As the cost of living continues to rise, many Americans are reevaluating what it means to be middle class in their state.
The financial landscape varies significantly across the country, with some states demanding higher incomes just to maintain a middle-class lifestyle.
For instance, Massachusetts ranks as the most expensive state for middle-class living, where households need an income between $66,565 and $199,716 to keep up with expenses.
In contrast, states like West Virginia and New Mexico offer lower living costs but often come with lower income thresholds for middle-class status.
1: Arkansas
Arkansas defines middle class as earning between $35,000 and $101,000 annually. Living costs are relatively low, with housing averaging $1,000 monthly. Utility expenses typically run around $250, and healthcare can average $500.
2: West Virginia
West Virginia’s middle-class income ranges from $41,000 to $115,000 annually. Basic living costs include housing expenses around $900, utility costs averaging $200, and healthcare expenses near $400 monthly.
3: Mississippi
Mississippi’s middle-class income ranges from $35,000 to $95,000 annually. Basic living costs include average housing expenses of $850 monthly, utility costs around $180, and healthcare expenses near $400.
4: Indiana
In Indiana, the middle-class income ranges from $45,000 to $120,000 annually. Average housing costs run about $1,200 per month, utilities average $250, and healthcare expenses are approximately $400 monthly.
5: Kentucky
Kentucky’s middle-class income ranges from $40,000 to $115,000 annually. Basic living costs include average housing expenses of $900 monthly, utility costs around $160, and healthcare expenses near $450.
6: Ohio
In Ohio, the middle-class income ranges from $45,000 to $120,000 annually. Basic living costs include average housing expenses of $1,000 monthly, utility costs around $200, and healthcare expenses near $350.
7: Iowa
Iowa’s middle-class income ranges from $47,000 to $120,000 annually. Basic living costs include:
| Expense Category | Average Monthly Cost |
|---|---|
| Housing | $1,200 |
| Utilities | $150 |
| Healthcare | $400 |
Understanding these figures helps residents navigate their financial landscape effectively.
8: Oklahoma
Oklahoma’s middle-class income ranges from $43,000 to $115,000 annually. Basic living costs include average housing expenses of $950 monthly, utility costs around $180, and healthcare expenses near $400.
9: Alabama
In Alabama, the middle-class income ranges from $42,000 to $115,000 annually. Living costs are lower, with average housing expenses around $1,000 monthly, utility costs about $160, and healthcare expenses near $400.
10: Kansas
Kansas defines middle-class income as ranging from $50,000 to $130,000 annually. Living costs include average housing expenses of $1,200 per month, utility costs around $180, and healthcare expenses near $450.
11: Missouri
In Missouri, the middle-class income ranges from $45,000 to $120,000 annually. Basic living costs include average housing expenses of $950 monthly, utility costs around $180, and healthcare expenses near $400.
12: Nebraska
In Nebraska, the middle-class income ranges from $50,000 to $130,000 annually. Basic living costs include average housing expenses of $1,200 monthly, utility costs around $200, and healthcare expenses near $450 monthly.
13: Michigan
In Michigan, the middle-class income ranges from $54,000 to $144,000 annually. Average housing expenses, including rent, are about $1,200 per month. Utility costs average around $200, while healthcare expenses typically reach $400 monthly.
14: South Dakota
In South Dakota, the middle-class income ranges from $48,000 to $125,000 annually. Basic living costs break down as follows:
| Expense Category | Monthly Cost |
|---|---|
| Housing | $1,000 |
| Utilities | $150 |
| Healthcare | $400 |
Residents benefit from a lower cost of living while maintaining a decent quality of life.
15: New Mexico
New Mexico’s middle-class income ranges from $40,000 to $100,000 annually. Basic living costs include average housing expenses of about $800 monthly, utility costs around $160, and healthcare expenses near $350.
16: South Carolina
In South Carolina, the middle-class income ranges from $45,000 to $120,000 annually. Key living costs include average housing expenses of $1,250 monthly, utility costs around $190, and healthcare expenses near $400. Residents enjoy a moderate cost of living, making it a viable option for many.
17: Louisiana
In Louisiana, the middle-class income ranges from $40,000 to $100,000 annually. Basic living costs include average housing expenses of about $950 monthly, utility costs around $160, and healthcare expenses near $400.
