Are you saying that a couple need 2 -3 M per year. Rubbish.
Me, the Mrs, son at Uni, working daughter with 4 year old. 250 sq mtr house, diesel Vigo & City paid for, as is pool-less house. Cook mostly here, I like my English stuff, moderate beers, mostly do my own garden with help from relatives.
Live on Bht 35k per month, with one trip to UK per year.