For a family of 4, I am spending almost 7000. Bonus money is used for some random expense or vacation.
An online poll won't help you unless you poll people in your exact situation. Are you the sole earner, do you have a high mortgage/rent (50% of your monthly expense), are your kids in private school? Look for what you are getting for your expenses.
What are the children's costs?
Schools, activities, sports, summer camps, medical
Family of 3. $9000. Housing:4000 daycare:1500 utilities, food,shopping: 3500
2500
Family of 3. Maybe close to 20k as we did not record it. 13k mortgage, 2k private school, a few thousands for others.
Money spent on mortgage is not comparable to rent. The former is an investment
Only if the mortgage is for cash flow positive rental properties. Your primary house is not an investment.
It is an investment. If you rent for a decade all your money is lost. If you pay mortgage you build equity on the house after a decade.
11k. 5 k mortgage, hoa, taxes etc. 6 k monthly expenses
Your poll range is likely very low. Most folks in the bay pay more than 7k in just mortgage.
15k including 6k mortgage. Rest in bare essentials of childcare and food.
Kids are expensive