Although getting 3K is not that high in Singapore context, however if one can live within his means, he can survive even with a small family. There are many living in one room one hall within distance from my block, I have spoken to them, some hardly earned more than 1.5K. Instead of drinking a sugar filled bubble tea that can cost $2 or more, one can always drink a glass of healthy plain water. The bottom line, you earn more, you spend more, you earn less, you spend less. Living within our means is the best policy & don't get into debts.