[dragnet2]

Probably closer to 50k after taxes, even in CA.

In CA, after all taxes, they'd be lucky to clear 40k between them. I can assure you, thrown in all the other sky high costs in the state, counties etc, and that young couple working full time each, won't even be able to buy a home, and if they do, they'll be long distance commuting to where the homes are possibly more affordable. Then throw in even more more $$...At that income, they're screwed in CA.

[rb22982]

How? Their federal tax liability is around $3k (or less if they contribute to 401k or itemize) assuming standard deductions. That puts you at $57k. FICA would be $4.5k (7.6% of $60k), so at $52.5k after Fed and FICA.

This website estimates this theoretical family's CA state income tax could be around $2k for a family of 4 at $60k. That puts you at $50.5k after all taxes are paid.