That can't really be answered. You need to take into consideration your spending and expenses.

So many variables. Do you have any debt? Will you need new cars soon? High medical expenses? What's your lifestyle for eating out, buying clothes/furniture/other stuff? What kind of savings do you have? How much does your husband expect to earn?

There's a big difference between a family w/$125K HHI with a substantial savings and no debt vs. a family w/$125K HHI without much savings and lots of debt.

Good luck, I hope it works out for you.

Anonymous wrote:OP, what field is your husband's PhD? Is he looking to move to academia? If so, you should know that finding an Asst. Prof. gig is like the draft--you go where they want you--and its more likely to be 35k in Arkansas than 100k in Reston.

Starting Asst. Profs I know at GMU are around 65k, I'm a little further south at 75k (and it took me 2 years post-PhD to get this job). I had offers in other places for around 40k.

You should go read the job search boards on the Chronicle of Higher Education forums before you get your heart set on NOVA.

FWIW, I don't live in NOVA anymore, but 2 years ago was struggling as a single professional at 95k in Alexandria. Like old car, small rental condo, cheap shampoo, no savings struggling (not real struggle, but not luxury).

You were struggling ALONE making $95k?! I survived on my own in Arlington in my 20s on $38k. You were doing something wrong.

OP, do you guys have school debt?

We do it on $125k in Fairfax. SFH, no debt other then mortgage and maxed out 401k.

OP, what field is your husband's PhD? Is he looking to move to academia? If so, you should know that finding an Asst. Prof. gig is like the draft--you go where they want you--and its more likely to be 35k in Arkansas than 100k in Reston.

Starting Asst. Profs I know at GMU are around 65k, I'm a little further south at 75k (and it took me 2 years post-PhD to get this job). I had offers in other places for around 40k.

You should go read the job search boards on the Chronicle of Higher Education forums before you get your heart set on NOVA.

FWIW, I don't live in NOVA anymore, but 2 years ago was struggling as a single professional at 95k in Alexandria. Like old car, small rental condo, cheap shampoo, no savings struggling (not real struggle, but not luxury).

Over $150k and "comfortable" is relative. Townhouses aren't that cheap in Reston - its not like you are buying in Iowa. It's still DC Metro prices... We found more than real estate it's the other costs of this area that add up.

we have student loans, daycare and healthcare is expensive. Add in food, gas, utilities, phone, cable, transportation (daily metro to DC adds up outside the bektway), cars, insurance, clothes, home repairs (something will break) and basics like hair cuts, toys, diapers, etc. (oh, and taxes...) not much left over. Maybe you are super thrifty? After everything is said and done we have no energy for DIY or hunting for coupons...We live in a very modest townhouse out in MD burbs. Yes, our mortgage is less than our 1 bedroom rental in Arlington. But, living here is still not cheap.

Anonymous wrote:Many thanks to all of you. I'm feeling a little bit better now, knowing that it's do-able at around 100k, provided we rent far out.

sahm to 2 and 4 yr old in fairfax. We live in a TH, been staying home since 1st baby.
We are fine with Dh making 85k.

But we saved a lot pre kids, bought in 2002, drive "old" cars, and live within our means.

Many thanks to all of you. I'm feeling a little bit better now, knowing that it's do-able at around 100k, provided we rent far out.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:If you ask some people on DCUMs, they are struggling on $200K per year. I am a single mother with one child so there is only 2 of us but we do fine on $60K.

How are you a single mom making $60K but also a stay-at-home mom?

Who said she's a sahm?

Sorry, I was confused because she answered that in response to the question asking how much money one would need to be a SAHM.

Anonymous wrote:A townhouse in North Arlington will cost you at least $600K. Do your own math.

op doesn't want to live in Arlington. Not relevant.

A townhouse in North Arlington will cost you at least $600K. Do your own math.

Anonymous wrote:We do totally fine at 160k. With part-time child care costs cause 30k of that income is mine.

This is our situation but our child care is only $15,000 for a private school.

I think if you're find living in Reston/Sterling/Ashburn area and you guys don't mind a townhouse you could easily do it for $100k. Especially if you don't have large car payments and live a a budgeted lifestyle.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:If you ask some people on DCUMs, they are struggling on $200K per year. I am a single mother with one child so there is only 2 of us but we do fine on $60K.

How are you a single mom making $60K but also a stay-at-home mom?

Who said she's a sahm?