If you value the ludicrously wasteful lifestyle that is so prevalent in the U.S., maybe not. But if you embrace the challenge of creativity, you can live quite well on $30k per year. I live in NYC on just a tad more ($32k spent last year) in a nice neighborhood with no roommates, vacation at least once a year, etc. It's amazing how far cooking your own food most of the time, using credit card rewards miles, riding a bicycle instead of driving, and shopping at thrift stores will take you. I suspect most people who spend ~$60k+ per year could cut their spending in half without significantly impacting things they actually care about in their "lifestyles".