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Salary Needed to Live Comfortably in US Cities

  • SmartAsset ranked the largest U.S. cities based on the estimated annual income required for a single adult to cover essential expenses, occasional extras, and savings as of February 10, 2025.
  • This ranking was derived by analyzing living costs from the MIT Living Wage Calculator and applying the 50/30/20 budgeting guideline, which allocates income toward essential expenses, discretionary purchases, and savings.
  • San Jose, California, now requires the highest single adult salary at $147,430, overtaking New York City, which needs $136,656.
  • Median household incomes lag behind required salaries, such as $136,229 in San Jose and $76,577 in New York City, highlighting affordability gaps.
  • The findings suggest that, across large U.S. cities, single adults need at least $85,000 and families nearly $200,000 annually to maintain a comfortable lifestyle.
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Salary needed to live comfortably in US cities

SmartAsset analyzed the estimated cost of necessities in 100 of the largest U.S. cities, applying the 50/30/20 budget rule for both single adults and families of four.

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The Billings Gazette broke the news in Billings, United States on Tuesday, May 27, 2025.
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