Is a 150k salary enough to live comfortably in a HCOL city? I don't mean extravagance. Just save a bit, eat out a few times a week, go on a couple of vacations? Realistically, how much do you need to make to maintain a normal lifestyle?

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Yes but it won’t be living large if it’s nyc/sf. The next tier down like dc/miami, you’ll be fine. You might not live in your preferred neighborhood or might have to have a roommate but 150k is still well above what most ppl make.

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I live in DC (Arlington) on $150k. I save roughly 38% of my salary and go on every trip that comes up with friends or family. I live in a significantly below market rent apartment, so it’s been quite a while since it was updated. But, it’s just old. Who cares? Living here is like getting a $20k raise compared to living in a good/great apartment. Also, keep my car expense fairly low. I spend on everything else.

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Oh, I don’t have a roommate.

I live in the Seattle area on about $116k per year. I bought my condo during the pandemic, which helped my bottom line, but I live on roughly 45% of my gross income, and do what I enjoy.

I live alone and work remotely.

Granted, I’m not big on traveling and I’m a bit of an introvert and homebody, but am able to spend what I want to spend on fan conventions, dining out once or twice a month, concerts and spending time with friends. It works for me.

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Im impressed

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As a single income household? Probably not. But depends more on your rent and how much you want to contribute to your retirement. It’s a lifestyle choice.

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My answer is YES, as someone who manages a family of 3 (including me) on $150k in a MCOL.

Alone I would be comfortable.

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Yes, but definitely on a tight budget. It depends on your lifestyle I guess

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