America has a high ceiling and a low floor for quality of living. For above average, America is arguably better (with some caveats). For the average person, i

America has a high ceiling and a low floor for quality of living. For above average, America is arguably better (with some caveats). For the average person, its better than Europe (in that you can afford more since you are paid more and taxed less, but Europe definitely gets more paid time off / leave). If you are poor enough to qualify for government assistance its roughly on par with Europe--though maybe a bit worse. But there is a bottom 10-25% (where the line is, I'm not sure) that would be a lot better off in Europe. The average college debt (~30k) is about the same as a single year's difference income between high school and college graduates (~30k). They are paying for a personal investment. Housing (not in California, NYC, or DC) is cheaper in the USA than other rich countries). 90%+ have health insurance that covers hospital visits A high percentage will have medicine covered by their insurance Less than 6% of people have multiple jobs. No mandatory paid vacation (but any halfway decent job will get you 2-3 weeks). Europe gets more, but we get paid more. I'd probably rather have the time off, but some people would rather have the money.