The article answers its own question, if simultaneously partially and at great length. It's as simple as this: (1) The wealth is not evenly distributed. (2)

The article answers its own question, if simultaneously partially and at great length. It's as simple as this: (1) The wealth is not evenly distributed. (2) Living in America is extremely expensive relative to other parts of the world, and it's impossible to emphasize this enough. (The mandatory insurance requirements are painful, cellphone/internet service is much more expensive, and I can go on all day.) So the average American might have more money than, for instance, the average Bavarian -- but also spends a lot more for the same goods, and in the end is not meaningfully better off. And it feels worse, because you feel like you're being ripped off all the time.