Assuming a $200k income, a modest 2bd Bay area house, 2 preschool aged children, between mortgage/rent (4k/mo), childcare (20+k/child/year), car, food, taxes, and other basic life expenses, it's totally possible not to save 50%.

Unless you meant as a childless single person making 200k/yr. Then yes, it's easy.

> Assuming a $200k income... 2 preschool aged children... childcare (20+k/child/year)

Does $200k not seem low for a two-income family? Does paying for childcare not seem strange for a one-income family?

> Does $200k not seem low for a two-income family?

Not really, even in the BA, unless they are both in tech or similar; $200K is nearly double the median household (not individual) income for San Francisco & San Mateo Counties.

The previous comment's scenario was "A Facebook employee", with no mention of another income. Also, many people's spouses are students, or non-highly remunerated.

Hence the other question, "Does paying for childcare not seem strange for a one-income family?"

Not if there is only one parent, or the other parent is a full time student.

It's amazing how much your expenses and tastes can grow with your income.