Middle Class Lifestyle in U.S. Metro Areas

SOURCE www.cnbc.com
The middle class lifestyle varies by location. In San Francisco, households earning between $85,434 and $256,302 a year are considered middle class. High living costs in the area mean that a middle income may not afford as comfortable a lifestyle as expected.

Key Points

  • Middle class defined as households earning between two-thirds and double the median income
  • San Francisco households classified as middle earners with annual income ranging from $85,434 to $256,302
  • High rent prices and home ownership costs in San Francisco present challenges for middle-income residents

Pros

  • High income potential in major tech and government hubs like San Francisco, Seattle, Boston, and Washington, D.C.
  • Opportunities for financial wellness and security through saving, debt management, and investment

Cons

  • High living costs in cities like San Francisco, with housing expenses exceeding recommended percentages of income
  • Wide income disparities within metropolitan areas, impacting residents' access to resources and quality of life