[kerkeslager]

I'm really not sure where you're getting your math. I think you're conflating net (post-tax) income with gross (pre-tax) income, but the numbers you're saying don't add up even with that assumption, so I'm really not sure what mistake you've made or how to correct it.

My monthly breakdown is (VERY) roughly: 45% taxes, 15% health insurance, 10% rent, 5% other required stuff (food/utilities/other insurances). The remaining 25% mostly goes to savings/retirement, but sometimes not, depending on variances in expenses and if I decide to buy some big ticket item. When I do spend money it's usually on experiences (trips/concerts mostly) rather than buying things.

I make more than $50K/year. If you make enough money to pay the full cost of health insurance, and you live frugally on your other expenses, it would be quite easy for health insurance to be half your expenses.