This Is the Cost of Living Comfortably in America’s 50 Biggest Cities
Living a comfortable life in the 50 biggest cities in the United States requires earning an income of at least $50,000 annually — and in many cities, homeowners and renters need to earn six figures.
To determine how much it takes to live comfortably in the 50 biggest U.S. cities, GOBankingRates analyzed the 50 largest cities by total population, total households and median and mean household incomes. The average home value, along with the 30-year national fixed rate average mortgage rate, was also sourced to calculate each city’s average mortgage cost. The average expenditure cost was also calculated using the cost of living indexes and this cost along with housing costs were summed to find the average cost of living for a renter and a homeowner in each city.
Ranked in order of cities with the lowest to highest total population, keep reading to find out how much it costs to live comfortably in these 50 major cities.
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50. Arlington, Texas
Population total: 393,469
Household total: 137,519
Household median income: $71,736
Household mean income: $92,583
Livability index: 78
Home value (March 2024): $320,847
Average expenditure cost: $2,043
Average mortgage cost: $1,954
Average rent cost: $1,621
Total monthly cost of living for renter: $3,665
Total monthly cost of living for homeowner: $3,998
Annual income needed for renter: $87,957
Annual income needed for homeowner: $95,945
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49. Wichita, Kansas
Population total: 395,951
Household total: 156,054
Household median income: $60,712
Household mean income: $84,475
Livability index: 66
Home value (March 2024): $192,411
Average expenditure cost: $2,102
Average mortgage cost: $1,172
Average rent cost: $1,029
Total monthly cost of living for renter: $3,132
Total monthly cost of living for homeowner: $3,274
Annual income needed for renter: $75,157
Annual income needed for homeowner: $78,584
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48. Bakersfield, California
Population total: 404,321
Household total: 124,744
Household median income: $73,827
Household mean income: $99,270
Livability index: 58
Home value (March 2024): $389,888
Average expenditure cost: $2,069
Average mortgage cost: $2,375
Average rent cost: $1,948
Total monthly cost of living for renter: $4,016
Total monthly cost of living for homeowner: $4,444
Annual income needed for renter: $96,393
Annual income needed for homeowner: $106,645
47. Tulsa, Oklahoma
Population total: 411,938
Household total: 169,783
Household median income: $56,648
Household mean income: $86,593
Livability index: 75
Home value (March 2024): $205,381
Average expenditure cost: $1,975
Average mortgage cost: $1,251
Average rent cost: $1,230
Total monthly cost of living for renter: $3,204
Total monthly cost of living for homeowner: $3,225
Annual income needed for renter: $76,898
Annual income needed for homeowner: $77,411
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46. Minneapolis
Population total: 426,877
Household total: 185,674
Household median income: $76,332
Household mean income: $108,980
Livability index: 78
Home value (March 2024): $337,927
Average expenditure cost: $2,157
Average mortgage cost: $2,058
Average rent cost: $1,628
Total monthly cost of living for renter: $3,784
Total monthly cost of living for homeowner: $4,215
Annual income needed for renter: $90,823
Annual income needed for homeowner: $101,155
45. Oakland, California
Population total: 437,825
Household total: 170,282
Household median income: $94,389
Household mean income: $139,468
Livability index: 74
Home value (March 2024): $878,112
Average expenditure cost: $2,524
Average mortgage cost: $5,348
Average rent cost: $2,500
Total monthly cost of living for renter: $5,024
Total monthly cost of living for homeowner: $7,872
Annual income needed for renter: $120,576
Annual income needed for homeowner: $188,928
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44. Miami
Population total: 443,665
Household total: 186,137
Household median income: $54,858
Household mean income: $90,171
Livability index: 79
Home value (March 2024): $629,115
Average expenditure cost: $2,060
Average mortgage cost: $3,832
Average rent cost: $3,125
Total monthly cost of living for renter: $5,185
Total monthly cost of living for homeowner: $5,891
Annual income needed for renter: $124,430
Annual income needed for homeowner: $141,394
43. Virginia Beach, Virginia
Population total: 457,900
Household total: 178,915
Household median income: $87,544
Household mean income: $113,388
Livability index: 83
Home value (March 2024): $410,347
Average expenditure cost: $2,262
Average mortgage cost: $2,499
Average rent cost: $1,874
Total monthly cost of living for renter: $4,135
Total monthly cost of living for homeowner: $4,761
Annual income needed for renter: $99,249
Annual income needed for homeowner: $114,265
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42. Long Beach, California
Population total: 462,293
Household total: 170,174
Household median income: $78,995
Household mean income: $104,313
Livability index: 70
Home value (March 2024): $910,466
Average expenditure cost: $2,184
Average mortgage cost: $5,545
Average rent cost: $2,245
Total monthly cost of living for renter: $4,429
Total monthly cost of living for homeowner: $7,730
Annual income needed for renter: $106,292
Annual income needed for homeowner: $185,509
41. Raleigh, North Carolina
Population total: 465,517
Household total: 189,830
Household median income: $78,631
Household mean income: $112,110
Livability index: 84
Home value (March 2024): $450,529
Average expenditure cost: $2,041
Average mortgage cost: $2,744
Average rent cost: $1,669
Total monthly cost of living for renter: $3,709
Total monthly cost of living for homeowner: $4,785
Annual income needed for renter: $89,023
Annual income needed for homeowner: $114,833
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40. Colorado Springs, Colorado
