You're probably in the right ballpark with the numbers. My point wasn't to whine about getting taxed (I am very happy with the services I get for my money), rat

You're probably in the right ballpark with the numbers. My point wasn't to whine about getting taxed (I am very happy with the services I get for my money), rather to point out that they are a factor. The 5% tax difference you cite between California and Norway does make a difference when making a cost-of-living comparison, considering that the jobs we are looking at would have health care included.