It depends where you live
I was on £12.5K a year (untaxed) and survived in grotty flatshares in Camberwell. My other half started in London on £36K and we were able to move into a nice flat together in West London. He's on a bit more than that now, and has managed to support me and child in a decent (rented) house 45 minutes train journey from Liverpool St. We're hoping to be able to afford to buy somewhere one day once childcare costs drop a bit and my salary thus increases.

Also, whilst £40K is a good salary in the real world, in the City, it's peanuts. (Mr VitC is on not much more than £40K, in the City, and has been told he should be earning more like £55K for his job. Same job he did when it wasn't based near Liverpool St, and for some reason his delightful employers decided not to bother raising his salary when he moved to their company. His team leader just found out, 2 years on, and has promised a 'significant' pay rise. Similar in size to the one his team leader got 2 years ago. But it won't be backdated. We're not bitter at all... Especially when he's expected to be there 8-6 5 days a week, plus work all fucking hours available on his current project, and doesn't get any overtime pay. Grr.)
( ascorbate, Thu 24 Jun 2010, 11:00, Reply)