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Study Reveals $100K Income Needed for Comfort in Major Cities

10/19/2025

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Summary

Story summary

The GoBankingRates study finds that living comfortably in major U.S. cities requires an annual income of at least $100,000 in more than half of the areas studied.
The analysis uses data from the 2024 U.S. Census American Community Survey and focuses on mortgage costs and daily expenses.
In Atlanta, residents need $112,702, ranking 17th in affordability.
San Jose, California, tops the list with an income requirement of $264,946.

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Story summary

The GoBankingRates study finds that living comfortably in major U.S. cities requires an annual income of at least $100,000 in more than half of the areas studied.
The analysis uses data from the 2024 U.S. Census American Community Survey and focuses on mortgage costs and daily expenses.
In Atlanta, residents need $112,702, ranking 17th in affordability.
San Jose, California, tops the list with an income requirement of $264,946.