I have historically made, in no particular order, 70k/yr (Canadian company), 140k/yr (American company), 135k/yr (American company) and 230k/yr (American compan

I have historically made, in no particular order, 70k/yr (Canadian company), 140k/yr (American company), 135k/yr (American company) and 230k/yr (American company), in CAD, plus equity (which I am not counting or sharing here), and one time I was given a 25k signing bonus. All of the above while living in Vancouver. Saving money on 70k/yr is really hard, and even at 135-140k/yr it makes most sense to find a roommate and share an apartment, which is a bit ridiculous. I find living downtown without a car to be simpler and probably a bit cheaper, even, than living farther from the train lines and having a car. I don't know how people with "normal" salaries make it in Vancouver. It seems to me that the degree of living standard sacrifices most people must make is absurd, especially considering how much cheaper the rest of the country is.