France has access to shops called Decathlon, who provide extremely good value for money pedal bikes and some pretty solid aftersales service for them as well.

For $300 I can buy a very solid single speed bike that will last ages.

I’ve had a $200 used bike taking me to work every day for almost 10 years now.

$150 in maintenance every year (I like to give it in to the bike shop once a year for maintenance, otherwise basic upkeep with a monthly 30 min tuneup has been just fine) and about $500 in total repairs and replacements over the years means I’m spending about $220/year adjusted over its lifespan. I’d challenge someone to find a transport option where you’d spend that little in 2 months.

That's not my impression, most people I know here in central Copenhagen ride old beaters that cost anywhere between 50-150 EURs, it's a balance between comfort and price: You don't want your bike stolen.

I have been using a bike for commute for at least 15 years. My current bike cost 500 EUR. (that includes 25% VAT)

You don't want the expensive stuff if reliability is of prime importance. You want a 3 speed hub gearbox and a cro moly steel frame. Or in areas where servicing a real bicycle is hard to find, a mid range 1x8 derailluer system with bog standard rim brakes. It's not big box cheap, but the former have been being made for a century and are almost identical. New is about €200-500

In places with a decent bicycling culture you can get one second hand for a hundred euros or so.