I think it's really hard to compare. Salaries are much lower but quality of life (IMO) much higher. I worked at a few tech companies in France. Almost nobody worked outside of the standard work hours (9-6 with 1 hour for lunch). Most people at lunch together; often at a restaurant.
People didn't worry about 401Ks & IRA - it's expected the security system and standard pension from working is sufficient.
People didn't worry about saving for kids college - they are close to free; same for healthcare.
You have 6 weeks of vacation (one job I had gave 9 weeks); and it's normal to take 2-3 weeks off at a time. In the US, from my experience, people don't leave for more than a week, and most of the work they missed is waiting for them upon their return.