Money defines a lot more than just what is in your bank account. It shapes your lifestyle, choices, and how you stack up in society. But what does it actually take to be considered “middle class” in the U.S.? The answer changes depending on where you live.
According to Pew Research, being middle class means earning between two-thirds to double the U.S. median income. However, since incomes and living costs are all over the place across states, the money you need to land in the middle-class range can swing by tens of thousands.
Alabama
With a median income of $59,609, you need between $39,739 and $119,218 to be middle class here. That means you can live a solid life on less compared to high-cost states.
You won’t be swimming in luxury, but you can own a home, pay your bills, and save a little. Alabama’s lower cost of living helps your dollars stretch, especially when it comes to housing and groceries.
Alaska
In Alaska, the money you need jumps quite a bit. With a median income of $86,370, the middle class starts at $57,579 and caps out at $172,740. Everything costs more here, partly because it is all shipped in.
Alex / Unsplash / If you earn at the lower end of that range in Alaska, you will most probably still feel the pressure.
Energy costs and limited access to cheaper goods eat up a big chunk of income fast. That is the trade-off for living in such a wild, beautiful place.
Arizona
With a median income of $72,581, the middle class here earns between $48,387 and $145,162. That is a big gap, and where you land in it can mean very different lifestyles.
On the lower end, you might rent a modest place and keep your budget tight. On the higher end, you can afford a mortgage, some travel, and savings.
Arkansas
In Arkansas, the cost of living is low, and so is the money you need to be middle class. With a median income of $56,335, the range starts at $37,556 and goes up to $112,670.
That means middle-class life in Arkansas can feel pretty comfortable, especially in smaller towns. You can own a house, drive a reliable car, and still have room in your budget for fun.
California
With a median household income of $91,905, you need at least $61,269 to make it into the middle class and up to $183,810 to stay in it.
Veet / Pexels / In cities like San Francisco or Los Angeles, even six-figure earners can feel broke. Rent is sky-high. Childcare, gas, and groceries add up.
So, if you are at the lower end of California’s middle class, you are likely cutting corners just to stay afloat.
Florida
The median income here is $67,917, meaning middle-class income ranges from $45,278 to $135,834. If you are closer to $45K, you are probably renting, watching your spending, and skipping extras.
At the higher end, you can live comfortably in many parts of the state. But if you are aiming for Miami or Naples, even $135K might not be enough.
Georgia
The median household income here is $71,355, with the middle class falling between $47,570 and $142,710. That sounds solid on paper, but rising housing prices can make that income feel smaller.
Still, outside of Atlanta, your money stretches further. Smaller cities and suburbs offer cheaper housing and a lower overall cost of living. So, Georgia can be a solid spot to build a middle-class life depending on where you live.