By Sahil Mehta | Senior Financial Correspondent
Updated February 2026
A decade ago, earning $100,000 meant you had “made it.”
Today, in many parts of the United States, it simply means you’re surviving comfortably.
Rising housing costs, higher insurance premiums, expensive healthcare, and growing debt have quietly redefined what it means to live well in America.
So what is a good salary in the USA in 2026?
How much money do you really need to live comfortably, save for retirement, and avoid financial stress?
Let’s break it down. (The Complete Guide to Personal Finance in the United States (2026 Edition)
Average Salary in the United States (2026)
Before defining “good,” we need to understand “average.”
Latest Income Data
- Average individual salary: $62,608
- Median household income: $86,185
If you earn more than $62,000 per year, you already make more than half of Americans.
But that doesn’t mean you’re financially secure. (The Real Cost of Living in the United States (Why It Feels Unaffordable)
Cost of Living in the USA: The 3 Biggest Expenses
A good salary must cover three major costs.
1. Housing Costs
Housing is the biggest budget killer.
| Type | Monthly Cost | Required Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Rent | $1,995 | $72,000 |
| Buy | — | $111,000+ |
In most cities, buying a home now requires six-figure income.
This is why homeownership is declining among young adults.
2. Transportation & Insurance
- Car payment: ~$740/month
- Auto insurance: Rising 10–15% yearly
- Gas & maintenance: ~$250+
Transportation now consumes 12–15% of income.
3. Healthcare & Childcare
- Health insurance: $500–$900/month
- Daycare: $1,100+ per child
For families, these costs alone require an extra $25k–$40k in salary.
Good Salary by City (2026)
Where you live determines everything.
| City | Rent | Comfortable Salary |
|---|---|---|
| New York | $3,488 | $140k+ |
| Los Angeles | $2,717 | $110k+ |
| Miami | $3,199 | $128k+ |
| Dallas | $1,979 | $80k |
| St. Louis | $1,250 | $50k |
If you earn $100k in Texas, you live well.
If you earn $100k in NYC, you struggle.
Good Salary by Lifestyle
Single Adult
$65k–$80k
Covers rent, food, insurance, and modest savings.
Married, No Kids
$110k–$130k
Best wealth-building phase.
Family with Kids
$170k+
Needed for housing, education, healthcare, and savings.
Single Parent
$90k+
High risk category financially.
What Different Salaries Feel Like in America
| Salary | Lifestyle |
|---|---|
| $50k | Paycheck to paycheck |
| $75k | Stable |
| $100k | Comfortable |
| $150k | Financial freedom |
This is why “six figures” is still attractive it’s where stress starts dropping.
Can You Become Rich on a Good Salary?
A high salary does not guarantee wealth.
Wealth = Income – Expenses
Two examples:
- $150k in San Francisco → Low savings
- $90k in Alabama → High savings
Saving 20%+ of income matters more than salary size.
How to Increase Your Salary in the USA
1. Change Jobs
Most raises come from job switches.
2. Learn High-Paying Skills
Examples:
- Data analysis
- Cloud computing
- UX/UI design
- Cybersecurity
3. Work Remotely
Moving to a cheaper city = instant raise.
A Personal Observation
After studying hundreds of budgets, I’ve learned this:
Most Americans aren’t irresponsible.
They’re underpaid relative to modern costs.
Wages rose. Expenses rose faster.
That’s the real crisis. (How Much Do Americans Earn on Average? (By Age & Household Type)
Final Answer: What Is a Good Salary in America?
In 2026:
- Minimum comfort: $75k
- Middle-class security: $100k–$120k
- Upper comfort: $150k+
But the best salary is the one that gives you:
✔ No debt stress
✔ Emergency savings
✔ Retirement funding
✔ Time freedom
That’s real wealth.
Financial Disclaimer
This content is for educational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. Always consult a licensed professional before making financial decisions.