No, $51,000 gross. I have an old beat up used car but it keeps dying- had to replace the transmission twice, new engine, new axle, new water pump, new battery, new timing belt, 2 new rims (apparently the model made by this later bailed out company just disintergrated after a while) and some other stuff I am sure I am forgetting. I am looking at small studios near work so I wont have to take an incredibly long train ride at 5am every morning (I have sleeping disorders so morning is particularly hard for me) but can’t even find that.
Taxes will still seem like a heavy burden, even at the lower marginal rates. Still, 51K is not too bad when you’re single. I didn’t have student debt, but didn’t make over 50K until my wife was pregnant with our 3rd.
Move close to work, even if the rent is higher, the gas and time saving is well worth it. After a year of work, buy a small 3 bedroom house on a 15 year mortgage, and rent two of the rooms and share the utilities.