I went to my favorite bar and am too tired to answer this completely. You left off free education through university (if you qualify) or another (for lack of a better term) trade school.
VAT is big, but 5% on things like food and medicine. Salaries are lower, but when you factor in all that you don't have to pay for, it's goes a lot farther. The Czech Rep is still lowered paid then Western Europe (and also cheaper) but people here are always travelling all over the world. They get 4-8 weeks vacation and travel like crazy, ski in the alps, own a cottage in the country. It's crazy, although they save money by rarely eating out, using public transportation and wasting nothing (food, electricity, water, space).
There are too many factor to consider for there to be an easy comparison or answer. I have lived here for 11+ years total and it has taken me this whole time to see how it works and I still have a lot to learn. It's a different way of living/seeing the world. I prefer it for sure, but people like C-$ would bitch a lot. It's not for everyone, but once you settle in, you realize that they know how to enjoy a comfortable life.
My 37.5 hour work week is great. I love my job, it's fun. Some of the monotonous tasks aren't fun, but the office atmosphere is friendly, a lot of joking around and enjoying yourself.
I have to deal with stupid corporate BS everyday and the head of the department is an ass, but I talk to him maybe once a month. Everybody focuses on their work, works hard and does a good job. The company expects it and rewards the employees with great benefits.
You wouldn't believe some of the perks they give us. Nothing crazy, but very nice to have.