SHOCKING REPORT – How Much Does a Single Person Need to Earn to Live Comfortably in California?

According to KTLA, California’s high cost of living makes it one of the most expensive states in the U.S., especially for single individuals. According to a recent study by Smart Asset, a single person in California must earn at least $89,190 annually to live comfortably.

The study used data from the MIT Living Wage Calculator and applied the 50/30/20 budgeting method to determine this figure. The 50/30/20 rule divides a budget into three categories: 50% for essential expenses like rent and utilities, 30% for discretionary spending, and 20% for savings or debt repayment.

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Salary Requirements in California Cities

The study found that while $89,190 is the baseline for comfortable living in cities like Bakersfield and Fresno, residents of more expensive cities need significantly more. For instance:

• Sacramento: $104,000
• Los Angeles: $104,000
• Irvine: Over $126,797
• San Diego: Over $122,803

California cities dominate the list of the top 10 most expensive cities for singles. Here are some examples:

1. New York City: $138,570
2. San Jose, CA: $136,739
3. Irvine, CA: $126,797
4. Santa Ana, CA: $126,797
5. Boston, MA: $124,966
6. San Diego, CA: $122,803
7. Chula Vista, CA: $122,803
8. San Francisco, CA: $119,558
9. Seattle, WA: $119,392
10. Oakland, CA: $118,768

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Comparatively Affordable Cities

In contrast, cities with a lower cost of living require significantly less to live comfortably. The study identified the following as having the lowest salary requirements:

1. Houston, TX: $75,088
2. El Paso, TX: $75,254
3. Lubbock, TX: $75,379
4. Toledo, OH: $77,501
5. Laredo, TX: $78,458
6. Milwaukee, WI: $79,664
7. Lexington, KY: $79,997
8. Tulsa, OK: $81,078
9. Wichita, KS: $81,203
10. Cleveland, OH: $81,786

On average, single adults in the 99 largest U.S. metro areas need about $96,500 annually to maintain a comfortable lifestyle.