Americans are richer per capita than Europeans. Particularly when it comes to disposable purchasing power in a foreign country. A lot of European stereotypes about America are filtered through both tourist traps and cost constraints.
(For a similar effect in respect of Europe, see the median Russian tourist summarizing Western Europe.)
Switzerland and Norway usually have a higher per capita gdp than the US. Most Western European countries are not so dramatically behind the US.
But on the other hand, European countries have far less income inequality than the US, and less poverty.
Then, not everything is about money. Culture matters a lot when it comes to food.
> Switzerland and Norway usually have a higher per capita gdp than the US
And strong currencies. You don’t get this bias in either, generally.
> on the other hand, European countries have far less income inequality than the US, and less poverty
Irrelevant. I’m not saying one is superior to the other. Just that the median European tourist probably isn’t experiencing any American city or town like the median American who lives there.
This is partly due to tourist effects. But it’s also due to cost. After GDP/capita differentials and FX effects, you’re comparing drastically different worlds. (Same for Americans traveling to Europe and, outside a few pricy capitals, generally finding a cheap, luxurious holiday.)
