500$ is more than a minimal monthly wage in half of the eastern european countries, and probably half of a median monthly wage. Wish I lived in your "first world" where 500$ is "chump change" as you described...
Lolwhat, show me a country where "average folk's salary" is 5000$ per month after taxes. And if that was the case, why would people work themselves to death in 2-3 jobs if they have more than plenty of money already?