Ever wonder if you're earning enough to actually enjoy the city you live in? It’s one thing to get by, but it’s another to live comfortably—having enough to cover your bills, save for the future, and still have cash left over for fun. With housing costs and everyday expenses on the rise, the salary needed for a comfortable life can feel like a moving target.
To figure out what it really takes, GoBankingRates researched the 50 biggest cities in the U.S. and calculated the numbers. Their analysis, based on the popular 50/30/20 budget rule that suggests 50% of your income should go to necessities like housing and utilities, 30% to discretionary spending, and 20% to savings. Examining data on mortgage payments, daily expenses, and average home values reveals the annual salary required to meet these goals in each city.
So, what does it take to live well in America's major urban centers? Let's break it down, starting with the most affordable spots and working our way up.
Key Findings
- California Dreaming is Expensive: Unsurprisingly, California dominates the list of priciest cities. Nine of its major cities, including San Jose, San Francisco, and San Diego, require six-figure incomes to live comfortably, with three demanding salaries over $200,000.
- The Midwest and South Offer Relief: Cities in the Midwest and parts of the South are the most affordable. Detroit, Memphis, and Wichita top the list of places where you can live comfortably for under $75,000 a year.
- A Six-Figure Salary is the New Norm: More than half of America's 50 largest cities—26 to be exact—now require an annual salary of at least $100,000 for a comfortable lifestyle.
The Most Affordable Cities (Salary Under $90,000)
If you're looking for a major city where your paycheck stretches further, these are the places to be. From the Midwest to the South, these urban areas offer a comfortable lifestyle without the six-figure price tag.
50. Detroit, Michigan
- Salary Needed: $65,733
Estimated for bare necessities: about $32,867 per year. Detroit tops the list as the most affordable major city. The low cost of housing—single family homes here average under $80,000, which makes basic necessities especially budget friendly. If you don't mind the chilly winters and love a comeback story, Detroit stretches your dollar further than almost anywhere else in the country.
49. Memphis, Tennessee
- Salary Needed: $66,177
Estimated for bare necessities: $33,088 per year. Memphis keeps costs low thanks to modest housing prices and affordable Southern living. Food, transportation, and utilities here are well below the national average, meaning you can afford both great barbecue and your monthly bills without breaking a sweat.
48. Wichita, Kansas
- Salary Needed: $74,307
Estimated for bare necessities: about $37,153 per year. Wichita’s low average home values and inexpensive groceries make it a haven for anyone looking to stretch their paycheck. You’ll pay less for healthcare, utilities, and transportation than most American cities, which is a big plus for families and young professionals who want value without sacrificing city perks.
47. Baltimore, Maryland
- Salary Needed: $76,200
Estimated for bare necessities: $38,100 per year. While Baltimore sits on the pricier end for the East Coast, it still offers a lower cost of living compared to cities like New York or Boston. Rent and home prices are moderate, and public transit is widely used and affordable, helping to keep overall expenses manageable for both city dwellers and commuters.
46. Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
- Salary Needed: $76,350
Estimated for bare necessities: about $38,175 per year. Oklahoma City stands out for its affordable housing market, relatively low utility costs, and a thriving food scene that won’t empty your wallet. Groceries and transportation here are some of the cheapest among major U.S. cities, making it a great place for anyone looking to stretch their paycheck.
45. Tulsa, Oklahoma
- Salary Needed: $76,783
Estimated for bare necessities: around $38,392 per year. Tulsa’s expenses are only slightly higher than Oklahoma City’s, but the city has carved out a reputation for offering big-city amenities at small-town prices. Affordable rents and reasonable healthcare costs mean you can live comfortably while enjoying a lively arts scene and an easy commute.
44. El Paso, Texas
- Salary Needed: $77,115
Estimated for bare necessities: about $38,557 per year. Life in El Paso is bright, sunny, and budget-friendly. Thanks to low housing costs and an affordable food scene, you can keep expenses manageable while enjoying everything from Tex-Mex flavors to West Texas hospitality. The city’s thriving border economy keeps living costs stable, so your dollar stretches a little further here than in most big cities.
