Do you want cheese with your whine?

Americans are paid more because they will not work for less. There is nothing wrong with the system. It's called a free market. If you think you are underpaid, demand more. If your employer believes you are as important as you think you are, he'll pay up. If he disagrees, he may fire you. Your call.

Cost of living has nothing to do with any of it. Stop hiding behind your excuses and make yourself invaluable to your company. Last I checked, no one pays people to whine.