I'm not married (yet - so complex ) but my girlfriend of 3 years that I lived with earns about 30k as a Quality Manager.

Since I moved to London my earnings went up to a bit more than double hers, but since we're long distance (ish) now we don't really notice the difference. The cost of living in London is higher anyway.

The thing that mattters to us is the fact that I LOVE my job, and was happy earning 22k for the Police, so the money doesnt really matter; and she loves hers and strives to earn as much as she can, so we balance each other out

We do argue from time to time about it becuase I think she thinks I moved for the huge pay rise, whereas I know I moved for the opportunity - so in that way the money does affect us.

We're lucky to earn a good wodge either way, so if one left they'd be OK financially. Her house in both names, but mine is only in my name, and because we're not married we don't have to worry about all that splitting up the assets rubbish. To be honest if we split, I'd sign the house over to her anyway.