. Effectively $1,391 a month to pay for health care coverage. You're also able to be on your parents health care plan until age 26.