Cities Where the Average Salary Isn’t Enough To Get By
Some cities will leave way more cash in your wallet than others.
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The old adage about the three most important things in real estate — location, location, location — speaks to how there’s more to where you live than just geography. From the size of your paycheck to how much your groceries will cost, your location can heavily influence many important aspects of your life.
In some cases, your home city might provide you with a lot more disposable income to save or invest after paying all of your bills. In other cases, where you live is possibly one of the main reasons why it feels like you’re fighting a losing battle with your budget every month.
That’s why GOBankingRates conducted a study to find out where residents are getting a deal on the cost of living and where Americans are regularly forced to dig themselves out of a financial hole. To see the regional differences in how much of the typical paycheck is left over after covering costs, the study took the 50 largest U.S. cities and compared the average salary with the annual cost of necessities like housing, groceries, healthcare, utilities and transportation. Residents in one Southern city, in particular, can expect to run into a shocking deficit of more than $20,000 per year. The results of GOBankingRates’ study show how your home city plays a huge role in determining a budget that you can live with.
Last updated: Jan. 6, 2020
1. Miami
- Median income for a single person: $25,233
- Monthly rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $1,999.86
- Annual rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $23,998.29
- Annual grocery cost: $4,584.53
- Annual healthcare cost: $4,928.26
- Annual utility cost: $3,866.80
- Annual transportation cost: $8,430.70
- Total annual cost of necessities: $45,808.56
Income left over after necessities: -$20,575.56
Percentage of income left over after necessities: -81.54%
2. Philadelphia
- Median income for a single person: $28,351
- Monthly rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $1,524.29
- Annual rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $18,291.43
- Annual grocery cost: $4,468.46
- Annual healthcare cost: $5,762.88
- Annual utility cost: $4,360.77
- Annual transportation cost: $8,068.03
- Total annual cost of necessities: $40,951.58
Income left over after necessities: -$12,600.58
Percentage of income left over after necessities: -44.44%
3. New York
- Median income for a single person: $43,785
- Monthly rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $2,376.93
- Annual rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $28,523.14
- Annual grocery cost: $5,120.21
- Annual healthcare cost: $5,017.68
- Annual utility cost: $6,093.75
- Annual transportation cost: $10,507.32
- Total annual cost of necessities: $55,262.10
Income left over after necessities: -$11,477.10
Percentage of income left over after necessities: -26.21%
4. New Orleans
- Median income for a single person: $26,927
- Monthly rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $1,360.71
- Annual rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $16,328.57
- Annual grocery cost: $4,147.06
- Annual healthcare cost: $4,386.74
- Annual utility cost: $3,534.78
- Annual transportation cost: $7,700.40
- Total annual cost of necessities: $36,097.55
Income left over after necessities: -$9,170.55
Percentage of income left over after necessities: -34.06%
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5. Los Angeles
- Median income for a single person: $41,568
- Monthly rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $2,370.79
- Annual rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $28,449.43
- Annual grocery cost: $4,481.86
- Annual healthcare cost: $4,232.74
- Annual utility cost: $3,793.91
- Annual transportation cost: $9,473.98
- Total annual cost of necessities: $50,431.91
Income left over after necessities: -$8,863.91
Percentage of income left over after necessities: -21.32%
6. Baton Rouge, Louisiana
- Median income for a single person: $27,036
- Monthly rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $983
- Annual rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $11,796
- Annual grocery cost: $4,147.06
- Annual healthcare cost: $5,007.74
- Annual utility cost: $3,595.51
- Annual transportation cost: $6,547.82
- Total annual cost of necessities: $31,094.14
Income left over after necessities: -$4,058.14
Percentage of income left over after necessities: -15.01%
7. Honolulu
- Median income for a single person: $42,568
- Monthly rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $1,728.21
- Annual rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $20,738.57
- Annual grocery cost: $6,200.50
- Annual healthcare cost: $4,610.30
- Annual utility cost: $7,138.39
- Annual transportation cost: $7,084.37
- Total annual cost of necessities: $45,772.13
Income left over after necessities: -$3,204.13
Percentage of income left over after necessities: -7.53%
8. Baltimore
- Median income for a single person: $34,298
- Monthly rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $1,383.71
- Annual rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $16,604.57
- Annual grocery cost: $4,414.90
- Annual healthcare cost: $4,823.93
- Annual utility cost: $4,344.58
- Annual transportation cost: $7,183.73
- Total annual cost of necessities: $37,371.70
Income left over after necessities: -$3,073.70
Percentage of income left over after necessities: -8.96%
9. Tampa, Florida
- Median income for a single person: $34,559
- Monthly rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $1,467.50
- Annual rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $17,610
- Annual grocery cost: $4,584.53
- Annual healthcare cost: $4,759.34
- Annual utility cost: $3,899.19
- Annual transportation cost: $6,498.14
- Total annual cost of necessities: $37,351.20
Income left over after necessities: -$2,792.20
Percentage of income left over after necessities: -8.08%
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10. Memphis, Tennessee
- Median income for a single person: $27,919
- Monthly rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $791.43
- Annual rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $9,497.14
- Annual grocery cost: $4,030.99
- Annual healthcare cost: $6,463.37
- Annual utility cost: $3,899.19
- Annual transportation cost: $5,464.80
- Total annual cost of necessities: $29,355.49
Income left over after necessities: -$1,436.49
Percentage of income left over after necessities: -5.15%
11. Pittsburgh
- Median income for a single person: $31,496
- Monthly rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $1,095
- Annual rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $13,140
- Annual grocery cost: $4,240.80
- Annual healthcare cost: $4,411.58
- Annual utility cost: $4,142.13
- Annual transportation cost: $6,021.22
- Total annual cost of necessities: $31,955.73
Income left over after necessities: -$459.73
Percentage of income left over after necessities: -1.46%
12. Cincinnati
- Median income for a single person: $27,781