18: Wisconsin
Wisconsin’s middle-class income ranges from $50,000 to $135,000 annually.
| Living Cost | Monthly Average |
|---|---|
| Housing Expenses | $1,100 |
| Utility Costs | $200 |
| Healthcare Expenses | $450 |
Residents enjoy a moderate cost of living, with housing expenses averaging around $1,100 monthly. Utilities generally total about $200, while healthcare costs run near $450. This balance allows many families to sustain a comfortable lifestyle in Wisconsin.
19: Tennessee
Tennessee’s middle-class income ranges from $45,000 to $120,000 annually. Average living costs include housing expenses of about $1,200 monthly, utility costs around $150, and healthcare expenses near $400.
20: North Carolina
North Carolina’s middle-class income ranges from $50,000 to $130,000 annually. Basic living costs include average housing expenses of about $1,200 monthly, utility costs around $150, and healthcare expenses near $400. These figures indicate a balanced lifestyle while maintaining affordability in the state.
21: Pennsylvania
In Pennsylvania, the middle-class income ranges from $50,000 to $130,000. Basic living costs include average housing expenses of about $1,500 monthly, utility costs around $250, and healthcare expenses near $400.
22: Maine
Maine’s middle-class income ranges from $50,000 to $130,000 annually. Basic living costs include:
| Category | Average Monthly Cost |
|---|---|
| Housing expenses | $1,200 |
| Utility costs | $170 |
| Healthcare costs | $450 |
Maine residents enjoy a blend of coastal charm and nature, contributing to varied cost-of-living experiences.
23: North Dakota
North Dakota’s middle-class income ranges from $50,000 to $130,000 annually. Average housing expenses are about $1,200 monthly, utility costs hover around $200, and healthcare expenses typically reach $450.
This balance allows residents to maintain a comfortable lifestyle while enjoying the state’s natural beauty and resources.
24: Illinois
In Illinois, the middle-class income ranges from $58,000 to $150,000 annually. Basic living costs include average housing expenses of about $1,300 monthly, utility costs approximately $250, and healthcare expenses near $450.
25: Georgia
In Georgia, the middle-class income ranges from $45,000 to $120,000 annually. Basic living costs include average housing expenses of about $1,200 monthly, utility costs around $170, and healthcare expenses near $400.
26: Wyoming
In Wyoming, the middle-class income ranges from $50,000 to $130,000 annually. The state’s average housing costs about $1,500 monthly, utilities hover around $200, and healthcare expenses average $400.
27: Vermont
Vermont’s middle-class income ranges from $56,000 to $145,000 annually. Average housing expenses are about $1,500 monthly, utility costs hover around $200, and healthcare expenses typically reach $450 monthly.
28: Texas
Texas’s middle-class income ranges from $50,000 to $130,000 annually. Average living costs include housing expenses of about $1,500 monthly, utility costs around $220, and healthcare expenses near $450.
29: Florida
In Florida, the middle-class income ranges from $50,000 to $130,000 annually. Living costs include average housing expenses of about $1,800 monthly, utilities around $200, and healthcare expenses typically near $450 monthly.
Residents should consider the state’s unique tax structure, as Florida has no state income tax, potentially increasing disposable income.
30: Idaho
Idaho’s middle-class income ranges from $47,000 to $120,000 annually. Average housing expenses sit around $1,300 monthly, utility costs average $150, and healthcare expenses total approximately $400 monthly.
31: Minnesota
In Minnesota, the middle-class income ranges from $55,000 to $140,000 annually.
| Expense Category | Average Monthly Cost |
|---|---|
| Housing Expenses | $1,500 |
| Utility Costs | $200 |
| Healthcare Expenses | $450 |
Minnesota offers a balanced lifestyle, with average housing expenses reflecting its moderate living costs. Residents face general affordability challenges similar to other northern states, while enjoying quality services and natural beauty.
32: Montana
Montana’s middle-class income ranges from $45,000 to $120,000 annually. Key living costs include average housing expenses of about $1,200 monthly, utility costs around $150, and healthcare expenses near $450.
