Just checked my accounts for 2004.
Family of four, two cars (both paid for, so oldish) in company housing, with Dubai school fees paid. Last year we spent
US$ 61,000 on 'just surviving'.
Holidays (long summer one for family) and the end of year Xmas bash not included. No boat, golf/sailing club memberships or any other toys. No full time househelp either, itinerant gardner cum car-washer only. Most wine and beer bought on layovers so that came off the allowances.
Not bad, not good either. If you move here obviously a lot more needed. Saved a bit, but it was not easy.