43. Indianapolis, Indiana
- Salary Needed: $78,317
Estimated for bare necessities: around $39,159 per year. Indianapolis stands out for its affordable home prices and reasonable utility bills, even with a bustling downtown and a strong job market. It’s a favorite for young professionals and families who want a major metro experience without the sticker shock, where savings on essentials can go toward taking in Colts games, festivals, and Indy’s growing dining scene.
42. Milwaukee, Wisconsin
- Salary Needed: $78,392
Estimated for bare necessities: $39,196 per year. Milwaukee delivers big-city energy without the big-budget price tag. With affordable housing and an iconic local food scene (cheese curds, anyone?), it’s possible to keep your essentials on a tight leash and still have cash for brews on the lakefront.
41. San Antonio, Texas
- Salary Needed: $81,413
Estimated for bare necessities: $40,707 per year. San Antonio’s blend of Tex-Mex flavors, riverfront walks, and a vibrant arts culture comes at a lower price than most major metros. Rent and groceries won’t break the bank here, so you can enjoy Fiesta and strolls under the city’s famous lights without stressing about your bottom line.
40. Kansas City, Missouri
- Salary Needed: $81,637
Estimated for bare necessities: about $40,818 per year. In Kansas City, your dollar goes a long way as housing is remarkably affordable for a city with such a lively music and food scene. With low mortgage and utility costs, locals can enjoy world-class barbecue and jazz without worrying about getting priced out of their neighborhoods.
39. Louisville, Kentucky
- Salary Needed: $82,816
Estimated for bare necessities: about $41,408 per year. Louisville balances Southern charm with a reasonable cost of living, helped by accessible home prices and modest grocery bills. You won’t need triple digits to savor the city’s bourbon culture and thriving arts festivals while keeping your basics well covered.
38. Columbus, Ohio
- Salary Needed: $83,269
Estimated for bare necessities: about $41,635 per year. Columbus is surprisingly affordable for a large, vibrant college town. Between the plentiful job opportunities, affordable housing, and a buzzing food scene, you can cover essentials and still have room for Buckeye football tickets.
37. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Salary Needed: $86,763
Estimated for bare necessities: about $43,382 per year. Philly packs in history and big-city amenities at a lower price point than many East Coast peers. You can pay your bills, chow down on cheesesteaks, and enjoy the arts without the wallet pain you’d feel a few hours north in NYC.
36. Houston, Texas
- Salary Needed: $87,359
Estimated for bare necessities: about $43,679 per year. Houston keeps its living costs lower thanks to a booming job market, plentiful housing, and no state income tax. Your dollar gets you more space and a vibrant food and arts scene, all while leaving enough left over for Astros games.
35. Omaha, Nebraska
- Salary Needed: $88,336
Estimated for bare necessities: about $44,168 per year. Omaha offers solid affordability paired with a strong local economy and low unemployment. A manageable cost of living means you can enjoy city perks like world-class steaks and the College World Series without financial stress.
34. Jacksonville, Florida
- Salary Needed: $89,876
Estimated for bare necessities: about $44,938 per year. Jacksonville stands out with its sunny weather, low housing costs, and no state income tax. Here, your dollar goes further, making it easier to enjoy weekend getaways, local seafood, and family outings while still meeting all your basic needs.
Rising Costs: Cities Approaching the Six-Figure Mark (Salary from $90,000 to $100,000)
These cities fall into a middle ground. While you don't quite need $100,000 to live comfortably, the cost of living is noticeably higher than in the most affordable metros.
33. Albuquerque, New Mexico
- Salary Needed: $91,112
Estimated for bare necessities: about $45,556 per year. Albuquerque delivers affordable Southwestern living, with reasonable housing and utility costs. The city’s unique culture, outdoor attractions, and manageable expenses make balancing necessities and fun pretty simple compared to pricier urban hubs.