- Monthly rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $842.79
- Annual rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $10,113.43
- Annual grocery cost: $4,151.52
- Annual healthcare cost: $4,292.35
- Annual utility cost: $3,968.02
- Annual transportation cost: $5,390.28
- Total annual cost of necessities: $27,915.60
Income left over after necessities: -$134.60
Percentage of income left over after necessities: -0.48%
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13. Milwaukee
- Median income for a single person: $29,655
- Monthly rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $856.79
- Annual rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $10,281.43
- Annual grocery cost: $4,048.85
- Annual healthcare cost: $5,236.27
- Annual utility cost: $4,097.59
- Annual transportation cost: $5,832.43
- Total annual cost of necessities: $29,496.57
Income left over after necessities: $158.43
Percentage of income left over after necessities: 0.53%
14. Fresno, California
- Median income for a single person: $29,614
- Monthly rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $868.57
- Annual rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $10,422.86
- Annual grocery cost: $4,379.18
- Annual healthcare cost: $4,217.83
- Annual utility cost: $4,551.08
- Annual transportation cost: $5,400.22
- Total annual cost of necessities: $28,971.17
Income left over after necessities: $642.83
Percentage of income left over after necessities: 2.17%
15. Jacksonville, Florida
- Median income for a single person: $34,171
- Monthly rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $1,177.71
- Annual rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $14,132.57
- Annual grocery cost: $4,316.69
- Annual healthcare cost: $4,818.96
- Annual utility cost: $4,162.37
- Annual transportation cost: $5,822.50
- Total annual cost of necessities: $33,253.09
Income left over after necessities: $917.91
Percentage of income left over after necessities: 2.69%
16. Tucson, Arizona
- Median income for a single person: $26,992
- Monthly rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $670
- Annual rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $8,040
- Annual grocery cost: $4,263.12
- Annual healthcare cost: $4,188.02
- Annual utility cost: $4,024.71
- Annual transportation cost: $5,469.77
- Total annual cost of necessities: $25,985.62
Income left over after necessities: $1,006.38
Percentage of income left over after necessities: 3.73%
17. Chicago
- Median income for a single person: $41,567
- Monthly rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $1,649.29
- Annual rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $19,791.43
- Annual grocery cost: $4,191.70
- Annual healthcare cost: $4,669.92
- Annual utility cost: $3,757.47
- Annual transportation cost: $7,938.86
- Total annual cost of necessities: $40,349.38
Income left over after necessities: $1,217.62
Percentage of income left over after necessities: 2.93%
18. El Paso, Texas
- Median income for a single person: $27,481
- Monthly rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $711.29
- Annual rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $8,535.43
- Annual grocery cost: $3,906
- Annual healthcare cost: $4,401.65
- Annual utility cost: $3,931.58
- Annual transportation cost: $5,345.57
- Total annual cost of necessities: $26,120.22
Income left over after necessities: $1,360.78
Percentage of income left over after necessities: 4.95%
19. St. Louis
- Median income for a single person: $30,027
- Monthly rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $819.21
- Annual rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $9,830.57
- Annual grocery cost: $4,147.06
- Annual healthcare cost: $4,659.98
- Annual utility cost: $3,878.94
- Annual transportation cost: $5,653.58
- Total annual cost of necessities: $28,170.14
Income left over after necessities: $1,856.86
Percentage of income left over after necessities: 6.18%
20. Louisville, Kentucky
- Median income for a single person: $30,869
- Monthly rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $896.57
- Annual rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $10,758.86
- Annual grocery cost: $4,030.99
- Annual healthcare cost: $4,436.42
- Annual utility cost: $3,757.47
- Annual transportation cost: $5,887.08
- Total annual cost of necessities: $28,870.83
Income left over after necessities: $1,998.17
Percentage of income left over after necessities: 6.47%
21. Las Vegas
- Median income for a single person: $35,003
- Monthly rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $1,008.36
- Annual rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $12,100.29
- Annual grocery cost: $4,334.54
- Annual healthcare cost: $4,694.76
- Annual utility cost: $4,154.27
- Annual transportation cost: $7,148.95
- Total annual cost of necessities: $32,432.82
Income left over after necessities: $2,570.18
Percentage of income left over after necessities: 7.34%
22. Orlando, Florida
- Median income for a single person: $38,410
- Monthly rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $1,329.57
- Annual rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $15,954.86
- Annual grocery cost: $4,316.69
- Annual healthcare cost: $4,863.67
- Annual utility cost: $4,142.13
- Annual transportation cost: $6,403.75
- Total annual cost of necessities: $35,681.10
Income left over after necessities: $2,728.90
Percentage of income left over after necessities: 7.1%
23. San Antonio
- Median income for a single person: $33,575
- Monthly rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $983.57
- Annual rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $11,802.86
- Annual grocery cost: $3,959.57
- Annual healthcare cost: $4,530.82
- Annual utility cost: $3,842.50
- Annual transportation cost: $5,807.59
- Total annual cost of necessities: $29,943.33
Income left over after necessities: $3,631.67
Percentage of income left over after necessities: 10.82%
24. Houston
- Median income for a single person: $38,795
- Monthly rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $1,266
- Annual rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $15,192
- Annual grocery cost: $4,147.06
- Annual healthcare cost: $4,659.98
- Annual utility cost: $3,907.29
- Annual transportation cost: $7,014.82
- Total annual cost of necessities: $34,921.14
Income left over after necessities: $3,873.86
Percentage of income left over after necessities: 9.99%
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25. Atlanta
- Median income for a single person: $43,247
- Monthly rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $1,611.57
- Annual rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $19,338.86
- Annual grocery cost: $4,133.66
- Annual healthcare cost: $4,510.94
- Annual utility cost: $4,194.76
- Annual transportation cost: $7,153.92
- Total annual cost of necessities: $39,332.15
Income left over after necessities: $3,914.85
Percentage of income left over after necessities: 9.05%
26. Phoenix
- Median income for a single person: $37,293
- Monthly rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $1,103.29