Population total: 479,612
Household total: 193,149
Household median income: $79,026
Household mean income: $102,139
Livability index: 80
Home value (March 2024): $462,214
Average expenditure cost: $2,082
Average mortgage cost: $2,815
Average rent cost: $1,809
Total monthly cost of living for renter: $3,891
Total monthly cost of living for homeowner: $4,897
Annual income needed for renter: $93,374
Annual income needed for homeowner: $117,528
39. Omaha, Nebraska
Population total: 489,201
Household total: 197,842
Household median income: $70,202
Household mean income: $97,761
Livability index: 82
Home value (March 2024): $279,525
Average expenditure cost: $2,233
Average mortgage cost: $1,703
Average rent cost: $1,315
Total monthly cost of living for renter: $3,548
Total monthly cost of living for homeowner: $3,936
Annual income needed for renter: $85,154
Annual income needed for homeowner: $94,453
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38. Atlanta
Population total: 494,838
Household total: 227,388
Household median income: $77,655
Household mean income: $128,965
Livability index: 78
Home value (March 2024): $448,366
Average expenditure cost: $2,038
Average mortgage cost: $2,731
Average rent cost: $1,939
Total monthly cost of living for renter: $3,977
Total monthly cost of living for homeowner: $4,769
Annual income needed for renter: $95,458
Annual income needed for homeowner: $114,464
37. Mesa, Arizona
Population total: 503,390
Household total: 193,316
Household median income: $73,766
Household mean income: $95,399
Livability index: 82
Home value (March 2024): $451,000
Average expenditure cost: $1,998
Average mortgage cost: $2,747
Average rent cost: $1,689
Total monthly cost of living for renter: $3,688
Total monthly cost of living for homeowner: $4,745
Annual income needed for renter: $88,501
Annual income needed for homeowner: $113,883
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36. Kansas City, Missouri
Population total: 505,958
Household total: 216,513
Household median income: $65,256
Household mean income: $87,670
Livability index: 77
Home value (March 2024): $237,778
Average expenditure cost: $1,952
Average mortgage cost: $1,448
Average rent cost: $1,361
Total monthly cost of living for renter: $3,312
Total monthly cost of living for homeowner: $3,400
Annual income needed for renter: $79,498
Annual income needed for homeowner: $81,601
35. Sacramento, California
Population total: 505,958
Household total: 196,524
Household median income: $78,954
Household mean income: $102,258
Livability index: 76
Home value (March 2024): $489,601
Average expenditure cost: $2,231
Average mortgage cost: $2,982
Average rent cost: $2,089
Total monthly cost of living for renter: $4,319
Total monthly cost of living for homeowner: $5,213
Annual income needed for renter: $103,665
Annual income needed for homeowner: $125,110
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34. Tucson, Arizona
Population total: 541,033
Household total: 220,769
Household median income: $52,049
Household mean income: $69,553
Livability index: 74
Home value (March 2024): $337,388
Average expenditure cost: $1,900
Average mortgage cost: $2,055
Average rent cost: $1,484
Total monthly cost of living for renter: $3,384
Total monthly cost of living for homeowner: $3,955
Annual income needed for renter: $81,226
Annual income needed for homeowner: $94,918
33. Fresno, California
Population total: 541,528
Household total: 177,757
Household median income: $63,001
Household mean income: $85,872
Livability index: 65
Home value (March 2024): $387,273
Average expenditure cost: $2,077
Average mortgage cost: $2,359
Average rent cost: $1,825
Total monthly cost of living for renter: $3,902
Total monthly cost of living for homeowner: $4,436
Annual income needed for renter: $93,644
Annual income needed for homeowner: $106,464
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32. Albuquerque, New Mexico
Population total: 562,551
Household total: 239,800
Household median income: $61,503
Household mean income: $83,679
Livability index: 71
Home value (March 2024): $332,230
Average expenditure cost: $1,893
Average mortgage cost: $2,024
Average rent cost: $1,483
