Americans stunned after learning

Americans were shocked to learn that a £30,000 salary is considered “good” in the UK, sparking a heated debate on TikTok. A UK user shared their income breakdown, which included an additional £17,000 from a part-time job and £14,400 as a landlord, totaling £61,800 annually. A US-based TikToker criticized the budget, especially the £18,000 spent on rent, claiming that Americans aim to keep rent under 30% of their income. However, British users pointed out that such targets are unrealistic in UK cities and emphasized the UK’s benefits like free healthcare, prescriptions, and lower education costs.

While £30,000 is around the UK average salary, Brits generally consider it just “liveable,” not particularly high. Meanwhile, Forbes reports the top 10% in the UK earn over £59,200. In contrast, the average US salary is \$61,984 (£42,600), and most Americans believe a comfortable income is between \$75,000–\$100,000 (£56,000–£75,000). UK users responded that higher US wages are often offset by medical expenses and less worker-friendly conditions. One user quipped, “You get paid more so you can pay your medical bills,” highlighting how differing national costs and work cultures shape perceptions of a “good” income.