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Are you earning enough to 'live comfortably' in these cities?

7 0
20.03.2025

(NEXSTAR) — While inflation is cooling, the cost of various items remains high. So high, a record number of Americans are working more than one job, according to the latest federal data. Though you may be earning a slightly larger paycheck this year, it may still not be enough to “live comfortably.”

A new report from personal finance site SmartAsset reviewed what it takes to live a comfortable financial life in the 100 largest cities in the U.S. The study used the estimated living wage needed for various family sizes, produced by the MIT Living Wage Calculator, and applied it to the 50/30/20 budgeting method. The rule suggests that half of your budget should cover your needs, 30% goes toward “wants,” and 20% for debt, saving, or investing.

By using the estimated living wage as the money necessary to cover “needs,” SmartAsset calculated the necessary salary to cover the other half of the budget (wants and debt or savings). While MIT provides living wage estimates for 12 different family structures, SmartAsset focused on two: one adult with no children, and two working adults with two children.

What does it take to be middle class in 2025? New study explains

The analysis found that cities primarily in the south and southeastern part of the country are the most affordable, with no city serving as the most affordable option for both single adults and working........

© The Hill