Note that "saving for college" means "saving to pay for their kid's tuition AND ALSO pay for the financial that goes to a family earning $50k/yr".

And two cars (not necessarily new) because both parents are driving to work.

And property tax that pays for public school for kids of less real-estate-wealthy folks

Also marginal tax rate (Federal, state, social security) of ~30-40% on the difference in income.