The average German, while nominally poorer than people from other countries, is often richer. Living in the UK and knowing people in Germany, I realized that th

The average German, while nominally poorer than people from other countries, is often richer. Living in the UK and knowing people in Germany, I realized that the average Briton is significantly poorer than the German. For example renting in Germany is comparable to buying a leasehold flat in the UK, but doesn't count as personal/household wealth and doesn't require high capital in order to be acquired. Similarly, free education and functional healthcare are indeed assets, but aren't counted as household wealth. Even their pensions are significantly higher, their unemployment benefits are enough to pay the rent and the bills of a 4 people-household (compare to the 82£ a week you'd get in the UK). Over their lifetimes, Germans receive benefits worth tens of thousands of euros every year, that, while not being counted as personal wealth, make them factually richer than the Brit. I am sure this applies to many other countries.