- Annual rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $13,239.43
- Annual grocery cost: $4,263.12
- Annual healthcare cost: $5,047.49
- Annual utility cost: $4,121.88
- Annual transportation cost: $6,642.22
- Total annual cost of necessities: $33,314.13
Income left over after necessities: $3,978.87
Percentage of income left over after necessities: 10.67%
27. Colorado Springs, Colorado
- Median income for a single person: $36,648
- Monthly rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $1,203.93
- Annual rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $14,447.14
- Annual grocery cost: $4,263.12
- Annual healthcare cost: $4,813.99
- Annual utility cost: $3,741.28
- Annual transportation cost: $5,290.92
- Total annual cost of necessities: $32,556.45
Income left over after necessities: $4,091.55
Percentage of income left over after necessities: 11.16%
28. Dallas
- Median income for a single person: $40,337
- Monthly rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $1,371.50
- Annual rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $16,458
- Annual grocery cost: $4,147.06
- Annual healthcare cost: $4,694.76
- Annual utility cost: $4,049
- Annual transportation cost: $6,890.62
- Total annual cost of necessities: $36,239.43
Income left over after necessities: $4,097.57
Percentage of income left over after necessities: 10.16%
29. Boston
- Median income for a single person: $51,659
- Monthly rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $2,191.43
- Annual rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $26,297.14
- Annual grocery cost: $4,718.45
- Annual healthcare cost: $4,143.31
- Annual utility cost: $4,729.23
- Annual transportation cost: $7,536.46
- Total annual cost of necessities: $47,424.59
Income left over after necessities: $4,234.41
Percentage of income left over after necessities: 8.2%
30. Kansas City, Missouri
- Median income for a single person: $34,489
- Monthly rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $993.07
- Annual rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $11,916.86
- Annual grocery cost: $4,147.06
- Annual healthcare cost: $4,977.94
- Annual utility cost: $4,105.69
- Annual transportation cost: $5,052.46
- Total annual cost of necessities: $30,199.99
Income left over after necessities: $4,289.01
Percentage of income left over after necessities: 12.44%
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31. Nashville, Tennessee
- Median income for a single person: $41,030
- Monthly rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $1,464
- Annual rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $17,568
- Annual grocery cost: $4,030.99
- Annual healthcare cost: $5,335.63
- Annual utility cost: $4,020.66
- Annual transportation cost: $5,757.91
- Total annual cost of necessities: $36,713.19
Income left over after necessities: $4,316.81
Percentage of income left over after necessities: 10.52%
32. Minneapolis
- Median income for a single person: $41,316
- Monthly rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $1,513.14
- Annual rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $18,157.71
- Annual grocery cost: $4,147.06
- Annual healthcare cost: $4,342.03
- Annual utility cost: $4,036.85
- Annual transportation cost: $6,294.46
- Total annual cost of necessities: $36,978.11
Income left over after necessities: $4,337.89
Percentage of income left over after necessities: 10.5%
33. Indianapolis
- Median income for a single person: $31,939
- Monthly rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $863.57
- Annual rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $10,362.86
- Annual grocery cost: $4,048.85
- Annual healthcare cost: $4,297.32
- Annual utility cost: $3,652.20
- Annual transportation cost: $5,156.78
- Total annual cost of necessities: $27,518.01
Income left over after necessities: $4,420.99
Percentage of income left over after necessities: 13.84%
34. Portland, Oregon
- Median income for a single person: $42,537
- Monthly rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $1,554.86
- Annual rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $18,658.29
- Annual grocery cost: $4,481.86
- Annual healthcare cost: $4,148.28
- Annual utility cost: $3,235.15
- Annual transportation cost: $7,322.83
- Total annual cost of necessities: $37,846.40
Income left over after necessities: $4,690.60
Percentage of income left over after necessities: 11.03%
35. Tulsa, Oklahoma
- Median income for a single person: $31,666
- Monthly rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $667.07
- Annual rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $8,004.86
- Annual grocery cost: $3,999.74
- Annual healthcare cost: $5,499.58
- Annual utility cost: $3,870.84
- Annual transportation cost: $5,231.30
- Total annual cost of necessities: $26,606.33
Income left over after necessities: $5,059.67
Percentage of income left over after necessities: 15.98%
36. Oklahoma City
- Median income for a single person: $34,278
- Monthly rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $776.86
- Annual rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $9,322.29
- Annual grocery cost: $3,999.74
- Annual healthcare cost: $5,887.08
- Annual utility cost: $3,931.58
- Annual transportation cost: $5,474.74
- Total annual cost of necessities: $28,615.42
Income left over after necessities: $5,662.58
Percentage of income left over after necessities: 16.52%
37. Omaha, Nebraska
- Median income for a single person: $34,696
- Monthly rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $825.07
- Annual rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $9,900.86
- Annual grocery cost: $4,147.06
- Annual healthcare cost: $6,219.94
- Annual utility cost: $3,992.31
- Annual transportation cost: $4,759.34
- Total annual cost of necessities: $29,019.51
Income left over after necessities: $5,676.49
Percentage of income left over after necessities: 16.36%
38. Albuquerque, New Mexico
- Median income for a single person: $32,416
- Monthly rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $772.86
- Annual rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $9,274.29
- Annual grocery cost: $3,906
- Annual healthcare cost: $4,356.94
- Annual utility cost: $3,935.63
- Annual transportation cost: $5,251.18
- Total annual cost of necessities: $26,724.03
Income left over after necessities: $5,691.97
Percentage of income left over after necessities: 17.56%
39. Sacramento, California
- Median income for a single person: $41,878
- Monthly rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $1,338.93
- Annual rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $16,067.14
- Annual grocery cost: $4,629.17
- Annual healthcare cost: $4,476.17
- Annual utility cost: $3,984.22
- Annual transportation cost: $6,597.50
- Total annual cost of necessities: $35,754.20
Income left over after necessities: $6,123.80
Percentage of income left over after necessities: 14.62%
40. Charlotte, North Carolina
- Median income for a single person: $42,329
- Monthly rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $1,332.71
- Annual rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $15,992.57
