In my country, the Netherlands, life is expensive. Almost everything has become even more expensive in recent years.
I have a nice house with a garden, but with a mortgage that I have to pay every month. When working people are 68, they get their pension. But to have a reasonable pension, you also have to save yourself. It is normal in my country that both husband and wife contribute financially. Whereby the man usually has the largest share. If you want to make life a bit more pleasant together by doing things like eating out, going on holiday, etc... then it is nice if the woman can also contribute something financially.