Total monthly cost of living for renter: $3,376
Total monthly cost of living for homeowner: $3,917
Annual income needed for renter: $81,028
Annual income needed for homeowner: $94,002
31. Milwaukee
Population total: 573,299
Household total: 230,759
Household median income: $49,733
Household mean income: $67,046
Livability index: 78
Home value (March 2024): $198,370
Average expenditure cost: $2,048
Average mortgage cost: $1,208
Average rent cost: $1,294
Total monthly cost of living for renter: $3,342
Total monthly cost of living for homeowner: $3,257
Annual income needed for renter: $80,212
Annual income needed for homeowner: $78,157
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30. Baltimore
Population total: 584,548
Household total: 247,232
Household median income: $58,349
Household mean income: $85,857
Livability index: 75
Home value (March 2024): $181,941
Average expenditure cost: $1,987
Average mortgage cost: $1,108
Average rent cost: $1,687
Total monthly cost of living for renter: $3,674
Total monthly cost of living for homeowner: $3,095
Annual income needed for renter: $88,170
Annual income needed for homeowner: $74,282
29. Louisville, Kentucky
Population total: 629,176
Household total: 261,105
Household median income: $63,114
Household mean income: $88,552
Livability index: 60
Home value (March 2024): $243,630
Average expenditure cost: $1,874
Average mortgage cost: $1,484
Average rent cost: $1,370
Total monthly cost of living for renter: $3,244
Total monthly cost of living for homeowner: $3,358
Annual income needed for renter: $77,855
Annual income needed for homeowner: $80,583
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28. Memphis, Tennessee
Population total: 630,027
Household total: 251,586
Household median income: $48,090
Household mean income: $74,176
Livability index: 69
Home value (March 2024): $146,180
Average expenditure cost: $1,933
Average mortgage cost: $890
Average rent cost: $1,287
Total monthly cost of living for renter: $3,220
Total monthly cost of living for homeowner: $2,824
Annual income needed for renter: $77,278
Annual income needed for homeowner: $67,765
27. Detroit
Population total: 636,787
Household total: 249,518
Household median income: $37,761
Household mean income: $54,054
Livability index: 73
Home value (March 2024): $70,144
Average expenditure cost: $1,900
Average mortgage cost: $427
Average rent cost: $1,273
Total monthly cost of living for renter: $3,172
Total monthly cost of living for homeowner: $2,327
Annual income needed for renter: $76,133
Annual income needed for homeowner: $55,844
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26. Las Vegas
Population total: 644,835
Household total: 240,462
Household median income: $66,356
Household mean income: $93,515
Livability index: 82
Home value (March 2024): $436,591
Average expenditure cost: $2,057
Average mortgage cost: $2,659
Average rent cost: $1,732
Total monthly cost of living for renter: $3,790
Total monthly cost of living for homeowner: $4,716
Annual income needed for renter: $90,951
Annual income needed for homeowner: $113,194
25. Portland, Oregon
Population total: 646,101
Household total: 283,896
Household median income: $85,876
Household mean income: $117,687
Livability index: 77
Home value (March 2024): $562,695
Average expenditure cost: $2,157
Average mortgage cost: $3,427
Average rent cost: $1,746
Total monthly cost of living for renter: $3,902
Total monthly cost of living for homeowner: $5,584
Annual income needed for renter: $93,658
Annual income needed for homeowner: $134,014
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24. Boston
Population total: 665,945
Household total: 276,053
Household median income: $89,212
Household mean income: $132,509
Livability index: 77
Home value (March 2024): $789,164
Average expenditure cost: $2,451
Average mortgage cost: $4,807
Average rent cost: $3,277
Total monthly cost of living for renter: $5,729
Total monthly cost of living for homeowner: $7,258
Annual income needed for renter: $137,485
Annual income needed for homeowner: $174,191
23. Washington, D.C.
Population total: 670,587
Household total: 315,785
Household median income: $101,722
Household mean income: $150,292
Livability index: 73