- Annual grocery cost: $4,169.38
- Annual healthcare cost: $5,653.58
- Annual utility cost: $3,980.17
- Annual transportation cost: $5,593.97
- Total annual cost of necessities: $35,389.67
Income left over after necessities: $6,939.33
Percentage of income left over after necessities: 16.39%
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41. San Jose, California
- Median income for a single person: $60,942
- Monthly rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $2,606.21
- Annual rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $31,274.57
- Annual grocery cost: $4,946.11
- Annual healthcare cost: $4,655.02
- Annual utility cost: $3,919.43
- Annual transportation cost: $8,480.38
- Total annual cost of necessities: $53,275.51
Income left over after necessities: $7,666.49
Percentage of income left over after necessities: 12.58%
42. Denver
- Median income for a single person: $47,642
- Monthly rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $1,636
- Annual rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $19,632
- Annual grocery cost: $4,263.12
- Annual healthcare cost: $4,789.15
- Annual utility cost: $3,895.14
- Annual transportation cost: $6,672.02
- Total annual cost of necessities: $39,251.43
Income left over after necessities: $8,390.57
Percentage of income left over after necessities: 17.61%
43. San Diego
- Median income for a single person: $53,337
- Monthly rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $2,023.14
- Annual rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $24,277.71
- Annual grocery cost: $4,629.17
- Annual healthcare cost: $4,242.67
- Annual utility cost: $4,162.37
- Annual transportation cost: $6,657.12
- Total annual cost of necessities: $43,969.05
Income left over after necessities: $9,367.95
Percentage of income left over after necessities: 17.56%
44. Columbus, Ohio
- Median income for a single person: $38,498
- Monthly rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $887.50
- Annual rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $10,650
- Annual grocery cost: $4,151.52
- Annual healthcare cost: $4,431.46
- Annual utility cost: $4,134.03
- Annual transportation cost: $5,156.78
- Total annual cost of necessities: $28,523.79
Income left over after necessities: $9,974.21
Percentage of income left over after necessities: 25.91%
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45. Seattle
- Median income for a single person: $56,112
- Monthly rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $2,045.43
- Annual rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $24,545.14
- Annual grocery cost: $4,481.86
- Annual healthcare cost: $4,058.86
- Annual utility cost: $2,785.71
- Annual transportation cost: $7,774.92
- Total annual cost of necessities: $43,646.49
Income left over after necessities: $12,465.51
Percentage of income left over after necessities: 22.22%
46. San Francisco
- Median income for a single person: $77,582
- Monthly rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $3,554.14
- Annual rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $42,649.71
- Annual grocery cost: $4,946.11
- Annual healthcare cost: $4,620.24
- Annual utility cost: $3,947.78
- Annual transportation cost: $8,783.42
- Total annual cost of necessities: $64,947.27
Income left over after necessities: $12,634.73
Percentage of income left over after necessities: 16.29%
47. Virginia Beach, Virginia
- Median income for a single person: $46,222
- Monthly rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $1,081.07
- Annual rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $12,972.86
- Annual grocery cost: $4,169.38
- Annual healthcare cost: $5,812.56
- Annual utility cost: $3,931.58
- Annual transportation cost: $5,728.10
- Total annual cost of necessities: $32,614.48
Income left over after necessities: $13,607.52
Percentage of income left over after necessities: 29.44%
48. Austin, Texas
- Median income for a single person: $49,130
- Monthly rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $1,320.21
- Annual rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $15,842.57
- Annual grocery cost: $3,959.57
- Annual healthcare cost: $4,585.46
- Annual utility cost: $4,012.56
- Annual transportation cost: $6,488.21
- Total annual cost of necessities: $34,888.37
Income left over after necessities: $14,241.63
Percentage of income left over after necessities: 28.99%
49. Raleigh, North Carolina
- Median income for a single person: $45,637
- Monthly rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $1,091.21
- Annual rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $13,094.57
- Annual grocery cost: $4,169.38
- Annual healthcare cost: $5,097.17
- Annual utility cost: $4,012.56
- Annual transportation cost: $4,972.97
- Total annual cost of necessities: $31,346.64
Income left over after necessities: $14,290.36
Percentage of income left over after necessities: 31.31%
50. Washington
- Median income for a single person: $65,922
- Monthly rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $2,336.57
- Annual rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $28,038.86
- Annual grocery cost: $4,700.59
- Annual healthcare cost: $4,103.57
- Annual utility cost: $4,291.94
- Annual transportation cost: $7,973.64
- Total annual cost of necessities: $49,108.60
Income left over after necessities: $16,813.40
Percentage of income left over after necessities: 25.5%
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Alexandria Bova contributed to the reporting in this article.
Methodology: GOBankingRates determined what you can afford with the average salary by analyzing 50 of the most populated cities, according to the U.S. Census Bureau, along the following criteria: (1) median nonfamily income from the U.S. Census Bureau’s 2017 American Community Survey; (2) average monthly and annual rent for a one-bedroom apartment, sourced from Zillow’s 2019 data; and (3) itemized cost-of-living index for groceries, utilities, transportation, healthcare and miscellaneous expenditures, based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Consumer Expenditure Survey from the third quarter of 2017 through the second quarter of 2018, which were adjusted to each city’s local cost of living, sourced from Sperling’s Best Places. Factors No. 2 and 3 were then combined to give each city (4) the total annual cost of necessities, which was then subtracted from the median nonfamily income to give each city (5) the leftover income after necessities. Note: The U.S. Census Bureau defines a nonfamily household as “a householder living alone (a one-person household) or where the householder shares the home exclusively with people to whom he/she is not related.” All data used to conduct this study was compiled and verified on Sept. 17, 2019, and is subject to change.
About the Author
Joel Anderson
Joel Anderson is a business and finance writer with over a decade of experience writing about the wide world of finance. Based in Los Angeles, he specializes in writing about the financial markets, stocks, macroeconomic concepts and focuses on helping make complex financial concepts digestible for the retail investor.
