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Your monthly budget, based on a $100,000 gross annual salary in Los Angeles for a family of 4 (you, wife, and two kids), boils down to this in plain words:
After taxes and deductions (federal, state, Social Security, Medicare), your approximate take-home pay is $6,800 to $7,100 per month, with a typical midpoint around $6,900.
The biggest chunk goes to housing: Your total housing costs (mortgage principal + interest, property taxes, and homeowners insurance combined) run about $2,060 to $2,255 per month, averaging roughly $2,160. This includes a 30-year mortgage payment of around $1,700–$1,800 on your $350,000 home (assuming a solid down payment and current 6.1% rates), plus LA County property taxes ($250–$320) and insurance (~$110–$135).
Transportation (car-related) adds another $450 to $600 monthly, averaging $525. This covers full-coverage car insurance ($250–$300, high in LA), gas/fuel ($150–$200 at current California prices), and registration/maintenance ($50–$100).
Food and groceries for the family typically cost $1,000 to $1,200 per month (moderate budget, mostly home-cooked).
Clothing runs $150 to $250 monthly, accounting for kids growing and seasonal needs.
Other everyday expenses include:
Utilities (electricity, water, internet, phones): $300–$500
Health insurance or related (if not fully covered by work): $200–$600
Miscellaneous (entertainment, household items, small extras): $300–$600
Adding it all up, your realistic total monthly expenses land in the range of $5,500 to $7,000+, with a more typical mid-range figure around $6,000 to $6,500 when living moderately without luxuries.
With take-home pay of ~$6,900, this leaves a small surplus of $400 or less in a good month—or potentially breaking even/tight in others—especially once you factor in any unexpected costs, childcare (if applicable), savings goals, or debt payments. In high-cost Los Angeles, this income level covers the basics if you're careful with spending, but it doesn't leave much wiggle room for vacations, big repairs, or building wealth quickly. Many families in this bracket prioritize frugality, bulk shopping, and minimizing extras to make it work. |
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