More income will result in higher expectations. Bigger house, more expensive car, branded clothes, eating out in fancier restaurants, etc. Some stuff you can hardly avoid like a mortgage.

I think most single people would have an easier time being frugal, but if you have a partner good luck with that. And if you have children you are stuck in the ratrace to send them to the most expensive schools and out of school activities.

If you would earn 250k, would you live in a trailer and take the bus to work?

I can hardly blame people. We are constantly bombarded with ads to buy buy buy. Max out your creditcards, invest in crypto, buy a boat, buy a car, fly around the world for holidays.

Before you know it you cannot get out anymore, no matter what your income is.