32. Fort Worth, Texas
- Salary Needed: $91,438
Estimated for bare necessities: around $45,719 per year. Fort Worth offers Texan charm along with plenty of economic opportunity, especially for those in healthcare, logistics, or aviation. The city’s relatively low housing costs and vibrant job market make comfortable living surprisingly attainable.
31. Tucson, Arizona
- Salary Needed: $91,870
Estimated for bare necessities: about $45,935 per year. Tucson is known for its desert beauty and affordable lifestyle. Lower real estate prices and a modest cost of living help residents stretch their dollars further, even as they enjoy the city’s unique blend of culture, food, and sunshine.
30. Arlington, Texas
- Salary Needed: $93,436
Estimated for bare necessities: about $46,718 per year. Arlington sits between Dallas and Fort Worth, with costs that reflect big-city amenities without the premium price tag. A steady job market and abundant entertainment options make it easy to balance your budget here, especially if you prioritize needs over wants.
29. Dallas, Texas
- Salary Needed: $94,950
Estimated for bare necessities: about $47,475 per year. Dallas is packed with high-rise apartments, luxury shopping, and world-class BBQ, but living comfortably is still more accessible here than in coastal metros. The city’s broad range of neighborhoods and job opportunities helps offset slightly higher housing costs.
28. Chicago, Illinois
- Salary Needed: $95,198
Estimated for bare necessities: about $47,599 per year. The Windy City offers big-city amenities with a comparatively reasonable cost of living for a metropolis its size. While housing is more affordable than in many coastal cities, Chicagoans still need to budget for city taxes and all those deep-dish cravings.
27. Minneapolis, Minnesota
- Salary Needed: $96,540
Estimated for bare necessities: about $48,270 per year. Thanks to stable employment opportunities and solid public services, Minneapolis makes comfortable living attainable for many residents. Reasonable home prices and a focus on community keep costs manageable, even during those long, snowy winters.
The Six-Figure Club (Salary from $100,000 to $150,000)
Welcome to the new standard for comfortable living in many major American cities. In these locations, a six-figure income is necessary to cover necessities, savings, and discretionary spending without feeling financially strained.
26. Charlotte, North Carolina
- Salary Needed: $103,365
Estimated for bare necessities: about $51,683 per year. Charlotte mixes southern hospitality with big-city growth, and that popularity comes at a price. While housing is more affordable than in many coastal metros, rising rents and a bustling job market mean you’ll need a healthy paycheck to live comfortably here.
25. Fresno, California
- Salary Needed: $103,558
Estimated for bare necessities: about $51,779 per year. Fresno offers a lower barrier to entry than California’s coastal giants, but don’t let that farm-town vibe fool you. Groceries, transportation, and housing still reflect the state’s high cost of living; although your budget will go a lot further here than in San Francisco or LA.
24. Bakersfield, California
- Salary Needed: $103,726
Estimated for bare necessities: about $51,863 per year. Despite being in California, Bakersfield is far less punishing on your wallet than LA or the Bay Area. With lower home prices and a big agricultural scene, it’s a popular landing spot for those chasing sunshine but hoping to sidestep astronomical rent.
23. Phoenix, Arizona
- Salary Needed: $107,341
Estimated for bare necessities: about $53,670 per year. Phoenix keeps housing costs manageable, and its steady job growth makes it an attractive place to plant roots. Summers are scorching, but the reasonable expense profile means your paycheck won’t get burned up by bills.
22. Raleigh, North Carolina
- Salary Needed: $107,631
Estimated for bare necessities: about $53,815 per year. Raleigh's cost of living is higher than you might expect for the Southeast, thanks to a thriving tech sector and steady population growth. Still, with strong job prospects and lower housing prices than many East Coast cities, it's a solid bet for families looking for a good quality of life without breaking the bank.
