Is this American lifestyle possible in Europe?

[Anonymous]

So my American friend told me about her lifestyle/quality of life: She says that she paid off her house at age 27 and takes 3 vacations a year. She saves up $3000 a month or so and is saving up to take 2 years sabbatical traveling the whole world. She lives in Texas and goes camping every year under the milky way in the remote desert or goes to the Caribbean since it's only 2 hours away. I thought maybe she made a lot of money but she says she makes $60k, which is below average in Texas if I'm correct. I am really jelly and I am wondering if she's just lying or bluffing. What do you think? On media I've learned that Americans are struggling a lot and sometimes even need two jobs or live paycheck to paycheck, especially with medical costs. Do you think her lifestyle is also easily achievable in the European continent, especially Scandinavia, since there's better healthcare, better public transportation, better economic ladder, etc etc?

[Dinklex3]

I can see her saving 3k a month if she has a side hustle (which she might), or is medical and does travel nursing or something.
Not all Americans are struggling and living paycheck to paycheck. & She can be frugal with her money.
I personally only take a vacation once every 2 years because i like expensive things and pay for others as well.
I haven't been to Europe yet, so I'm unsure if she could make it there.
One of my best friend's mom makes a lot less than me, but she's always traveling, shopping, and having fun.

[Astarlessnightsky]

Its possible, you just have to earn this much.

The avarage salary in germany is 4500€ each month, which is 54.000 a year.

But after taxes and everything, you get paid ~2700€.

So there is no way of putting aside 3000€ each month, or 2700 which is 20% of 54.000. Just like 3000 is 20% of 60.000.

But you have to remember there are no additional costs for medical bills, no need to put aside some money in order to sent your kids to college, ...

And depending where and how you live, you can still put aside some money, and go on vacation from this or buy your house.

[DarkWinterNights]

As others have said, it’s unlikely you have the whole picture. Most people are struggling with costs and debt. Especially right now with inflation. Though I do have a friend who worked 4 jobs in his 20’s. Owns all his own vehicles, little to no credit card debt, owns a 4-plex apartment building which pays for itself and is close to paying off his own house. He has several kids so they don’t go on vacation all of the time, but he’s doing pretty well at 31 years old. Depends a lot on your personality and drive.

[Anonymous]

Well she is VERY smart with her money then, I'll say that. She is saving more than half her income. Saved for a long time to pay off her house. It is not the normal here. Don’t know if it’s possible or not in Europe.

[DryGermanGuy]

Somehow I doubt she told you the complete story… is there an inheritance (or any other payout) she forgot to mention? 🤔

[jshm2]

She's just talking shit or has credit card fraud as a side hustle.

[OddBeMe]

Yes there are rich people in Europe.