Home value (March 2024): $730,878
Average expenditure cost: $2,557
Average mortgage cost: $4,452
Average rent cost: $2,445
Total monthly cost of living for renter: $5,001
Total monthly cost of living for homeowner: $7,008
Annual income needed for renter: $120,033
Annual income needed for homeowner: $168,201
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22. El Paso, Texas
Population total: 677,181
Household total: 239,624
Household median income: $55,710
Household mean income: $75,349
Livability index: 80
Home value (March 2024): $222,484
Average expenditure cost: $1,829
Average mortgage cost: $1,355
Average rent cost: $1,521
Total monthly cost of living for renter: $3,349
Total monthly cost of living for homeowner: $3,184
Annual income needed for renter: $80,387
Annual income needed for homeowner: $76,411
21. Oklahoma City
Population total: 681,088
Household total: 270,070
Household median income: $64,251
Household mean income: $88,664
Livability index: 81
Home value (March 2024): $204,229
Average expenditure cost: $1,978
Average mortgage cost: $1,244
Average rent cost: $1,261
Total monthly cost of living for renter: $3,239
Total monthly cost of living for homeowner: $3,222
Annual income needed for renter: $77,728
Annual income needed for homeowner: $77,326
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20. Nashville, Tennessee
Population total: 684,103
Household total: 291,884
Household median income: $71,328
Household mean income: $102,258
Livability index: 78
Home value (March 2024): $450,819
Average expenditure cost: $2,013
Average mortgage cost: $2,746
Average rent cost: $1,887
Total monthly cost of living for renter: $3,900
Total monthly cost of living for homeowner: $4,759
Annual income needed for renter: $93,601
Annual income needed for homeowner: $114,206
19. Denver
Population total: 710,800
Household total: 322,964
Household median income: $85,853
Household mean income: $122,771
Livability index: 75
Home value (March 2024): $620,346
Average expenditure cost: $2,247
Average mortgage cost: $3,778
Average rent cost: $1,991
Total monthly cost of living for renter: $4,239
Total monthly cost of living for homeowner: $6,026
Annual income needed for renter: $101,726
Annual income needed for homeowner: $144,616
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18. Seattle
Population total: 734,603
Household total: 345,246
Household median income: $116,068
Household mean income: $161,694
Livability index: 76
Home value (March 2024): $965,541
Average expenditure cost: $2,214
Average mortgage cost: $5,881
Average rent cost: $2,202
Total monthly cost of living for renter: $4,416
Total monthly cost of living for homeowner: $8,095
Annual income needed for renter: $105,984
Annual income needed for homeowner: $194,270
17. San Francisco
Population total: 851,036
Household total: 360,842
Household median income: $136,689
Household mean income: $197,408
Livability index: 79
Home value (March 2024): $1,423,316
Average expenditure cost: $2,630
Average mortgage cost: $8,669
Average rent cost: $3,288
Total monthly cost of living for renter: $5,918
Total monthly cost of living for homeowner: $11,299
Annual income needed for renter: $142,032
Annual income needed for homeowner: $271,172
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16. Charlotte, North Carolina
Population total: 875,045
Household total: 354,442
Household median income: $74,070
Household mean income: $113,613
Livability index: 80
Home value (March 2024): $407,320
Average expenditure cost: $2,033
Average mortgage cost: $2,481
Average rent cost: $1,762
Total monthly cost of living for renter: $3,794
Total monthly cost of living for homeowner: $4,514
Annual income needed for renter: $91,066
Annual income needed for homeowner: $108,324
15. Indianapolis
Population total: 882,006
Household total: 356,357
Household median income: $59,110
Household mean income: $82,697
Livability index: 77
Home value (March 2024): $227,467
Average expenditure cost: $1,945
Average mortgage cost: $1,385
Average rent cost: $1,376
Total monthly cost of living for renter: $3,322
Total monthly cost of living for homeowner: $3,331
Annual income needed for renter: $79,720
Annual income needed for homeowner: $79,937
