How Much Income Needed to Live Comfortably in Major US Cities

New study breaks down ideal salaries for single adults and families in top 100 metro areas

Mar. 28, 2026 at 2:54pm

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A new study from financial technology company SmartAsset has determined the ideal salaries needed for both single adults and families of four to live comfortably in the 100 largest cities in the United States. The analysis is based on the '50/30/20 rule' of budgeting, which allocates 50% of post-tax income to necessities, 30% to discretionary spending, and 20% to savings.

Why it matters

As the cost of living continues to rise in many major metro areas, this data provides helpful benchmarks for residents to assess their financial situations and determine if they are earning enough to maintain a comfortable lifestyle. The findings also highlight the significant disparities in the cost of living between different regions of the country.

The details

According to the study, the city with the highest income requirement for a single adult is New York, where $158,954 is needed to live comfortably. San Jose, California is a close second at $158,080. Several other California cities, including Irvine, Anaheim, and Santa Ana, also top the list with income requirements around $152,000 for a single person. Overall, 14 of the top 20 most expensive cities for single adults are located in California. On the family side, San Jose again leads the pack, with a recommended income of $402,771 for a family of four. Other pricey metro areas for families include San Francisco, Fremont, and Oakland, all in the San Francisco Bay Area.

  • The study was conducted and published in March 2026 by financial technology company SmartAsset.

The players

SmartAsset

A financial technology company that provides personal finance advice and tools to consumers.

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What’s next

Individuals and families can use the data from this study to evaluate their current income levels and determine if they are earning enough to maintain a comfortable lifestyle in their city of residence. Those who fall short may need to consider options such as finding a higher-paying job, reducing expenses, or relocating to a more affordable area.

The takeaway

This study highlights the significant disparities in the cost of living across the United States, with California cities dominating the list of the most expensive places to live comfortably. As the cost of housing, food, and other necessities continues to rise in many urban areas, it is becoming increasingly important for residents to carefully budget and manage their finances to ensure they can maintain a high quality of life.