How Much Do You Really Need to Earn to Live Comfortably in NYC in 2026?
New York City has always been known for being an expensive place to live, however the numbers for 2026 may shock even long-time New Yorkers. If you are thinking about moving to the Big Apple or want to know if your current salary will be enough for a comfortable living in New York City, you will want to understand the true cost of comfortable living here. Comfortable living in New York City is dependent on a number of things such as how many people you have in your household and what you consider to be comfortable, however recent studies give interesting insight into what it takes to thrive in America's biggest city.
The Magic Number: What Recent Studies Say You Will Have to Earn
SmartAsset’s most recent study of the 100 largest U.S. cities found that in order for a single adult to be able to live comfortably in New York City, they would need to earn $136,656 annually. That number is the second highest income required to live comfortably in the United States, behind San Jose, California, where the required annual income is $147,430 (SmartAsset). Both studies used the 50/30/20 budget formula, which includes 50% of your earnings going towards necessities, 30% towards discretionary spending, and 20% towards saving money for long-term goals.
GoBankingRates has a slightly different estimate of what is considered comfortable living in New York City. They report that the amount needed to live comfortably in New York City is $92,210. Using this number as the amount needed for necessities, and taking the percentage of income for necessities into account, the estimated minimum comfortable salary for a single person would be greater than $180,000 (PIX11). The city's Area Median Income (AMI) was reported to be $145,800 for a three-person household for 2025 (NYC HPD), which is another way to measure what is considered middle-class living in NYC.
Breaking Down the Numbers by Household Type
Income requirements vary greatly by type of household. According to SmartAsset, for households with four people and two working adults, the estimated total combined income would be $306,093. Based on the same study, GoBankingRates reports that the estimated combined income for a four-person household with two working adults would be $318,406. These high income estimates are reflective of the increased cost of raising children in one of the most expensive cities in the world, including, but not limited to, childcare, education, increased housing costs, etc.
As mentioned previously, single individuals living alone have a different calculation of income. There are various estimates regarding how much income is necessary to lead a comfortable lifestyle for a single individual, with estimates ranging from $70,000 to $90,000 to live modestly with a studio apartment or with roommates. Most financial advisors agree that $100,000 is a practical minimum to allow for a comfortable lifestyle for a single person without the assistance of roommates. A higher income threshold than $100,000 allows for dining out and entertainment expenses, and for building a nest egg, versus just getting by paycheck to paycheck.
For couples without children, the estimated combined income for a comfortable lifestyle would be in the range of $80,000 to $120,000. This assumption is based on shared housing costs and utilities, which provides a significant reduction in the costs per person when compared to living alone.
Where Your Income Actually Goes
When evaluating these income requirements, understanding actual costs of living in NYC makes sense. Housing costs dominate the majority of a New Yorker's expenses. As a general rule, rent should not exceed 30% of monthly gross income. Unfortunately, many renters in NYC pay closer to 40% or 50% of their monthly gross income for rent, particularly in desirable areas of the city. Apartments in Manhattan average only 704 square feet, which is roughly the size of a one-bedroom apartment, yet are often priced similarly to larger apartments.
Costs associated with food quickly accumulate in NYC. A typical grocery bill for a single person ranges from $300 to $500 monthly; however, the cost of dining out is exponentially higher. A casual dinner at a moderately priced restaurant can cost $50 or more per person, whereas the morning coffee and pastry can cost anywhere from $9 to $18, depending on the area of the city. Costs associated with transportation add another level of expense to a New Yorker's budget; however, the comprehensive public transportation system in NYC limits these costs to approximately $132 monthly for an unlimited MetroCard.
Utility bills, which are usually not included in rent, typically range from $150 to $200 monthly for electricity, heat, water, and waste disposal.
In addition to meeting basic expenses, many busy professionals seek to maintain a pristine home environment, not only for their own mental health and wellness but for property value reasons. For many, hiring companies such as Sparkly Maid NYC to perform routine cleaning duties allows them to allocate their limited free time to enjoy all that the city has to offer, rather than spend hours cleaning the house.
The Reality Check: Income vs. Cost of Living
Median household income in NYC is $79,713 (U.S. Census Bureau); however, average household income is $127,894 (SmartAsset). This difference illustrates a very important point: many New Yorkers do not earn a living wage to meet the income requirements defined by studies as “comfortably” living in NYC. The average salary in NYC is $99,221 yearly before taxes, or $6,664 monthly after taxes.
These statistics help to explain why so many New Yorkers find ways to creatively manage the cost of living in NYC. One of the most popular methods of reducing housing costs is to share apartments with roommates, with many young professionals continuing to share apartments until their early 30’s. Additionally, choosing neighborhoods in the Bronx, Queens, and Staten Island over neighborhoods in Manhattan or prime Brooklyn neighborhoods can save renters thousands of dollars monthly in rent, while still providing convenient access to major employment hubs via the subway.
Making It Work on Less
Although the studies suggest extreme income requirements for living comfortably in NYC, there are countless examples of successful New Yorkers living in NYC on less. The keys to making it work include making intentional decisions and adjusting your lifestyle. For example, cooking at home instead of frequently dining out can save tens of thousands of dollars each year. Also, utilizing NYC’s numerous free amenities and attractions — including world-class museums with suggested donation requests, and hundreds of parks and community programs — provide for endless amounts of fun and personal enrichment without depleting a bank account.
Additionally, maximizing the efficiency of your living space also contributes to stretching a limited budget. Whether completing routine cleaning tasks yourself or occasionally utilizing services provided by companies such as Sparkly Maid NYC to maintain a clean and healthy environment in your home, having an organized and functional living space decreases stress and maximizes the enjoyment of smaller living spaces.
The Bottom Line
Comfortable living in NYC in 2026 should require a minimum of $136,000 to $180,000 per year for a single person, depending on your definition of comfort and what neighborhood you choose to live in. However, comfort is subjective, and many people succeed in thriving in NYC with less than this amount by creating smart budgets, selecting the right neighborhoods, and making lifestyle choices. NYC offers no equal in terms of opportunities, culture, and relationships for those willing to learn how to navigate its complexities, and therefore many people believe the cost of admission is worth it.
Sources:
FOX 5 New York. "How Much Money You Need to 'Live Comfortably' in NYC." FOX 5 New York, 11 Mar. 2024,
HousingAnywhere. "Cost of Living in NYC: Navigating Expenses in the Big Apple."
HousingAnywhere. "Here's the Average Salary in New York City."
MovingAPT. "How Much Salary Do You Need to Live Comfortably in NYC?" MovingAPT, 25 Apr. 2025,
New York City Department of Housing Preservation and Development. "Area Median Income." NYC HPD,
PIX11. "You Need to Make Over $180K to Live 'Comfortably' in NYC: Study." PIX11, 2 Oct. 2025,
SmartAsset. "The Average Salary in New York City." SmartAsset, 24 Feb. 2025,
SmartAsset. "You Need This Salary to Live Comfortably in NYC: Study." PIX11, 25 Mar. 2025, pix11.com/news/local-
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