21. Virginia Beach, Virginia
- Salary Needed: $107,694
Estimated for bare necessities: about $53,847 per year. Being close to the ocean doesn’t come cheap, but Virginia Beach manages to balance coastal perks with a relatively reasonable cost profile. Essentials are manageable, giving you more room in your budget for seafood dinners and a little fun in the sun.
20. Colorado Springs, Colorado
- Salary Needed: $108,462
Estimated for bare necessities: around $54,231 per year. Colorado Springs offers mountain views and outdoor adventures without Denver-level price tags. Rent and utilities stay reasonable, and you can enjoy a vibrant lifestyle with just over half your income going to essentials.
19. Mesa, Arizona
- Salary Needed: $110,065
Estimated for bare necessities: about $55,033 per year. Mesa’s affordability stands out in the Phoenix metro, with basics like housing, groceries, and transportation keeping your wallet happy. The desert climate means fewer heating bills, and plenty of sunny days to enjoy it.
18. Nashville, Tennessee
- Salary Needed: $110,783
Estimated for bare necessities: about $55,391 per year. In Music City, your basic expenses are a bit higher than average, thanks to solid housing demand and bustling entertainment options. Nashville combines Southern hospitality with city perks, and while it’s not as pricey as the coasts, the salary you’ll need has crept up with its surging popularity.
17. Atlanta, Georgia
- Salary Needed: $112,702
Estimated for bare necessities: about $56,351 per year. Atlanta offers big-city amenities and career opportunities, but a thriving job market and fast-growing population mean prices for housing and essentials are on the rise. While still more affordable than New York or LA, you’ll want a comfortable cushion to enjoy all the city’s culinary and cultural attractions.
16. Las Vegas, Nevada
- Salary Needed: $114,449
Estimated for bare necessities: about $57,225 per year. Sin City once meant cheap living, but rising popularity has pushed prices up. Still, compared to coastal hotspots, Vegas remains a bargain with affordable homes and no state income tax helping balance out higher utility and entertainment costs. Good news: covering the basics leaves plenty of room to enjoy the legendary nightlife.
15. Sacramento, California
- Salary Needed: $119,582
Estimated for bare necessities: about $59,791 per year. California’s capital is a more affordable alternative to Bay Area living, with a diverse economy driven by government, healthcare, and agriculture. While home prices keep ticking up, Sacramento still offers a gateway to Northern California, and with careful budgeting, you won’t need a Silicon Valley salary to get by.
14. Austin, Texas
- Salary Needed: $122,875
Estimated for bare necessities: around $61,437 yearly. Austin’s music and tech scene draws in new residents by the thousands, but home prices and living costs keep climbing. Essentials eat up a decent chunk of change with even tacos and rent not as cheap as they used to be. You’ll need a healthy income to truly enjoy everything the city has to offer.
13. Portland, Oregon
- Salary Needed: $126,707
Estimated for bare necessities: roughly $63,354 per year. While weirdness is free, groceries and housing in Portland certainly aren’t. Rising housing prices and food costs have pushed the city into the six-figure club for comfort. Living on just the basics is doable, but if you want to sample all those eclectic food carts and iconic coffee shops, you’ll need room in your budget.
12. Denver, Colorado
- Salary Needed: $129,528
Estimated for bare necessities: around $64,764 per year. Denver’s outdoor lifestyle is accessible even on a modest budget, but home prices and rent have spiked as the city grows. The extra salary for comfort is mostly about keeping up with elevated housing costs and a lively urban scene, not to mention those weekend ski trips.
11. Miami, Florida
- Salary Needed: $144,219
Estimated for bare necessities: about $72,109 per year. Beaches may be free but Miami’s cost for everything else, including insurance, utilities, and groceries – all adding up quickly. Getting by is possible if you stick to the basics, but comfort here means having a financial cushion for hurricanes, nightlife, and ever-rising prices.
