[ajbrown]

My short answer for my wife and I is no. As I type that I need to emphasize that this question can only be answered by the person who wants to do it. I do know folks that live in MA on less than the number you mention.

For us, I have tracked every penny we spend in a spreadsheet for the last four years. I just track it, no budgeting or trying to cut back, no detailed analysis yet, but it is a document of exactly what we spend. I do not see how we could live on $25k.

As far as costs for the last four years for us?

My home in Norton, MA costs about the same per year as my home here (mortgage not included in comparison).
My credit cards which are used for everything are a wash between here and in MA, so groceries, gas, dining is about the same.
Of course location matters, cost of living in Norton, MA is quite a bit different that a condominium in NYC.

I am not trying to be discouraging and as you can see by other posts folks do this, but I caution that someone has to do the math for themselves and how they live.

One suggestion would be try to do it NOW no matter where you live for a period of time to see....

I hope things work out, it is another beautiful day in TV.