Can a couple live comfortably in a household that makes around $60,000 a year?

Question

I'm 22 years old. My boyfriend is 23 years old. We have been together for 3 years. He has an interview with the state to work as a correction officer this month. He should start out (hopefully) making at least $35,000 a year. He is just going to do that for a few years to get experience then maybe try to become a state trooper where he could make $50-60,000 a year. I'm going to school right now to be a Medical Clinical Assistant. So hopefully when I do get a job when I graduate I'll start out around $30,000 also. 

Together in the beginning we should (like I said hopefully) make around $60,000 a year combined. All we want right now is a small home with a few acres. I don't need a million dollar home. I've grown up in a 3 bedroom double wide my entire life and thats all I need to make me happy. The only thing I don't want in life is to life in debt like my parents have.

Is $60,000 enough for a couple to live comfortably starting out? What about if he becomes a state trooper and our income together could possibly be $90,000?

And someday possibly 6-7 years from now would it be enough to support a child?

choochoo · Accepted Answer

the biggest key is not having debt. If you are both debt free and don't take a lot of vacations or spend extra money then yes- you can live on that combined salary. And as you work and gain more experience in each your jobs, your salary is going to go up which is a plus.

mike · Answer

It is fun to dream but remember that our government will take about 30 percent of the income and then another 6-8 percent when you buy something at a store.  In other words you could make $100, 000 dollars before you get that money the government will take around $30,000 including social security.  Then when ever you buy something there is a sales tax, its 7% where I live so when you buy that $1 milk at the store it really costs you $1.38.  Money is not what makes a perfect home.  Love make a perfect home and If you two do what you want to then you will live in a very nice house with nice cars.  Just don't charge anything ever on a charge card.  Good Luck and have a great life.

Anonymous · Answer

like others said it depends where you live. in most areas of the country two people can get by nicely on that. in some places, like new york, boston or california, you'd have a more difficult time getting by on that, especially if you're paying a student loan, mortgage and car payment. and when a kid comes along things will get really tight. kids are exorbitantly expensive. it can take a million dollars apiece to raise each kid these days by the time he's done with college. more if he goes on to med-school, law school or a graduate degree.

borowicz · Answer

Yes. Depending on where you live. The field you seek employment will modify somewhat for the cost of dwelling in that discipline, so you may also make extra in an discipline that's extra steeply-priced. Too, should you watch your cash, you should be in a position to do that. You're going to no longer reside like royalty, but you could make ends meet.

dixie normous · Answer

Absolutely

Gidget · Answer

A lot depends on where you live. In some states you would be scraping by on that income. In most areas you would get by fine as long as you lived modestly and within your means.

Make It Or Die Trying · Answer

Yes

Desiree · Answer

I know people who live off of 30,000. It also depends where you live. You won't live in debt if you buy what you need  instead of what you want. Being cheap is the best way to go.:)

Blundt Cake · Answer

In Los Angeles or New York City- probably not.
In other, more reasonable areas, yes.

seedy history · Answer

In my town, that is middle class. In the beach towns of Los Angeles, that is flat out poor. In NYC, I don't think that will get you indoor plumbing. Depends completely on where you live.

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Can a couple live comfortably in a household that makes around $60,000 a year?

13 Answers