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14. Columbus, Ohio
Population total: 902,449
Household total: 382,140
Household median income: $62,994
Household mean income: $82,282
Livability index: 79
Home value (March 2024): $259,081
Average expenditure cost: $1,993
Average mortgage cost: $1,578
Average rent cost: $1,422
Total monthly cost of living for renter: $3,415
Total monthly cost of living for homeowner: $3,571
Annual income needed for renter: $81,957
Annual income needed for homeowner: $85,698
13. Fort Worth, Texas
Population total: 924,663
Household total: 326,648
Household median income: $72,726
Household mean income: $97,226
Livability index: 80
Home value (March 2024): $306,285
Average expenditure cost: $2,048
Average mortgage cost: $1,866
Average rent cost: $1,700
Total monthly cost of living for renter: $3,747
Total monthly cost of living for homeowner: $3,913
Annual income needed for renter: $89,937
Annual income needed for homeowner: $93,914
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12. Jacksonville, Florida
Population total: 950,203
Household total: 375,851
Household median income: $64,138
Household mean income: $87,378
Livability index: 80
Home value (March 2024): $307,321
Average expenditure cost: $2,024
Average mortgage cost: $1,872
Average rent cost: $1,627
Total monthly cost of living for renter: $3,651
Total monthly cost of living for homeowner: $3,896
Annual income needed for renter: $87,629
Annual income needed for homeowner: $93,508
11. Austin, Texas
Population total: 958,202
Household total: 423,079
Household median income: $86,556
Household mean income: $122,474
Livability index: 83
Home value (March 2024): $572,223
Average expenditure cost: $2,053
Average mortgage cost: $3,485
Average rent cost: $1,730
Total monthly cost of living for renter: $3,783
Total monthly cost of living for homeowner: $5,538
Annual income needed for renter: $90,796
Annual income needed for homeowner: $132,914
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10. San Jose, California
Population total: 1,001,176
Household total: 324,842
Household median income: $136,010
Household mean income: $179,853
Livability index: 81
Home value (March 2024): $1,561,409
Average expenditure cost: $2,529
Average mortgage cost: $9,510
Average rent cost: $3,142
Total monthly cost of living for renter: $5,672
Total monthly cost of living for homeowner: $12,040
Annual income needed for renter: $136,119
Annual income needed for homeowner: $288,953
9. Dallas
Population total: 1,300,642
Household total: 521,147
Household median income: $63,985
Household mean income: $102,023
Livability index: 81
Home value (March 2024): $331,957
Average expenditure cost: $2,037
Average mortgage cost: $2,022
Average rent cost: $1,710
Total monthly cost of living for renter: $3,747
Total monthly cost of living for homeowner: $4,059
Annual income needed for renter: $89,930
Annual income needed for homeowner: $97,419
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8. San Diego
Population total: 1,383,987
Household total: 515,475
Household median income: $98,657
Household mean income: $132,533
Livability index: 77
Home value (March 2024): $1,147,699
Average expenditure cost: $2,367
Average mortgage cost: $6,990
Average rent cost: $3,000
Total monthly cost of living for renter: $5,367
Total monthly cost of living for homeowner: $9,357
Annual income needed for renter: $128,805
Annual income needed for homeowner: $224,579
7. San Antonio
Population total: 1,445,662
Household total: 542,817
Household median income: $59,593
Household mean income: $80,313
Livability index: 80
Home value (March 2024): $259,103
Average expenditure cost: $1,941
Average mortgage cost: $1,578
Average rent cost: $1,417
Total monthly cost of living for renter: $3,359
Total monthly cost of living for homeowner: $3,519
Annual income needed for renter: $80,610
Annual income needed for homeowner: $84,466
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6. Philadelphia
Population total: 1,593,208
Household total: 659,129
Household median income: $57,537
Household mean income: $84,435
Livability index: 77
Home value (March 2024): $211,411
Average expenditure cost: $2,115
