Yes and no. I lived in the Bay Area of California, 150k salary would not fly in some parts. Fifteen years ago I knew a gal in college that lived in SF, she and 3 others were splitting $5k a month for a pretty standard 3/2 house.
I now live in small town Texas (much happier). For $150k a year I could live like a king.
To be fair, the U.S. generally makes the best weapons.
Annoying part about the kabuki theatre that is TSA is that they are inconsistent airport to airport. Shoes gotta come off, shoes can stay on. Laptop by itself in a bin, or with other things in a bin. Other electronics (e-reader, battery pack, etc.) in a bin, or in your carry on. But if you make the wrong choice they will let you know… loudly.
Reading the comments shows a lot of people do not understand satire, especially when the opportunity to talk trash about America/Texas/American education is on the line.