There are areas in Texas with moderately tech savvy industries where $50k can cover basic needs for a family of four with good housing (3BR/2BA with reasonable dimensions for all rooms and yard), savings, and an occasional splurge on entertainment.

Now in the SF Bay area, you've got to look at 2.5-4+ to keep that quality of life.

Useful salary, to some extent, is geographical.

The rest of what you're talking about, I've got nothing to add.