I agree that this is not exactly living paycheck to paycheck, nonetheless the family is not really earning the 300k when you consider taxes. After all the necessary expenses, the percentage of left over income that would be considered discretionary is tiny.

Also, you lack perspective on what it means to raise children in Bay Area. The amount this family pays in childcare is actually surprisingly low given todays rates and you can’t really compromise on renting your house partially to a stranger when kids are involved.