[Kirby64]

Setting the expectation that people should be able to afford a house with cash to be comfortable is quite a leap. If you’re making 850k/yr (1M/yr minus apples cut) then you are making more than the vast majority of people in the Bay Area. You’d be doing just fine, much better than most people, and could easily, easily, afford a $3M house.

[dheera]

> Setting the expectation that people should be able to afford a house with cash to be comfortable is quite a leap.

I disagree. EVERYONE should be able to afford basic necessities (housing, food, car, clothing, heating, electricity, water, internet, medical care) with cash.

> 850k/yr (1M/yr minus apples cut)

The government steals close to 50% of that 1M. More than 50% if you're self employed. You aren't left with anything close to 850k.

[ericd]

I'd just like to point out that you're talking about the most expensive form of housing in the most expensive pockets of one of the most expensive housing markets in the country, with the highest tax rates. This is not representative, to put it mildly.

[Kirby64]

I don’t know what world you’re living in, but even if the government “steals” 50% of your 850k you’re not living like any sort of pauper on 425k net. That’s just ridiculous.

[swozey]

My god it gets better.