Depends where in Europe. Lots of Europeans suffer so other Europeans can prosper. Add to the fact that Europe still benefits from imperialism and that Europe is facing an existential crisis, I would take be the average American long-term.

I mean I know lot of Europe is quite poor but huge swath of it isn't really that far behind. Where were you visiting? I find if you stick to a lot of the Scandinavian countries or the major cities in the poorer regions it's quite nice.

I mean it is pretty clear if you look at the data around purchasing power of the median earner (~$44K/yr in US) the US is significantly higher than most EU countries.