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The old adage about the three most important things in real estate — location, location, location — speaks to how there’s more to where you live than just geography. From the size of your paycheck to how much your groceries will cost, your location can heavily influence many important aspects of your life.
In some cases, your home city might provide you with a lot more disposable income to save or invest after paying all of your bills. In other cases, where you live is possibly one of the main reasons why it feels like you’re fighting a losing battle with your budget every month.
That’s why GOBankingRates conducted a study to find out where residents are getting a deal on the cost of living and where Americans are regularly forced to dig themselves out of a financial hole. To see the regional differences in how much of the typical paycheck is left over after covering costs, the study took the 50 largest U.S. cities and compared the average salary with the annual cost of necessities like housing, groceries, healthcare, utilities and transportation. Residents in one Southern city, in particular, can expect to run into a shocking deficit of more than $20,000 per year. The results of GOBankingRates’ study show how your home city plays a huge role in determining a budget that you can live with.
Last updated: Jan. 6, 2020
1. Miami
- Median income for a single person: $25,233
- Monthly rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $1,999.86
- Annual rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $23,998.29
- Annual grocery cost: $4,584.53
- Annual healthcare cost: $4,928.26
- Annual utility cost: $3,866.80
- Annual transportation cost: $8,430.70
- Total annual cost of necessities: $45,808.56
Income left over after necessities: -$20,575.56
Percentage of income left over after necessities: -81.54%
2. Philadelphia
- Median income for a single person: $28,351
- Monthly rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $1,524.29
- Annual rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $18,291.43
- Annual grocery cost: $4,468.46
- Annual healthcare cost: $5,762.88
- Annual utility cost: $4,360.77
- Annual transportation cost: $8,068.03
- Total annual cost of necessities: $40,951.58
Income left over after necessities: -$12,600.58
Percentage of income left over after necessities: -44.44%
3. New York
- Median income for a single person: $43,785
- Monthly rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $2,376.93
- Annual rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $28,523.14
- Annual grocery cost: $5,120.21
- Annual healthcare cost: $5,017.68
- Annual utility cost: $6,093.75
- Annual transportation cost: $10,507.32
- Total annual cost of necessities: $55,262.10
Income left over after necessities: -$11,477.10
Percentage of income left over after necessities: -26.21%
4. New Orleans
- Median income for a single person: $26,927
- Monthly rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $1,360.71
- Annual rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $16,328.57
- Annual grocery cost: $4,147.06
- Annual healthcare cost: $4,386.74
- Annual utility cost: $3,534.78
- Annual transportation cost: $7,700.40
- Total annual cost of necessities: $36,097.55
Income left over after necessities: -$9,170.55
Percentage of income left over after necessities: -34.06%
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5. Los Angeles
- Median income for a single person: $41,568
- Monthly rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $2,370.79
- Annual rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $28,449.43
- Annual grocery cost: $4,481.86
- Annual healthcare cost: $4,232.74
- Annual utility cost: $3,793.91
- Annual transportation cost: $9,473.98
- Total annual cost of necessities: $50,431.91
Income left over after necessities: -$8,863.91
Percentage of income left over after necessities: -21.32%
6. Baton Rouge, Louisiana
- Median income for a single person: $27,036
- Monthly rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $983
- Annual rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $11,796
- Annual grocery cost: $4,147.06
- Annual healthcare cost: $5,007.74
- Annual utility cost: $3,595.51
- Annual transportation cost: $6,547.82
- Total annual cost of necessities: $31,094.14
Income left over after necessities: -$4,058.14
Percentage of income left over after necessities: -15.01%
7. Honolulu
- Median income for a single person: $42,568
- Monthly rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $1,728.21
- Annual rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $20,738.57
- Annual grocery cost: $6,200.50
- Annual healthcare cost: $4,610.30
- Annual utility cost: $7,138.39
- Annual transportation cost: $7,084.37
- Total annual cost of necessities: $45,772.13
Income left over after necessities: -$3,204.13
Percentage of income left over after necessities: -7.53%
8. Baltimore
- Median income for a single person: $34,298
- Monthly rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $1,383.71
- Annual rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $16,604.57
- Annual grocery cost: $4,414.90
- Annual healthcare cost: $4,823.93
- Annual utility cost: $4,344.58
- Annual transportation cost: $7,183.73
- Total annual cost of necessities: $37,371.70
Income left over after necessities: -$3,073.70
Percentage of income left over after necessities: -8.96%
9. Tampa, Florida
- Median income for a single person: $34,559
- Monthly rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $1,467.50
- Annual rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $17,610
- Annual grocery cost: $4,584.53
- Annual healthcare cost: $4,759.34
- Annual utility cost: $3,899.19
- Annual transportation cost: $6,498.14
- Total annual cost of necessities: $37,351.20
Income left over after necessities: -$2,792.20
Percentage of income left over after necessities: -8.08%
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10. Memphis, Tennessee
- Median income for a single person: $27,919
- Monthly rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $791.43
- Annual rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $9,497.14
- Annual grocery cost: $4,030.99
- Annual healthcare cost: $6,463.37
- Annual utility cost: $3,899.19
- Annual transportation cost: $5,464.80
- Total annual cost of necessities: $29,355.49
Income left over after necessities: -$1,436.49
Percentage of income left over after necessities: -5.15%
11. Pittsburgh
- Median income for a single person: $31,496
- Monthly rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $1,095
- Annual rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $13,140
- Annual grocery cost: $4,240.80
- Annual healthcare cost: $4,411.58
- Annual utility cost: $4,142.13
- Annual transportation cost: $6,021.22
- Total annual cost of necessities: $31,955.73
Income left over after necessities: -$459.73
Percentage of income left over after necessities: -1.46%
12. Cincinnati
- Median income for a single person: $27,781
- Monthly rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $842.79