Average mortgage cost: $1,288
Average rent cost: $1,726
Total monthly cost of living for renter: $3,842
Total monthly cost of living for homeowner: $3,403
Annual income needed for renter: $92,200
Annual income needed for homeowner: $81,674
5. Phoenix
Population total: 1,609,456
Household total: 591,169
Household median income: $72,092
Household mean income: $99,862
Livability index: 75
Home value (March 2024): $440,188
Average expenditure cost: $2,007
Average mortgage cost: $2,681
Average rent cost: $1,715
Total monthly cost of living for renter: $3,722
Total monthly cost of living for homeowner: $4,688
Annual income needed for renter: $89,320
Annual income needed for homeowner: $112,510
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4. Houston
Population total: 2,296,253
Household total: 897,510
Household median income: $60,440
Household mean income: $97,458
Livability index: 74
Home value (March 2024): $275,085
Average expenditure cost: $1,991
Average mortgage cost: $1,675
Average rent cost: $1,583
Total monthly cost of living for renter: $3,574
Total monthly cost of living for homeowner: $3,666
Annual income needed for renter: $85,778
Annual income needed for homeowner: $87,991
3. Chicago
Population total: 2,721,914
Household total: 1,129,908
Household median income: $71,673
Household mean income: $108,346
Livability index: 76
Home value (March 2024): $298,606
Average expenditure cost: $2,142
Average mortgage cost: $1,819
Average rent cost: $2,126
Total monthly cost of living for renter: $4,268
Total monthly cost of living for homeowner: $3,961
Annual income needed for renter: $102,436
Annual income needed for homeowner: $95,052
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2. Los Angeles
Population total: 3,881,041
Household total: 1,399,442
Household median income: $76,244
Household mean income: $116,961
Livability index: 70
Home value (March 2024): $1,043,649
Average expenditure cost: $2,199
Average mortgage cost: $6,357
Average rent cost: $2,803
Total monthly cost of living for renter: $5,003
Total monthly cost of living for homeowner: $8,556
Annual income needed for renter: $120,070
Annual income needed for homeowner: $205,347
1. New York
Population total: 8,622,467
Household total: 3,282,804
Household median income: $76,607
Household mean income: $122,667
Livability index: 76
Home value (March 2024): $777,303
Average expenditure cost: $2,682
Average mortgage cost: $4,734
Average rent cost: $3,462
Total monthly cost of living for renter: $6,144
Total monthly cost of living for homeowner: $7,417
Annual income needed for renter: $147,460
Annual income needed for homeowner: $177,999
Heather Taylor contributed to the reporting for this piece.
Methodology: For this study, GOBankingRates analyzed the 50 largest cities by population as sourced from the US Census American Community Survey. Along with the total population, the total households, median household income, and mean household income were also sourced from the US Census American Community Survey. The average home value was found from Zillow Home Value Index for March 2024, and using the 30-year national fixed rate average mortgage rate as sourced from the Federal Reserve Economic Data, the average mortgage cost was calculated for each city. The average expenditure cost was calculated by using the cost-of-living indexes as sourced from Sperling’s BestPlaces and the national average expenditure costs as sourced from the Bureau of Labor Statistics 2022 Consumer Expenditure Survey for all residents. The average expenditure cost and the housing costs were summed to find the average cost of living for a renter and a homeowner. The livability index was sourced for each city as supplemental information. Using the 50/30/20 rule that states that needs should not be more than 50% of income, the income needed for each city was calculated by doubling the annual total cost of living. The cities were sorted from the most to the least populated. All data was collected on and is up to date as of April 29, 2024.
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This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: This Is the Cost of Living Comfortably in America’s 50 Biggest Cities
