Im going to chime in as well..
I live in Finland, which is regarded as the most expensive country in EU after Norway. Sadly,our income level is not really up to the level of Norway..
The taxation in Nordic countries is unbeliavebly high, thid is mainly to have all the good healthcare systems, free education etc.
So while I am sometimes angry on paying approx 36% taxes out of salary alone, Im always try to remember that I have highest achievable degred in engineering with only 3400 € in student loans (i did work almost full time while studying for 5+ years) and nice work, family,healthy children and beautiful house with car and a motorbike parked outside..
Cheers!