One thing to consider is average. If .middle is average it cannot change we tend to call ourselves middle class when actually some of us are working class, others well off but not really rich. Consider the custodian/janitor versus the horsey set. I wonder if I won lotto would I really buy a rolls, have a butler, or even know how to behave
Around here the average home is half a million, but the qualifying wage is above average. I tend to think adequate is a better goal. 3 car garage, 5 bed rooms 4 baths are more than most grew up in. Add in that some people are incapable of maintaining a home.
Health is a real happiness ingredient.