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Is $100k middle class in New York?
I'm trying to figure out if my household income puts us in the middle class here. We bring in $100k combined, but after rent, utilities, and childcare, it feels like we're barely scraping by. We live in Brooklyn and don't have a car. Are we just bad at budgeting, or is this normal for NYC?
2 Answers
13
81d ago
You're likely lower-middle to middle class in NYC. $100k pre-tax gets hit hard by city, state, and federal taxes. Factor in high rent, transportation costs (especially if you don't live near reliable public transit), and the general cost of goods and services, and you'll find it tight. Plenty of people make it work, but sacrifices are necessary. Look closely at your budget and consider neighborhoods further from Manhattan to find more affordable housing.
11
84d ago
That income level is lower-middle class bordering on just plain 'lower class' in many parts of NYC, especially with kids and the high cost of rent. You're definitely feeling the squeeze that many families do. Look into programs like SNAP or subsidized childcare if you qualify.