The Most Expensive Cities (Salary Over $150,000)
For those living in these top-tier cities, high costs for housing and daily life push the required salary into the upper echelon. These are the urban centers where financial comfort comes with the highest price tag.
10. Washington, D.C.
- Salary Needed: $157,960
Estimated for bare necessities: about $78,980 per year. In the nation’s capital, home costs, high rents, and pricey amenities mean you’ll need a big income just to enjoy the city’s museums, restaurants, and fast-paced lifestyle with a bit of comfort left over.
9. Oakland, California
- Salary Needed: $163,559
Estimated for bare necessities: about $81,779 per year. With its proximity to San Francisco, Oakland shares the Bay Area’s soaring home prices and daily expenses. Even basic living isn’t cheap here, and a comfortable lifestyle will require a hefty paycheck.
8. Boston, Massachusetts
- Salary Needed: $169,155
Estimated for bare necessities: about $84,578 per year. Boston’s combination of Ivy League vibes, cutting-edge healthcare, and Fenway Park magic comes at a cost. While necessities aren’t as outrageous as in California, the city’s rent, historic neighborhoods, and top-tier schools push comfort out of reach for a lot of newcomers. Still, salaries in tech, education, and healthcare can help offset steep living costs for locals.
7. Seattle, Washington
- Salary Needed: $178,520
Estimated for bare necessities: about $89,260 per year. Thanks to its booming tech scene and coffee empire, Seattle is one of the priciest places in the Pacific Northwest. While basic costs have climbed sharply, especially housing and groceries, strong job prospects with companies like Amazon and Microsoft mean many residents can handle the extra expense—if they’re in the right industry.
6. Long Beach, California
- Salary Needed: $179,359
Estimated for bare necessities: about $89,679 per year. Long Beach offers beach-town living just a short drive from Los Angeles, but that comes at a premium. Between pricey housing and coastal amenities, even basic expenses stretch most budgets. If you want the ocean breeze without financial stress, you’ll need to bring in a solid paycheck.
5. New York, New York
- Salary Needed: $184,420
Estimated for bare necessities: about $92,210 per year. The city that never sleeps is also the city that never stops charging you, whether it’s for cramped apartments, takeout, or subway rides. Necessities alone in NYC cost more than a comfortable salary would in many other cities. Living here isn’t for the faint of wallet, but if you can make it, the opportunities (and bagel shops) are endless.
4. Los Angeles, California
- Salary Needed: $194,920
Estimated for bare necessities: around $97,460 per year.
L.A. might run on dreams, but housing, insurance, and everyday spending here quickly add up. Even with high wages in entertainment and tech, basic costs swallow a giant slice of income. If you want to experience all the glitz without sweating every grocery bill, be ready for a big paycheck.
3. San Diego, California
- Salary Needed: $206,353
Estimated for bare necessities: about $103,176 per year.
Living in San Diego means paying a premium for coastline, perfect weather, and a laid-back vibe. While tech and biotech jobs offer solid paychecks, the cost of housing and everyday expenses means you’ll need serious income for comfort. Essentials alone rival the national average for total household earnings.
2. San Francisco, California
- Salary Needed: $251,398
Estimated for bare necessities: about $125,699 per year. In San Francisco, high-rise living and golden sunsets come at a steep cost. Even a no-frills lifestyle can take a chunk out of your paycheck thanks to sky-high rents and everyday price tags that rival the nation’s most expensive. You’ll need deep pockets to soak up the best of the Bay.
1. San Jose, California
- Salary Needed: $264,946
Estimated for bare necessities: about $132,473 per year. Living in San Jose puts you in the heart of Silicon Valley, but software salaries have to stretch far to keep up with staggering housing prices. Covering just the essentials costs more than a comfortable life in most cities, making this the ultimate test for your budget and your ambition.
Living comfortably means different things to different people, but having enough money to handle your responsibilities and enjoy life is a goal we all share. As this data shows, where you choose to live has a huge impact on how much you need to earn to achieve that balance.