- Annual rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $10,113.43
- Annual grocery cost: $4,151.52
- Annual healthcare cost: $4,292.35
- Annual utility cost: $3,968.02
- Annual transportation cost: $5,390.28
- Total annual cost of necessities: $27,915.60
Income left over after necessities: -$134.60
Percentage of income left over after necessities: -0.48%
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13. Milwaukee
- Median income for a single person: $29,655
- Monthly rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $856.79
- Annual rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $10,281.43
- Annual grocery cost: $4,048.85
- Annual healthcare cost: $5,236.27
- Annual utility cost: $4,097.59
- Annual transportation cost: $5,832.43
- Total annual cost of necessities: $29,496.57
Income left over after necessities: $158.43
Percentage of income left over after necessities: 0.53%
14. Fresno, California
- Median income for a single person: $29,614
- Monthly rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $868.57
- Annual rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $10,422.86
- Annual grocery cost: $4,379.18
- Annual healthcare cost: $4,217.83
- Annual utility cost: $4,551.08
- Annual transportation cost: $5,400.22
- Total annual cost of necessities: $28,971.17
Income left over after necessities: $642.83
Percentage of income left over after necessities: 2.17%
15. Jacksonville, Florida
- Median income for a single person: $34,171
- Monthly rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $1,177.71
- Annual rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $14,132.57
- Annual grocery cost: $4,316.69
- Annual healthcare cost: $4,818.96
- Annual utility cost: $4,162.37
- Annual transportation cost: $5,822.50
- Total annual cost of necessities: $33,253.09
Income left over after necessities: $917.91
Percentage of income left over after necessities: 2.69%
16. Tucson, Arizona
- Median income for a single person: $26,992
- Monthly rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $670
- Annual rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $8,040
- Annual grocery cost: $4,263.12
- Annual healthcare cost: $4,188.02
- Annual utility cost: $4,024.71
- Annual transportation cost: $5,469.77
- Total annual cost of necessities: $25,985.62
Income left over after necessities: $1,006.38
Percentage of income left over after necessities: 3.73%
17. Chicago
- Median income for a single person: $41,567
- Monthly rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $1,649.29
- Annual rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $19,791.43
- Annual grocery cost: $4,191.70
- Annual healthcare cost: $4,669.92
- Annual utility cost: $3,757.47
- Annual transportation cost: $7,938.86
- Total annual cost of necessities: $40,349.38
Income left over after necessities: $1,217.62
Percentage of income left over after necessities: 2.93%
18. El Paso, Texas
- Median income for a single person: $27,481
- Monthly rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $711.29
- Annual rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $8,535.43
- Annual grocery cost: $3,906
- Annual healthcare cost: $4,401.65
- Annual utility cost: $3,931.58
- Annual transportation cost: $5,345.57
- Total annual cost of necessities: $26,120.22
Income left over after necessities: $1,360.78
Percentage of income left over after necessities: 4.95%
19. St. Louis
- Median income for a single person: $30,027
- Monthly rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $819.21
- Annual rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $9,830.57
- Annual grocery cost: $4,147.06
- Annual healthcare cost: $4,659.98
- Annual utility cost: $3,878.94
- Annual transportation cost: $5,653.58
- Total annual cost of necessities: $28,170.14
Income left over after necessities: $1,856.86
Percentage of income left over after necessities: 6.18%
20. Louisville, Kentucky
- Median income for a single person: $30,869
- Monthly rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $896.57
- Annual rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $10,758.86
- Annual grocery cost: $4,030.99
- Annual healthcare cost: $4,436.42
- Annual utility cost: $3,757.47
- Annual transportation cost: $5,887.08
- Total annual cost of necessities: $28,870.83
Income left over after necessities: $1,998.17
Percentage of income left over after necessities: 6.47%
21. Las Vegas
- Median income for a single person: $35,003
- Monthly rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $1,008.36
- Annual rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $12,100.29
- Annual grocery cost: $4,334.54
- Annual healthcare cost: $4,694.76
- Annual utility cost: $4,154.27
- Annual transportation cost: $7,148.95
- Total annual cost of necessities: $32,432.82
Income left over after necessities: $2,570.18
Percentage of income left over after necessities: 7.34%
22. Orlando, Florida
- Median income for a single person: $38,410
- Monthly rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $1,329.57
- Annual rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $15,954.86
- Annual grocery cost: $4,316.69
- Annual healthcare cost: $4,863.67
- Annual utility cost: $4,142.13
- Annual transportation cost: $6,403.75
- Total annual cost of necessities: $35,681.10
Income left over after necessities: $2,728.90
Percentage of income left over after necessities: 7.1%
23. San Antonio
- Median income for a single person: $33,575
- Monthly rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $983.57
- Annual rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $11,802.86
- Annual grocery cost: $3,959.57
- Annual healthcare cost: $4,530.82
- Annual utility cost: $3,842.50
- Annual transportation cost: $5,807.59
- Total annual cost of necessities: $29,943.33
Income left over after necessities: $3,631.67
Percentage of income left over after necessities: 10.82%
24. Houston
- Median income for a single person: $38,795
- Monthly rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $1,266
- Annual rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $15,192
- Annual grocery cost: $4,147.06
- Annual healthcare cost: $4,659.98
- Annual utility cost: $3,907.29
- Annual transportation cost: $7,014.82
- Total annual cost of necessities: $34,921.14
Income left over after necessities: $3,873.86
Percentage of income left over after necessities: 9.99%
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25. Atlanta
- Median income for a single person: $43,247
- Monthly rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $1,611.57
- Annual rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $19,338.86
- Annual grocery cost: $4,133.66
- Annual healthcare cost: $4,510.94
- Annual utility cost: $4,194.76
- Annual transportation cost: $7,153.92
- Total annual cost of necessities: $39,332.15
Income left over after necessities: $3,914.85
Percentage of income left over after necessities: 9.05%
26. Phoenix
- Median income for a single person: $37,293
- Monthly rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $1,103.29
- Annual rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $13,239.43
