Retirement is going to be pretty boring for a high performer, so you either have to convert that cash into starting your own business or likely keep working the same job you already have. Entrepreneurship might have a certain appeal, so I wouldn't discount that to those who have that dream, but if you stay in a job then you have to start asking what all that money is going to actually buy you. Both incomes are going to get you to a point where you already won't be able to spend it all.

Realistically, the question isn't meaningfully answered in isolation. One would have to see the bigger picture to put it into context.

It seems the optimal solution is to move to the US for your early earning years, build a nest egg, then leave once you get older and especially once you plan to start a family, for a number of (non-exhaustive) reasons:

* Vacation time in the US is paltry and often downright exploitative.

* Our for-profit healthcare system can easily wipe out any wealth you've accumulated upon a major medical episode, depending on what kind of coverage your insurance provides. Said coverage is usually determined by your employer.

* Education in the US is a joke compared to virtually every other developed nation.

* The homocide rate in the US is higher than 75% of other countries.

* Consumer protections in the US are virtually non-existent.

* Food quality is poor - e.g., virtually all foods have tons of corn syrup and other sugars added.

* The country as a whole is overly car-centric. Your day-to-day in the US virtually requires the use of a car, as most cities are not designed with walking or biking in mind, and only a few have useful public transportation.

Yeah, big part of why I live in the Netherlands. Though having lived in NL and IE I wouldn't say the health care I've had here has been particularly good.

Food - well that varies. Dutch food is... unexciting, to say the least.

> if you're a 20's-30's high performer, moving to the US can absolutely make sense

I agree with your comment, especially if you don't plan to raise a family in the US, but still I think the difference isn't as great as what you say.

You have similar investment options in the EU vs US. Tax is high in California. And you probably won't retire at 40 with $400 a year unless you've been very agressive and lucky with your investment.

I can talk about my person situation, big tech in EU, I contemplated relocation in the US (which my company would sponsor). I'd be better off financially in the US after a few years but worse job security and WLB, but it's not night and day. Main issue in EU + UK is lack opportunities compared other US, but there are some.