[rank0]

The data on this is very clear: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Disposable_household_and_per_c....

> According to the OECD, 'household disposable income is income available to households such as wages and salaries, income from self-employment and unincorporated enterprises, income from pensions and other social benefits, and income from financial investments (less any payments of tax, social insurance contributions and interest on financial liabilities). 'Gross' means that depreciation costs are not subtracted.'[1] This indicator also takes account of social transfers in kind 'such as health or education provided for free or at reduced prices by governments and not-for-profit organisations.'

United States: 62,300

France: 45,548

Americans need to be more grateful for what they have.

[saubeidl]

Disposable income is a poor metric to use though.

Money isn't everything. The french have better public transport, more social stability, a life expectancy that's higher by five (!) years etc etc.

By pretty much whatever standard you use, their quality of life is much higher.

[rank0]

Look, I am not saying life is inherently better in America vs France. This thread started as a debate about wages and social benefits. If you're truly interested in a good faith discussion on that topic, the metrics I'm highlighting are essential. If you've already cemented your opinion and just have a bone to pick with the United States there's probably not much common ground we can find.

> Disposable income is a poor metric to use though.

Hard Disagree. It's directly related to standard of living. You're also leaving out the other parts. It's adjusted for PPP, taxes, essential household costs (healthcare, shelter, etc), and social benefits.

> Money isn't everything. The french have better public transport, more social stability, a life expectancy that's higher by five (!) years etc etc.

Of course money isn't everything...but again we started off by talking about it.

> By pretty much whatever standard you use, their quality of life is much higher.

Except for household income, wealth, affordability, and others. See for yourself! This is an excellent resource: https://data-explorer.oecd.org/vis?lc=en&tm=NAAG&pg=0&snb=12...

As another random (non-definitive) data point take the homelessness rate: https://worldpopulationreview.com/country-rankings/homelessn...

I stand by my statement. Too many Americans don't appreciate how good they have it. Cultural differences are real.

[maeln]

From my anecdotal evidence (so it proves nothing), it seems like being poor / middle class in France is better than in the U.S. But being high-middle class / rich / in the owner class, is better in the U.S, since you already don't need the socialized healthcare, you actively seek segregated places to live, you do not take the public transport (or at least that often), etc, but you do get to enjoy all the amenities for rich people that the U.S offer, which is way more than France since it has a higher volume of rich people.

[zzzeek]

Yeah I didn't say "richer" I said "better"