- Annual grocery cost: $4,263.12
- Annual healthcare cost: $5,047.49
- Annual utility cost: $4,121.88
- Annual transportation cost: $6,642.22
- Total annual cost of necessities: $33,314.13
Income left over after necessities: $3,978.87
Percentage of income left over after necessities: 10.67%
27. Colorado Springs, Colorado
- Median income for a single person: $36,648
- Monthly rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $1,203.93
- Annual rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $14,447.14
- Annual grocery cost: $4,263.12
- Annual healthcare cost: $4,813.99
- Annual utility cost: $3,741.28
- Annual transportation cost: $5,290.92
- Total annual cost of necessities: $32,556.45
Income left over after necessities: $4,091.55
Percentage of income left over after necessities: 11.16%
28. Dallas
- Median income for a single person: $40,337
- Monthly rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $1,371.50
- Annual rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $16,458
- Annual grocery cost: $4,147.06
- Annual healthcare cost: $4,694.76
- Annual utility cost: $4,049
- Annual transportation cost: $6,890.62
- Total annual cost of necessities: $36,239.43
Income left over after necessities: $4,097.57
Percentage of income left over after necessities: 10.16%
29. Boston
- Median income for a single person: $51,659
- Monthly rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $2,191.43
- Annual rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $26,297.14
- Annual grocery cost: $4,718.45
- Annual healthcare cost: $4,143.31
- Annual utility cost: $4,729.23
- Annual transportation cost: $7,536.46
- Total annual cost of necessities: $47,424.59
Income left over after necessities: $4,234.41
Percentage of income left over after necessities: 8.2%
30. Kansas City, Missouri
- Median income for a single person: $34,489
- Monthly rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $993.07
- Annual rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $11,916.86
- Annual grocery cost: $4,147.06
- Annual healthcare cost: $4,977.94
- Annual utility cost: $4,105.69
- Annual transportation cost: $5,052.46
- Total annual cost of necessities: $30,199.99
Income left over after necessities: $4,289.01
Percentage of income left over after necessities: 12.44%
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31. Nashville, Tennessee
- Median income for a single person: $41,030
- Monthly rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $1,464
- Annual rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $17,568
- Annual grocery cost: $4,030.99
- Annual healthcare cost: $5,335.63
- Annual utility cost: $4,020.66
- Annual transportation cost: $5,757.91
- Total annual cost of necessities: $36,713.19
Income left over after necessities: $4,316.81
Percentage of income left over after necessities: 10.52%
32. Minneapolis
- Median income for a single person: $41,316
- Monthly rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $1,513.14
- Annual rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $18,157.71
- Annual grocery cost: $4,147.06
- Annual healthcare cost: $4,342.03
- Annual utility cost: $4,036.85
- Annual transportation cost: $6,294.46
- Total annual cost of necessities: $36,978.11
Income left over after necessities: $4,337.89
Percentage of income left over after necessities: 10.5%
33. Indianapolis
- Median income for a single person: $31,939
- Monthly rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $863.57
- Annual rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $10,362.86
- Annual grocery cost: $4,048.85
- Annual healthcare cost: $4,297.32
- Annual utility cost: $3,652.20
- Annual transportation cost: $5,156.78
- Total annual cost of necessities: $27,518.01
Income left over after necessities: $4,420.99
Percentage of income left over after necessities: 13.84%
34. Portland, Oregon
- Median income for a single person: $42,537
- Monthly rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $1,554.86
- Annual rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $18,658.29
- Annual grocery cost: $4,481.86
- Annual healthcare cost: $4,148.28
- Annual utility cost: $3,235.15
- Annual transportation cost: $7,322.83
- Total annual cost of necessities: $37,846.40
Income left over after necessities: $4,690.60
Percentage of income left over after necessities: 11.03%
35. Tulsa, Oklahoma
- Median income for a single person: $31,666
- Monthly rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $667.07
- Annual rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $8,004.86
- Annual grocery cost: $3,999.74
- Annual healthcare cost: $5,499.58
- Annual utility cost: $3,870.84
- Annual transportation cost: $5,231.30
- Total annual cost of necessities: $26,606.33
Income left over after necessities: $5,059.67
Percentage of income left over after necessities: 15.98%
36. Oklahoma City
- Median income for a single person: $34,278
- Monthly rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $776.86
- Annual rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $9,322.29
- Annual grocery cost: $3,999.74
- Annual healthcare cost: $5,887.08
- Annual utility cost: $3,931.58
- Annual transportation cost: $5,474.74
- Total annual cost of necessities: $28,615.42
Income left over after necessities: $5,662.58
Percentage of income left over after necessities: 16.52%
37. Omaha, Nebraska
- Median income for a single person: $34,696
- Monthly rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $825.07
- Annual rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $9,900.86
- Annual grocery cost: $4,147.06
- Annual healthcare cost: $6,219.94
- Annual utility cost: $3,992.31
- Annual transportation cost: $4,759.34
- Total annual cost of necessities: $29,019.51
Income left over after necessities: $5,676.49
Percentage of income left over after necessities: 16.36%
38. Albuquerque, New Mexico
- Median income for a single person: $32,416
- Monthly rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $772.86
- Annual rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $9,274.29
- Annual grocery cost: $3,906
- Annual healthcare cost: $4,356.94
- Annual utility cost: $3,935.63
- Annual transportation cost: $5,251.18
- Total annual cost of necessities: $26,724.03
Income left over after necessities: $5,691.97
Percentage of income left over after necessities: 17.56%
39. Sacramento, California
- Median income for a single person: $41,878
- Monthly rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $1,338.93
- Annual rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $16,067.14
- Annual grocery cost: $4,629.17
- Annual healthcare cost: $4,476.17
- Annual utility cost: $3,984.22
- Annual transportation cost: $6,597.50
- Total annual cost of necessities: $35,754.20
Income left over after necessities: $6,123.80
Percentage of income left over after necessities: 14.62%
40. Charlotte, North Carolina
- Median income for a single person: $42,329
- Monthly rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $1,332.71
- Annual rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $15,992.57
- Annual grocery cost: $4,169.38
