A hidden factor I don't think you hit on in your analysis was "- 30k (401k, HSA)". This right here is a huge difference. Sad as it might be, the numbers on what

A hidden factor I don't think you hit on in your analysis was "- 30k (401k, HSA)". This right here is a huge difference. Sad as it might be, the numbers on what average people sock away in 401Ks is not good. So it's another example of a choice people make. As with most of these situations there's a right answer. In this case if one can one should choose to invest in their 401Ks and such. But it's still a factor of not having an apples to apples comparison in these conversations between low income and high income people living paycheck to paycheck.