An important point is that a distorted picture is produced through a straight salary comparison between an EU position and a US one. There are a number of reaso

An important point is that a distorted picture is produced through a straight salary comparison between an EU position and a US one. There are a number of reasons, but the two biggest are taxes and healthcare. The EU will likely have higher taxes, but much (much) lower healthcare. I make $170k a year after 20 years, in the US, and I barely consider myself a success (sometimes I don't - had I not messed up I'd likely be a millionaire today). I messed up early on with college and won't have a B.S. in C.S until next year. I pay roughly 30% a year in taxes, and have around a $10k total deductible for self/family, though a lot is covered with only a minimal co-pay of $10-$50 per visit (figure 2 visits per month, $1000 per year). Look at the whole compensation package: - Salary - Taxes - Employer 401k contribution - Vacation - Healthcare - Profit sharing - Etc.