[rconti]

No argument there! But 50% + 8.6% sales tax vs 50% + 20% VAT is definitely a difference.

Of course, the area under the curve matters, too. I have no insight into what effective tax rates people are paying in 50% top-bracket tax countries in Europe.

As a double-income no kids couple in Silicon Valley, I think we're still paying something like 18% effective tax rate federally.