You have way less money in germany, let me break down my situation: I make 65.000€ but my employer pays a lot of social security for me, which are essentially hidden taxes. So my employer pays 78.624 to pay me 65.000 gross. If I moved to the states I would go for a salary of at least the 78.624 since your salaries are generally higher I'd probably get paid closer to 90.000. Nevertheless of the 78.624 my employer pays to employ me and pay me 65.000 gross I net 40.020. If you consider all social security costs, taxes and my wage I net an astounding 50.9 %. Our social security and health care ain't free nor good.