Could be wrong, but I'm fairly sure (70% sure?) that Americans have a higher median salary than basically all European countries.

Having said that, you probably have more expenses too - healthcare for one.

Somehow quite often when I talk to American's I'm surprised at the amount of money they're earning. Always seems to be far higher than anyone I know from Europe - just personal experience though.

Final thought, I think spending 10% of your income on a passport is totally worth it.