That number is less common than you think, but even if it were the median, you'd still have half of people below that. Areas where that kind of salary is most

That number is less common than you think, but even if it were the median, you'd still have half of people below that. Areas where that kind of salary is most common are extremely expensive. When you factor in all family expenses and commute (unless you get ridiculously lucky or are ok with really cramped quarters), you end up with bills a lot higher than a single person. For kids, there is healthcare, school related stuff, toys, the right good and so on. It's a lot tougher than you might think. Psychology also kicks in here - when you've been busting your ass for 15 years to make a good living, you expect to be able to afford certain things. Unfortunately, prices of luxury goods have far outpaced consumer goods, so you end up feelings lot less "wealthy" than you think you should.