I don't see how the numbers work out that well. http://www.payrollforamerica.com/calculators/California-payroll-calculator.php http://www.payrollforamerica.com

I don't see how the numbers work out that well. http://www.payrollforamerica.com/calculators/California-payroll-calculator.php http://www.payrollforamerica.com/calculators/California-payr... suggests the numbers are: $13.4k to feds, $5k social security, $1.1k medicare, $5k california, $800 CA SDI Leaving you with $54,725. $24k to housing and $20k to savings would leave you with just over $10k to eat, shop, pay for transportation, etc. So, don't try to have a car. Even carless, though, it seems much easier / more likely / more realistic to do it the other way around - $20k on food/entertainment/shopping/etc and $10k to savings.