I agree.  The notion that $220,000 salary makes you wealthy is just ridiculous.   Even if both partners in a dual income household make $220K each that still comes no where near "wealthy".  There should not be a number associated with being wealthy ... as inflation and cost of living - city by city -  make it a moving target.  Being wealthy should best be described as not having to make financial compromises or choices about consumption.  An affluent family may very well have to choose between getting that new car or taking that European cruise this year.  They will pour over websites where to get the best deal.   A "wealthy" person has no such limitations... get the new car (lets make it an S Class....)  AND take the cruise.. (lets book a suite..) .   They may "choose" not to consume (think Buffett) but they have tremendous resources available for consumption (think Trump or Larry Ellison).  Put another way.. wealthy don't fly commercial.  But affluent folks do - and usually in coach.