You should also consider what you are taking home after taxes, health care, social contributions etc. I don't know how is it in the USA but in Germany on your €

You should also consider what you are taking home after taxes, health care, social contributions etc. I don't know how is it in the USA but in Germany on your €55k salary you would take home around €34k (https://visualsm.art/gross-net-salary-calculator/?y=0&LZZ=1&RE4=55000&LZZHINZU=0.0&LZZFREIB=0.0&STKL=0&F=1&HC=false&BL=0&AJAHR=1985&ZKF=0&R=0&KRV=0&PKV=0&PKPV=100&KVZ=1.3 https://visualsm.art/gross-net-salary-calculator/?y=0&LZZ=1&...) But at the same time you won't get bankrupt if you need to visit a doctor, you are also covered if you lose your job, so with the high taxes it came a lot of benefits. Also the governments takes car of the poor or unfortunate people by providing at least housing for them. You should consider all these perks. On the other hand, you learn languages and have a base to explore France, Germany and maybe Europe, in case if you like traveling ;)