100k is about $5900 a month after taxes and modest 401k contribution. Let's subtract some typical expenses (erring on the more expensive side) $200 - water +

100k is about $5900 a month after taxes and modest 401k contribution. Let's subtract some typical expenses (erring on the more expensive side) $200 - water + electricity $100 - high speed internet $160 - decent wireless plan $250 - employer subsidized health insurance $150 - car insurance $50 - netflix, spotify, hulu $700 - groceries $800 - go out to dinner twice a week (or some other activity) $350 - car payment + gas $1000 - savings $1500 - median monthly mortgage payment in the USA. $200 - home insurance. That still leaves 400 a month while also managing to save and invest in 401k. Seems like a decent salary and way of life. Not rich by any means, but certainly comfortable. The median mortgage payment in the USA is about 1500, but let's call it 1800