I live in Boston where I make double(-ish) the household median income ($80k to $100k). For individual median incomes, I make $140k more. I'm able to save over half my monthly income and it's still not enough. I absolutely can't imagine living in this city on anything less and I don't exactly live a life of exuberance here.
EU has better societal benefits than the US (access to healthcare, education, mandated vacation time (often starting at 3-4 weeks).
The vast majority of people care about living a life without suffering. In the US this is only reserved for the rich it seems.