Boston: The Cost of Living Just Got Steeper for Middle-Class Families

News Summary

Boston has officially become the most expensive state in the U.S. for middle-class living, with families now needing to earn between $64,614 and $193,862 to maintain this lifestyle. Recent data from SmartAsset highlights a significant increase in income required for middle-class status compared to last year, adding pressure to families already struggling with the high cost of living. Public sentiment reflects growing concern, with many Americans acknowledging the rising expenses that challenge financial stability.

Boston: The Cost of Living Just Got Steeper for Middle-Class Families

If you live in Boston or anywhere else in Massachusetts, get ready to tighten your belts because it’s now officially recognized as the most expensive state for middle-class living in the entire U.S.! According to fresh data, the income necessary to maintain a middle-class lifestyle has soared higher than ever.

Middle-Class Income: The New Numbers

Thanks to SmartAsset, we now know that Massachusetts families must earn between $66,565 and $199,716 to fall into the middle-class category. Just last year, this figure was a bit lower, sitting at $62,986 to $188,976. That’s quite a significant jump! To put things into perspective, the median household income in the state is now around $99,858.

But let’s zoom in a little closer to the vibrant city of Boston. Here, the middle-class income range is slightly different; families need to bring in between $64,614 and $193,862 to be considered middle class. The city itself boasts a median income of about $96,931, which, although it sounds decent, speaks volumes about the high cost of living here.

Ranking the States

Interestingly, Massachusetts knocked New Jersey out of the top spot to claim the title of the priciest state for middle-class living. New Jersey’s income range comes in slightly lower at $66,514 to $199,562. Following closely are Maryland and New Hampshire, whose middle-class income ranges are $65,779 to $197,356 and $64,552 to $193,676 respectively.

What About Other Cities?

It’s not just Boston feeling the economic pressure. In Arlington, Virginia, a household can earn up to $280,000 and still qualify as middle class! The income range for middle-class families here is quite spacious, from $93,470 to $280,438. Other cities in California are also among the most expensive, with San Jose needing between $90,810 to $272,458; Irvine’s range is $85,317 to $255,978; and San Francisco’s is $84,478 to $253,460. It feels like the higher you get, the steeper the costs!

Public Sentiment

60% of Americans feel the cost of living is heading south. Meanwhile, a UMass Amherst poll highlighted that only 40% of residents in Massachusetts consider their economic situation as “excellent” or “good.” Believe it or not, that’s the lowest percentage we’ve seen in the last four years!

What This Means for Families

With the cost of living continually on the rise, middle-class families are faced with mounting challenges to maintain stability and security. The jumps in income ranges indicate that even for families making decent salaries, the struggle to manage household expenses is growing tougher by the day.

So, do you think you have what it takes to manage living in Massachusetts? With the new data, it’s clear that being middle class here demands a lot more financial fuel than it did just a year ago. Here’s hoping for some economic relief and brighter days ahead!

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

• Telegram: What’s Middle Class in Massachusetts?
• WWLP: What Does it Take to be Middle Class in Massachusetts?
• Go Banking Rates: What is Middle Class in the US?
• MassLive: Are You Still Middle Class?
• CBS News: Massachusetts Income Gap