Tipping culture in the US

We are visiting Florida from Australia and not only are the prices extortionate but the tipping culture is complete dog s**t.

First night we arrived at 2am, we spent $44US ($90AUD!) on a bad tasting McDonalds for 2 regular meals and a box of 6 nuggets. Same meal in Aus would be $35AUD.

Last night we had a 10oz steak and fries with side salad that cost us $118US ($190AUD). Same thing in Aus would be around $80AUD.

The whole tipping thing blows my mind. You are literally paying the wage of these servers and the restaurant is laughing all the way to the bank.