Upgraded Points Study Identifies The Cities Where Residents Live Most Beyond Their Means
Date
1/14/2025 9:31:51 AM
(MENAFN- PR Newswire)
"It should come as no surprise that it's still tough out there for Americans trying to make ends meet," said Keri Stooksbury, editor-in-chief at Upgraded Points. "Our study
paints a picture of exactly where in the country Americans are exceeding the 50% income allocation for essentials."
Study Methodology
The study analyzed financial strain in 100 U.S. cities by evaluating how much residents exceed the recommended 50% income allocation for essential "needs." Using BEA median income data, each city's after-tax income served as the affordability baseline. Essential expenses - rent, groceries, transportation, and utilities (including internet) - were calculated using data from sources such as Zillow, the Census Bureau, and Numbeo.
Affordability was assessed by totaling monthly expenses, comparing them to 50% of after-tax income, determining the extra annual income needed to meet the 50% rule, and calculating the percentage of income spent on essentials.
The
Top 1 0
U.S. Cities Where Americans Are Living Most Outside of Their Means
California dominates the rankings, with 7 cities in the top 10 , though Florida and New York contain major budgetary contenders:
Riverside, California
San Diego, California
Stockton, California
Los Angeles, California
Lakeland, Florida
Honolulu, Hawaii
Bakersfield, California
Fresno, California
New York City, New York
Sacramento, California
Financial Squeeze: Cities That Exceed the 50% Benchmark
In several U.S. cities, essential expenses consume an overwhelming percentage of residents' income, far surpassing the recommended 50% threshold. A few of these include:
Riverside, California – 125% of Income: Many residents dip into savings, take on debt, or sacrifice other financial priorities just to cover their basic needs.
McAllen, Texas – 103% of Income: Essential expenses require residents to consistently exceed their means just to cover basic living costs.
Lakeland, Florida – 102% of Income: Residents spend so much on essential needs that there is little room for savings or discretionary spending.
Visit the full study online .
About Upgraded Points LLC
Headquartered in Austin, Texas, Upgraded Points is a travel company that helps to demystify the complex world of travel and credit cards. Launched in 2016 by Alex Miller, Upgraded Points uses targeted research efforts and in-depth studies to help travelers maximize their travel, points, and experiences. Learn more at: .
Media Contact:
Alex Miller, Founder
1-214-646-8866
[email protected]
SOURCE Upgraded Points
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