Can a couple survive on $250K a year? Looking at different cities, the answer is "no." While the article seems to fixate on the high cost of taxes, I'd say this couple is living beyond their means.

Their debt load is pretty high: nearly $700/month on car payments, $3600/month on their mortgage payments, and $500/month in student loans. 

In the more expensive cities, I'm sure the professional couple making $250k/year would be able to figure out that paying $3600/month for housing and nearly $1000/month on home maintenance is economically reckless. Rent a nice place for $2500/month and you save nearly $2000/month (maybe pay off that car and student loan faster, eh?)

The myth of home ownership... 

. . .

And here is my song of the day: