15 U.S. Cities Where It Takes the Most Income to Be 'Middle Class'

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The significant increase in cost of living in recent years has squeezed middle-class American households’ finances and lowered their expectations for living a lifestyle of relative comfort.

A new study from SmartAsset finds that the income limits that define the “middle class” have also risen to reflect what most Americans currently earn.

To determine the income limits to be in the middle class in a given area, researchers analyzed the U.S. Census Bureau’s 2022 1-year American Community Survey data for the median household income in the 345 largest U.S. cities, as well as all 50 states. They also relied on a variation of the Pew Research definition of middle-income households: two-thirds to double the median income in an area.

The analysis revealed that the median household income across the 345 cities is $77,345, making middle-class income limits fall between $51,558 and $154,590. In six cities, a household can bring in more than $300,000 and still be considered middle class.

On a state level, it takes the most money to be middle class in New Jersey, between $64,224 and $192,692. Maryland and Massachusetts follow closely.

See the accompanying gallery ranking 15 U.S. cities based on the highest incomes that households need to maintain a middle-class standing.

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