You Might Be ‘Rich’ If You Earn Less Than $100,000 In These Cities
You might not be living in a mansion, eating caviar, and enjoying untold riches but you're still living better than a majority of the population if your salary is closing in on $100,000 in these U.S. cities. The term "rich" can mean a lot of different things to different demographics. In any case, if you make less than six figures in these U.S. cities a study from GoBankingRates says you're considered to be in the 80th or better percentile for earnings. That annual income makes you fairly rich in the eyes of many people.
If You Don't Gamble Your Money Away Vegas Is A Safe Bet
The city of sin has a lot going for residents who can manage to pull in close to $100,000. You're considered to be in the 80th percentile if your combined family income is $101,500. The median home price isn't too shabby at $440,000.
Local residents will tell you that it's all about moderation and avoiding the strip. Local "off strip" Casino's cater to residents with killer food deals and a ton of entertainment that's relatively cheap when you avoid the city's tourist traps.
Everything Is Bigger In Texas But Your Salary In Dallas Doesn't Have To Be
Take in a whopping $99,200 and you're in the 80th percentile in Dallas, Texas. This is a city that's bustling with opportunity. Major technology companies have started to flock to the area in recent years and despite the influx of tech firms, you can still buy a top-tier home for a modest $460,000.
Throw in some Texas bbq, a moderate cost of living, and commuter traffic that won't waste half of your life and it's easy to see why so many people have made the move to Dallas over the last decade.
Albuquerque, New Mexico Lets You Live Big On A Smaller Salary
If you earn $98,100 in Albuquerque you are in the 80th percentile for income. Compared to some other locations the median cost of a top-tier home is also relatively low at $315,302. Keep in mind that US News & World Reports ranks job options on the lower side of the scale.
If you love the outdoors Albuquerque offers quick access to outdoor recreation that ranges from hiking and skiing to kayaking along the Rio Grande. The city is also famous for the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta.
A Music Paradise On A Budget In Nashville, Tennessee
Want to be in the 80th percentile for income in Nashville, Tennessee? Earn $108,100 and you're living a higher life than most of the city's population. Home prices are a little more steep in the area at a median top-tier price of $465,000.
What you get for your money is a massive music scene, tons of world class bbq, and plenty of attractions the entire family can enjoy. The unemployment rate in Nashville is also low at just 3% which means job prospects are plentiful.
Living 'Rich' In The South Is Just A Trip To Louisville Away
If you want to experience some southern living and you're looking for a city with a modest income to be considered "rich" you might want to check out Louisville, Kentucky. With an income of $95,500 you are considered to be in the 80th percentile. You can also buy a nice home in the area for just $233,070 — a practical steal for a city center.
Louisville is the 29th most-populous city in the United States and that means there are plenty of restaurants, an active social life, and lots of opportunity in general.
Kansas City, Missouri
Kansas City, Missouri might not top your list of places to live but when earning just $95,500 you can live a "rich" life in the 80th percentile for income. You can also buy a top-tier house in the area for just $236,000.
A relatively laid-back area, Kansas City is known for its barbecue with more than 100 restaurants to choose from. It also has a deep jazz heritage you can experience in the 19th & Vine Jazz District. Don't forget to visit the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art with 40,000 works to experience.
Baltimore, Maryland Is Income Ready But House Heavy
Like the other cities on our list you can make more than 80% of the population when earning $141,000 to be exact. However, the average price of a home in the city has continued to rise. A top-tier house will now cost you a median price of $205,00.
If you're a history buff you'll revel in the city's rich history. This is the birthplace of the "Star Spangled Banner" and home to Civil War-era warship the USS Constellation, and the National Aquarium. The area is also bustling with plenty of shops, upscale crab shacks, and various other attractions.
San Antonio, Texas Lets You Live Big Because Everything's Bigger In Texas
$107,200 is all you need as a median income to live in the top 20% in San Antonio, Texas. You can also purchase a "top-tier" home for a median cost of $305,000. That home price should leave you with a nice disposable income.
This is another great options for history buffs thanks to the famous Alamo and an 18th-century Spanish mission preserved as a museum. Want to get out and explore? The San Antonio River features the miles-long River Walk with a historic promenade lined with cafes and shops.
Jacksonville, Florida Brings Us An Afforable Bustling Metro Area
You'll be living in the 80th percentile for income if you earn at least $94,400 in Jacksonville, Florida. You'll also pick up a "top-tier" home for a median purchase price of $320,000.
The area is known for its numerous museums and cultural centers. You can also swim and surf in the nearby barrier island beaches and take in the numerous zoos, parks, and other outdoor activities that are plentiful in Jacksonville.
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania Brings Blue Collar Prices To A City Landscape
With a median income of $93,100 you can live in the 80th percentile in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. You can also purchase a "top-tier" home for the ridiculously low price of just $230,000.
The city touts its "walkability" as a major selling point along with a host of family-friendly attractions. For the Millennial crowd, there's Lawrenceville, a young "hipster" area that's up and coming within the past few years. You can also stroll along Shadyside, another up & coming area bustling with local shops, bars, food, and more.