- Annual healthcare cost: $5,653.58
- Annual utility cost: $3,980.17
- Annual transportation cost: $5,593.97
- Total annual cost of necessities: $35,389.67
Income left over after necessities: $6,939.33
Percentage of income left over after necessities: 16.39%
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41. San Jose, California
- Median income for a single person: $60,942
- Monthly rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $2,606.21
- Annual rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $31,274.57
- Annual grocery cost: $4,946.11
- Annual healthcare cost: $4,655.02
- Annual utility cost: $3,919.43
- Annual transportation cost: $8,480.38
- Total annual cost of necessities: $53,275.51
Income left over after necessities: $7,666.49
Percentage of income left over after necessities: 12.58%
42. Denver
- Median income for a single person: $47,642
- Monthly rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $1,636
- Annual rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $19,632
- Annual grocery cost: $4,263.12
- Annual healthcare cost: $4,789.15
- Annual utility cost: $3,895.14
- Annual transportation cost: $6,672.02
- Total annual cost of necessities: $39,251.43
Income left over after necessities: $8,390.57
Percentage of income left over after necessities: 17.61%
43. San Diego
- Median income for a single person: $53,337
- Monthly rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $2,023.14
- Annual rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $24,277.71
- Annual grocery cost: $4,629.17
- Annual healthcare cost: $4,242.67
- Annual utility cost: $4,162.37
- Annual transportation cost: $6,657.12
- Total annual cost of necessities: $43,969.05
Income left over after necessities: $9,367.95
Percentage of income left over after necessities: 17.56%
44. Columbus, Ohio
- Median income for a single person: $38,498
- Monthly rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $887.50
- Annual rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $10,650
- Annual grocery cost: $4,151.52
- Annual healthcare cost: $4,431.46
- Annual utility cost: $4,134.03
- Annual transportation cost: $5,156.78
- Total annual cost of necessities: $28,523.79
Income left over after necessities: $9,974.21
Percentage of income left over after necessities: 25.91%
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45. Seattle
- Median income for a single person: $56,112
- Monthly rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $2,045.43
- Annual rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $24,545.14
- Annual grocery cost: $4,481.86
- Annual healthcare cost: $4,058.86
- Annual utility cost: $2,785.71
- Annual transportation cost: $7,774.92
- Total annual cost of necessities: $43,646.49
Income left over after necessities: $12,465.51
Percentage of income left over after necessities: 22.22%
46. San Francisco
- Median income for a single person: $77,582
- Monthly rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $3,554.14
- Annual rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $42,649.71
- Annual grocery cost: $4,946.11
- Annual healthcare cost: $4,620.24
- Annual utility cost: $3,947.78
- Annual transportation cost: $8,783.42
- Total annual cost of necessities: $64,947.27
Income left over after necessities: $12,634.73
Percentage of income left over after necessities: 16.29%
47. Virginia Beach, Virginia
- Median income for a single person: $46,222
- Monthly rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $1,081.07
- Annual rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $12,972.86
- Annual grocery cost: $4,169.38
- Annual healthcare cost: $5,812.56
- Annual utility cost: $3,931.58
- Annual transportation cost: $5,728.10
- Total annual cost of necessities: $32,614.48
Income left over after necessities: $13,607.52
Percentage of income left over after necessities: 29.44%
48. Austin, Texas
- Median income for a single person: $49,130
- Monthly rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $1,320.21
- Annual rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $15,842.57
- Annual grocery cost: $3,959.57
- Annual healthcare cost: $4,585.46
- Annual utility cost: $4,012.56
- Annual transportation cost: $6,488.21
- Total annual cost of necessities: $34,888.37
Income left over after necessities: $14,241.63
Percentage of income left over after necessities: 28.99%
49. Raleigh, North Carolina
- Median income for a single person: $45,637
- Monthly rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $1,091.21
- Annual rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $13,094.57
- Annual grocery cost: $4,169.38
- Annual healthcare cost: $5,097.17
- Annual utility cost: $4,012.56
- Annual transportation cost: $4,972.97
- Total annual cost of necessities: $31,346.64
Income left over after necessities: $14,290.36
Percentage of income left over after necessities: 31.31%
50. Washington
- Median income for a single person: $65,922
- Monthly rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $2,336.57
- Annual rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $28,038.86
- Annual grocery cost: $4,700.59
- Annual healthcare cost: $4,103.57
- Annual utility cost: $4,291.94
- Annual transportation cost: $7,973.64
- Total annual cost of necessities: $49,108.60
Income left over after necessities: $16,813.40
Percentage of income left over after necessities: 25.5%
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Alexandria Bova contributed to the reporting in this article.
Methodology: GOBankingRates determined what you can afford with the average salary by analyzing 50 of the most populated cities, according to the U.S. Census Bureau, along the following criteria: (1) median nonfamily income from the U.S. Census Bureau’s 2017 American Community Survey; (2) average monthly and annual rent for a one-bedroom apartment, sourced from Zillow’s 2019 data; and (3) itemized cost-of-living index for groceries, utilities, transportation, healthcare and miscellaneous expenditures, based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Consumer Expenditure Survey from the third quarter of 2017 through the second quarter of 2018, which were adjusted to each city’s local cost of living, sourced from Sperling’s Best Places. Factors No. 2 and 3 were then combined to give each city (4) the total annual cost of necessities, which was then subtracted from the median nonfamily income to give each city (5) the leftover income after necessities. Note: The U.S. Census Bureau defines a nonfamily household as “a householder living alone (a one-person household) or where the householder shares the home exclusively with people to whom he/she is not related.” All data used to conduct this study was compiled and verified on Sept. 17, 2019, and is subject to change.
About the Author
Joel Anderson
Joel Anderson is a business and finance writer with over a decade of experience writing about the wide world of finance. Based in Los Angeles, he specializes in writing about the financial markets, stocks, macroeconomic concepts and focuses on helping make complex financial concepts digestible for the retail investor.
