I think that's statistically true of poor people living in a first-world or middle to upper class environment.

Anecdotally I spent time in one of the poorest counties in Florida but never saw so many "normal" people with expensive cars, jewelry etc.

The want to appear to be rich is strong if you are surrounded by it.

I can't say the same would be true in a society where all were relatively equal or didn't wear their wealth on their sleeve.

Again anecdotally I find the differences within regions of the US intriguing. I'm from New England where there is clearly a lot of upper middle class people, but you don't see them flaunting their wealth. Other regions of the US (to remain nameless) however seem to be much more concerned with showing off their wealth. I think many factors play into this, not just the region but culture, upbringing and the media.

My friend Rajesh from Bangalore was amazed when he visited my place in the country. Our house is large but placed on a hill so only presents a modest front to the street. We drive economy cars. Our most expensive furniture is plain Mission style. He explained that back home, people worked for the opposite effect - to make a little seem like a lot.

But in our community showing off is not respected much. We wanted to look like everybody else, or even less than average, so we would not find folks hesitant to accept us.