It may be "the new normal" in the Bay Area and other hyperstressed markets.

But it's not a living standard most people aspire to.

I was saving much less per month because as a couple we rented our own single bedroom apartment and my SO doesn't work. However, we still managed to save enough in 5 years (while still not having sold most of the vested equity) to buy a house in the Bay Area. So I agree that the pay is worth the hassle, so far at least.

I'm curious how much you spend for food monthly (including restaurants)? Somewhat surprisingly this is the highest cost for us, after rent/mortgage, and we do cook a lot at home (go out maybe twice a month).

From my perspective, as the sole income earner of a family of four, that's a pretty shocking statement.

I feel like I've built a very comfortable life for myself and my family, and I make quite a bit less than that.