Finding a number that actually feels "good" is a bit like chasing a ghost. One day you think $70,000 is the dream, and the next, you’re looking at rent prices in a city like San Diego and realizing that same $70,000 barely covers a studio and a decent bag of groceries. Honestly, the question of what is a good salary per year has changed more in the last three years than it did in the previous decade.
Inflation isn't just a headline anymore; it's the reason your "good" paycheck feels like it’s shrinking. By the start of 2026, the median household income in the United States has climbed to roughly $83,730, according to Census Bureau data. But that’s a national average. It includes both the high-rise tech workers in San Francisco and the quiet farmers in rural Mississippi. If you're earning the median, you're doing "okay," but "good" usually implies a level of comfort where you aren't checking your bank app before buying a round of drinks for friends.
The Massive Gap Between "Average" and "Comfortable"
Most financial experts and recent studies from places like the Economic Policy Institute suggest a "comfortable" life for a single person in 2026 now requires about $106,745 per year. That's a six-figure baseline just to hit the 50/30/20 rule—where 50% of your money goes to needs, 30% to wants, and 20% to savings.
It sounds high. It is high.
But when you look at the breakdown of costs, the math starts to make a painful kind of sense. In 2026, the average American household is shelling out over $61,000 just on annual expenses. Housing is the biggest thief, taking up nearly 35% of income for most people. If you're paying $2,000 a month for a one-bedroom, you've already spent $24,000 of your post-tax income before you’ve even turned on the lights or bought a loaf of bread.
The Geography Tax
Where you stand on the map changes everything. A $100,000 salary makes you a minor king in Cleveland, Ohio, where the cost of living index sits at a manageable 94.2. You can buy a house, save for retirement, and still have a "fun" budget.
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Take that same $100,000 to Massachusetts or California, and you’re basically scraping by. In Hawaii, which currently holds the title for the most expensive state with an index of 179.7, a single person needs over **$130,000** just to maintain a basic standard of living. It’s wild. You’re earning more than 90% of the world and still feeling "broke."
What a Good Salary Per Year Looks Like by Life Stage
Your definition of a "good" salary changes based on who is sitting at your dinner table. A single 24-year-old and a family of four are playing two completely different games.
- The Single Professional: For a solo flyer, a salary between $85,000 and $105,000 is generally considered the "sweet spot" in mid-sized U.S. cities. This allows for independence, a reliable car, and the ability to actually put money into a 401(k).
- The Couple (No Kids): Life gets a little cheaper per person when you split the rent. A combined income of $138,000 is the current benchmark for a "comfortable" dual-income household.
- The Family of Four: This is where the numbers get scary. Between childcare—which can easily top $20,000 a year per child in states like California—and healthcare, a family of four often needs a combined **$233,000** to feel truly secure in a major metro area.
Wait. Let’s be real. Most people aren't making $233,000.
The disconnect between "comfortable" benchmarks and reality is huge. The median income for a four-person family is actually closer to $125,700. This means most families are making it work through "aggressive budgeting"—a fancy term for skipping vacations and buying the generic brand of everything.
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Industry Benchmarks for 2026
If you’re looking to hit these "good" numbers, certain industries are carrying the weight. Software engineers are still clearing $105,000 to $180,000, and specialized healthcare roles like Nurse Practitioners are averaging around $125,000. Even skilled trades are seeing a massive bump; an experienced electrician or plumber can easily pull $85,000, especially if they're running their own shop.
The Psychological "Happiness" Cap
There’s a famous old study (the Kahneman-Deaton one) that said happiness plateaus after $75,000. Well, inflation killed that. Newer research adjusted for the 2026 economy suggests the "emotional well-being" cap is now closer to **$120,000 to $150,000**.
Basically, up to that point, every extra dollar significantly reduces your stress. Once you can pay your bills without thinking and handle a $1,000 emergency without a panic attack, the extra money doesn't actually make you "happier" in the way you'd expect. It just buys better versions of things you already have.
How to Determine YOUR "Good" Number
Stop looking at national averages. They don't pay your rent. To figure out what a good salary per year is for your specific life, you've got to do some manual math.
First, look at your Regional Price Parity (RPP). If you live in a state like Mississippi (RPP 87.3) or Arkansas (RPP 86.5), you can discount the national "comfort" figures by about 15-20%. If you're in New York or California, you need to add 30%.
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Second, factor in debt. A $90,000 salary with $1,200 a month in student loans is actually a $75,000 salary. People forget this when they're negotiating. You aren't just negotiating for your lifestyle; you're negotiating to pay off your past self.
Actionable Steps to Audit Your Income
- Calculate your "Survival Number": Add up rent, utilities, basic food, and minimum debt payments. If your take-home pay isn't at least 2x this number, you aren't making a "good" salary for your area.
- Use the 2026 Cost of Living Index: Check your city’s specific index on sites like MERIC or the Bureau of Labor Statistics. If your city is over 110, you need to be aiming for at least $95,000 as a single person.
- Negotiate Based on Market Value, Not Need: Use data from Jobted or Glassdoor for 2026 specific to your role. If a Software Engineer in your city averages $130,000 and you’re at $105,000, your salary isn't "good," even if it feels like a lot of money.
- Audit Your "Shadow Expenses": Things like 2026 car insurance rates—which have spiked—and rising utility costs can eat a "good" salary alive. If your expenses are climbing faster than your 3% annual raise, you're actually taking a pay cut every year.
A "good" salary isn't just about the figure on your W-2. It’s about the gap between what you earn and what it costs to exist. If you have $1,500 left over at the end of every month after all bills and savings are handled, you've found it. Whether that takes $60,000 or $160,000 depends entirely on the zip code you call home.