Looking at some numbers running here it is quite incredible to see how significantly higher the compensation package are in the bay area vs. let's say Midwest (where I am located). I know that many things are also much more expensive in the bay area, but lately I've been thinking about doing some research and perhaps show interest in finding a job there. How much would you say should a married couple be making for it to be "good enough" lifestyle? I know that term differentiate between different individuals, yet you get my drift. Do you think got example you would do fine with "only" $250k? $300k? What would be the number that would help you make the call?
Do a "Bay area" search on blind. I am seeing the same Question phrased differently literally every single day!
200k is enough.
Depends...if it's in SF, ..how much is it worth to YOU not stepping over poop and used needles on your way to work ?
Do you happen to live here? I live in SF and don't experience these things regularly. Depends on your neighborhood I guess. Love SF!
not living in SF. went to interview there for couple of times and a lot of hobos were in and around the HQ of those company. Took half a mile walk from hotel to the company hq and it was gross.
Are you cool with renting and in home day care. If yes, the salary change will allow you to save way more.
My household makes around 600k per year. We still feel like everyone and their dog has more money(we came 5 years ago with $0). We can't afford nice house in neighborhoods with good schools and commute without decent amount of risk. I honestly don't think that you'll ever feel like in Midwest here working as an engineer.
What's your net worth though? I bet it's still multiples of what it would be in the midwest
How much do those houses cost that you can’t afford with 600k / year?
Cost of living in the Bay Area varies and depends on two things mostly: 1) ease of commute, 2) quality of the school district. Now, if you want both #1 and #2 to be great, $250k will not be enough. If you are happy with just one or none of those, 250 is plenty.
250 is less
250 is enough
We’re going through the exact same situation—coming from Chicago. Our sense is it depends on what you want. If you want a house with a yard, then it seems like you’ll need to be able to afford at least $1.5m. If not, it seems doable. We have 2 kids and live in a 1300 sq. ft. 2bd/2ba condo in Chicago. It seems there are plenty of places to rent less than $4k/month in decent areas with decent commutes. Nothing fancy but not worse than our standard of living in Chicago.
Depends on your family size and the spending habits of your girlfriend
I used to make 200k-ish at Adobe. My spouse was the same anf I thought we lived above average and so blessed. We traveled twice a year, have a beautiful home, and didn’t hurt for money. 2 years ago, I joined BLIND and since then both of us switched jobs and bumped our TC to 750K. Honestly, our quality of life is not any better. We both gain weight because we both have no time for self care. Out twice a year vacation now became one. Not because of money but because we simply didn’t have the time for it :(. Personally, at some point, the extra money doesn’t bring extra enjoyment. If you make 200k and not planning to buy a home, you will be fine. What matter is how you spend your time. Do you live a good quality of life? There is no point of making that TC if you can’t be present with your life and enjoy mundane happy things (including self care).
Well you can stop working after 5 yrs and go on world tour with the kinda money ur making.
Assuming you stay healthy. A lot can happen in 5 years. All those stresses can take a toll on your body. I do hope I can tough it up and yes, retire sooner. A friend of mine just passed, 5 months after she got the cancer diagnosis. I do believe that the money to happiness ratio is diminishing after certain point. It’s more important to maintain perspective in life than chasjng the TC/joining the rat race.
Depends.. no kids, you can get away with 100k+ if you’re frugal, with kids, prolly 250k+