No, the numbers I quoted are correct. If they seem extreme, it's because they are compared to everybody else not named Switzerland. I'm using absolute numbers (what?) because those are the dollar wage figures directly from the BLS for software developers. Living costs in the US are not higher than in Germany. That is only true in the most expensive places like eg NYC, SF, Sea.
If you're in Chicago, Atlanta, Dallas or several dozen other major cities, cost of living is very reasonable in the US. Your healthcare costs are typically either entirely, or mostly covered by your employer if you're an engineer making $100k+. In Atlanta your all-in effective tax rate is under 30% at $110,000; in Dallas it's under 24%. What's the problem?
If you're in Chicago, Atlanta, Dallas or several dozen other major cities, cost of living is very reasonable in the US. Your healthcare costs are typically either entirely, or mostly covered by your employer if you're an engineer making $100k+. In Atlanta your all-in effective tax rate is under 30% at $110,000; in Dallas it's under 24%. What's the problem?