As I recall $250K was considered rich when Bill Clinton and Al Gore ran for president. Now it is $200K (more for married). It is a lot of money when compared to what the rest of the country makes. But, again, depends on where you live (New York vs Bumb Fck Texas). I am sure that NY Doctor pays a helluva lot more for his office, utilities, help, etc., while the other one pays a lot less because of location. But it is not just where you live, it is how you live.

I am two weeks from retirement. As much as I love this area, I learned I could also love Idaho and do. Had to make the move to get us closer to Gandchildren, but the real drivers where affordability of housing, close to good medical, major airport, easy to get back here, and close to shopping. Being ten minutes from Cabelas though is costing me money. Turns out I am saving a butt load of money on taxes, especially property tax. I am in a bigger, newer, and nicer house paying 10% of what I paid over here for property tax and the house cost me $153K less then my lesser house over here sold for. Got an income tax now, but Idaho is considerably lower then Washington in total tax paid by residents. I love that gas which averages 20 + a cents a gallon cheaper then over here and from all I can find out so far, excellent fishing. I will report on that once I am not working. Medical, all I got to say is ooooooooouch! But, it wouldn't be much better here. All my toys are paid for and my small house payment is less then the rent for this crummy apartment I have been living in during the work week since March.

You can be as rich as you want, just depends on your needs.