I am aware this question is very relative and subjective to different people but considering I’m an average middle class guy with no expensive interests and hobbies and moderate lifestyle, not penny pinching and not splurging all the money. Would a gross annual salary of 120k be enough for a family in Bay Area? This is assured full time salary so doesn’t depend on billing a customer or not.this is for a family of 3 including H4 spouse and 2 year old baby?
Bay Area is expensive, but I think 120K salary is good to start with. As your spouse is on H-4, I assume there won’t be any daycare expenses which can be 1500-2200 per month here.
Your biggest expense will be rent which can be $2000+ for a 1 bed-room apartment. In addition, it could increase by $200 every year. Sales tax is close to 9% on most items and you can calculate your take home salary (post federal and state tax) using ADP calculator.