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> Another difference there is that life in Europe is much nicer for the average middle class, but personally I think it’s nicer in the US for upper middle class
by barry-cotter 6y ago
> Another difference there is that life in Europe is much nicer for the average middle class, but personally I think it’s nicer in the US for upper middle class, the top 10%.
This is a gross underestimate. One can quibble about whether the top 40% or 80% of the US is richer/consumes more than in Europe but the idea it’s only true for the top 10% is delusional. Germany has a lower GDP per capita than every state bar Mississippi. The US has a higher average household income than everywhere but Hong and much larger households. The US is just richer than any remotely comparable country. The countries that look similar on GDP per capita, like Norway, consume a great deal less.
- Der_Einzige 6y agoThe gini coefficient of Germany means that the average citizen of Germany has likely more money and a higher standard of living than the average American. Germany has far fewer ultra-rich and ultra-poor people. Gdp per capital is misleading without talking about measures of income inequality
- kmonsen 6y agoYeah this is the point, life in for example Germany has a very acceptable life quality for less money.
- kmonsen 6y agoWhat you say is statistically true. Having lived in both Western Europe and two US states I would say there is something missing in that you need more money in the US to have a similar lifestyle on an emotional level. It’s really hard to explain and I guess having to be experienced. I think this has not always been true, and is part of the reason why we are seeing discontent in the US right now. Life for middle class used to be a lot more comfortable.