33: Delaware
Delaware’s middle-class income ranges from $55,000 to $150,000 annually. Key living costs include average housing expenses of about $1,500 monthly, utility costs around $180, and healthcare expenses near $450.
34: Arizona
Arizona’s middle-class income ranges from $50,000 to $130,000 annually. Living costs include average housing expenses of about $1,500 monthly, utility costs around $200, and healthcare expenses near $450.
35: Rhode Island
Rhode Island requires an income ranging from $27,440 to $133,057 to be considered middle class. The median family income stands at $89,873, which ranks 14th highest in the U.S.
The middle class holds 47% of the state’s income, ranking 19th highest overall. However, the wealthiest 5% of households possess 22% of the income, making it the 25th lowest in this category.
The cost of living in Rhode Island is approximately 13% higher than the national average, significantly impacting financial planning for many residents.
36: New Hampshire
New Hampshire’s middle-class income ranges from $61,000 to $174,000 annually. Average housing costs reach about $1,500 monthly, with utilities averaging $200. Healthcare expenses typically run around $450 monthly.
37: Connecticut
Connecticut’s middle-class income ranges from $61,000 to $166,000 annually. Housing expenses average around $2,200 monthly, utility costs near $240, and healthcare expenses approximately $500.
38: Alaska
Alaska’s middle-class income ranges from $65,000 to $170,000 annually. Average housing costs rise to about $1,800 monthly, utilities average $300, and healthcare expenses typically reach $600.
39: Virginia
Middle-class income in Virginia ranges from $54,000 to $155,000 annually. Housing expenses average about $1,400 monthly. Utility costs typically run around $220, while healthcare expenses average $500 monthly.
40: Nevada
Middle-class income in Nevada ranges from $61,000 to $175,000 annually. Average housing costs hit about $1,600 monthly, utilities come to $250, and healthcare expenses typically reach $450 monthly.
41: Utah
Utah’s middle-class income ranges from $54,000 to $153,000 annually. Average housing costs are around $1,400 monthly, utilities typically run around $200, and healthcare expenses average about $450 monthly.
42: Maryland
Middle-class income in Maryland ranges from $65,000 to $150,000 annually. Housing costs average about $1,800 monthly, utilities are typically around $250, and healthcare expenses average $500 monthly.
43: New Jersey
New Jersey’s middle-class income ranges from $70,000 to $190,000 annually. Average housing costs soar to about $2,200 monthly, utilities typically run around $250, and healthcare expenses can average about $600 monthly.
44: Oregon
Oregon’s middle-class income ranges from $58,000 to $153,000 annually. Average housing costs hit about $1,800 monthly, utility expenses typically run around $210, and healthcare averages approximately $550 monthly.
45: New York
New York’s middle-class income ranges from $70,000 to $200,000 annually. Average housing costs soar to about $2,800 monthly. Utility expenses typically run around $300, while healthcare averages approximately $600 monthly.
46: Washington
Washington’s middle-class income ranges from $69,000 to $200,000 annually. Average housing costs hit about $2,200 monthly, utilities typically run around $250, and healthcare expenses average about $500 monthly.
47: Colorado
Colorado’s middle-class income ranges from $65,000 to $160,000 annually.
Colorado’s average housing costs amount to about $1,800 monthly, while utilities typically run around $250. Healthcare expenses average approximately $550 monthly.
48: Massachusetts
Massachusetts requires a middle-class income ranging from $66,565 to $199,716 annually. Average housing costs reach about $2,300 monthly, utilities typically run around $250, and healthcare expenses average about $600 monthly.
49: California
California’s middle-class income ranges from $75,000 to $200,000 annually. Average housing costs soar to about $3,000 monthly, with utilities averaging $300 and healthcare expenses around $700 monthly.
50: Hawaii
Hawaii has the highest cost of living in the U.S. The middle-class income ranges from $80,000 to $200,000 annually.
| Expense Type | Average Monthly Cost |
|---|---|
| Housing | $2,800 |
| Utilities | $300 |
| Healthcare | $600 |
Housing costs strain budgets, with median household expenses significantly above the national average.
Utilities vary across islands, impacting household spending. Healthcare remains a critical factor, with higher premiums typical for residents.
Alicia Richards