150K is not living large. At least in Austin and Denton.
You can live nice in the greater San Antonio - Austin area on 150k.
Take home of 150k is about 8,629.42 a month, maybe more in Texas because there is no state tax.
This house (on almost 1/2 a acre) is 325k in Austin, payments roughly: $1400 a month... you saying you can't live decent off 8600-1400 = $7200 is the rest of your pay check, you saying you can't live off that a month, and live nice and comfy?
Trying doing that anywhere desirable in the Bay Area, LA or Seattle.