Report: 65% of middle class struggling financially
In an Urban Institute poll commissioned by the National True Cost of Living Coalition, 65% of American families making at least $60k a year struggle financially
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- The study by SmartAsset found that Massachusetts is the most expensive state for middle-class living.
- A household is considered middle class in the Bay State if it makes between $66,565 and $199,716.
- Boston is ranked the 13th priciest city to be middle class in the U.S., with a household needing between $64,614 and $193,862.
The income needed to maintain middle-class status in the United States has risen—and it’s the highest in Massachusetts, according to calculations by SmartAsset.
Reaching middle-class in America—owning a home, saving enough money for retirement, and being able to go on occasional vacations—has long been a dream for many. But it’s one that is increasingly feeling out of reach for many Americans.
According to a Reuters/Ipsos poll released Tuesday, three in five Americans say the cost of living is going in the wrong direction. And in Massachusetts, a UMass Amherst poll found that just 40% of residents say their own economic situation is “excellent” or “good,” the lowest percentage in the past four years.
Using Pew Research Center’s definition of middle income, which is two-thirds to double the median household income, as well as the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau, SmartAsset calculated the middle-class income ranges for 100 major U.S. cities and all 50 states.
What is middle class in Massachusetts?
The study found that Massachusetts is the most expensive state for middle-class living.
A household is considered middle class in the Bay State if it makes between $66,565 and $199,716. This is a jump from $62,986 to $188,976 last year.
The median household income in Massachusetts is $99,858.
What is considered middle class in Boston?
Boston is ranked the 13th priciest city to be middle class in the U.S., with a household needing between $64,614 and $193,862.
The median income in Boston is $96,931.
What are the most expensive states to be middle class in America?
Massachusetts overtook New Jersey this year as the priciest state to be middle class.
New Jersey still holds the second spot, with a range of $66,514 to $199,562. Maryland is a close third ($65,779 to $197,356).
Another New England state, New Hampshire, took the fourth spot with a range of $64,552 to $193,676.
What cities have the highest middle-class range?
In Arlington, Virginia, a household could be making $280,000 and still be considered middle class. Arlington is the priciest city for middle class living, with a range of $93,470 to $280,438.
California cities take up the next three spots: San Jose ($90,810 to $272,458); Irvine ($85,317 to $255,978); and San Francisco ($84,478 to $253,460).
