We’re currently in the high end of the range you mentioned, which is less than almost every couple we know. My wife works an office job and I have my own company that is profitable but isn’t yet pulling in a whole lot. When I’m working a “real” job in my profession, then our total household income is more in the mid-100’s. Still, we don’t need it, have money left over every month, and could live on less. We’re renting a nice 2-bedroom condo in CV.

The key is budgeting well. We have zero debt (paid-for cars that are economical as well), pay off the credit card every month, use credit card points for travel, shop very carefully for major expenses like car insurance, buy in bulk, maintain high 700’s fico scores, etc.

Oh and we tip well for good karma 🙂

In contrast, my sister and her husband make much more than we do, yet have lived paycheck-to-paycheck their entire adult lives. It’s all in the decisions you make every day.