As prices and the cost of living continue to rise, it can be difficult to define what it means to be middle class — and whether that lifestyle is still attainable in 2026.
Middle-class expectations often include owning a home, raising a family, having emergency savings, contributing to retirement and being able to afford an occasional vacation. Pew Research Center defines the middle class as households earning between two-thirds and twice the national median household income.
However, what it takes to be considered middle class varies by state and city, depending on factors such as local wages, housing costs and the overall cost of living.
SmartAsset analyzed income data to determine what it takes to be considered middle class in each state and
the 100 largest U.S. cities. The study used 2024 U.S. Census Bureau data and Pew Research Center's definition of middle-class income.
What does it take to be middle class in New York?
A New York household needs an income of at least $57,213 to be considered middle class, according to SmartAsset.
The study puts New York's middle-class income range at $57,213 to $171,640, with a median household income of $85,820.
New York ranked No. 15 among states for the median income needed to fall within the middle class.
Neighboring Massachusetts and New Jersey had the highest median middle-class incomes in the country, at $104,828 and $104,294, respectively.
How much do you need to be middle class in Buffalo?
Buffalo is among the U.S. cities with the lowest income thresholds for middle-class households, according to SmartAsset.
The city ranked No. 98 among the 100 largest U.S. cities, with a middle-class income range of $34,807 to $104,422.
The median middle-class household income in Buffalo was $52,211.
How much do you need to be middle class in New York City?
The income threshold is considerably higher in New York City.
SmartAsset found that a household in New York City needs to earn at least $54,152 to be considered middle class. The study puts the upper limit at $162,456.
The median household income for the middle class in New York City was $81,228.
How did SmartAsset define middle class?
SmartAsset analyzed 2024 one-year American Community Survey data from the U.S. Census Bureau to determine median household incomes in all 50 states and the 100 largest U.S. cities.
The company then applied Pew Research Center's definition of middle-class households, which uses a range of two-thirds to twice the median household income.
That means the income needed to be considered middle class can vary significantly from one location to another, reflecting differences in household incomes and local economic conditions.
This article originally appeared on Rochester Democrat and Chronicle: Are you middle class in New York? Here's how much you need to make
