[rifung]

> don't even know given the cost of living in the Bay Area if $300K is even really "high" anymore.

> If you max out 401k and IRA this is $275k, which is $168K take home or $14k a month.

> Left over: $7400

That sounds like a lot to me? I think the vast majority of the US would absolutely be ecstatic if they could save 7400 a month on top of maxing their 401k.

Just maxing my 401k (with employer match) I'll already have enough for my own retirement. Most people aren't able to do even that though =/

[tempsy]

If you wanted to buy a place then your left over is probably closer to $3400/month.

I haven't added less regular expenses like personal travel costs (maybe another $400/mo on average), misc shopping/clothing ($100), and gym membership ($80).

[usaar333]

To my sibling point above, an $80/month gym is a really damn nice gym. Even a 24 hour fitness super sport is only $52.

I agree that if you want to live on the high end, $300k might not be sufficiently high end. But it's still high by any reasonable metric.