With the costs of everything from groceries to rents at eye-watering highs, millions of Americans are scrabbling to make ends meet.
And those living in certain zip-codes have it worse than others.
Residents of the California technology hub of San Jose, for example, have to bring home $266,000 a year to cover the cost of housing, put food on the table, and live comfortably, says a shocking new study.
The personal finance website GOBankingRates has also identified the major US cities where ordinary salaries go a little bit further.
Those seeking a comfortable life on an ordinary income of less than $80,000 a year, should consider Detroit, say researchers.
The Michigan hub of some 638,000 people offers the best value among America’s 50 biggest urban centers, researchers say.
Detroiters only require a household income of $64,849 to live a secure and agreeable life, says the study.
Despite high inflation, monthly costs in Detroit have stayed relatively stable, cementing its position as the most affordable city in America.
The so-called ‘Motor City’ was once an industrial powerhouse, and home to the largest carmakers in the US.
But the demise of the big automakers, coupled with the mortgage crisis, drove millions from their homes in the 2000s as their properties were left worthless.
Less than two decades ago, one in five houses stood empty there, with foreclosures mounting and properties on deserted streets changing hands for $1.
But as the car industry – this time with a focus on electric vehicles – begins to pick up again, the value of homes in the city has risen rapidly.
Despite the short-term price surge, Detroit still remains affordable, as much of its growth was catch-up after years of lagging behind.
The city, known as the birthplace of Motown music, has started to recover after decades of urban decline.
The restoration of Michigan Central train station, completed this year, was just the latest in a series of urban renewal projects that have turned Detroit into a tourist destination.
Researchers found nine other cities where a comparable lifestyle could be achieved with an ordinary salary.
‘Living in a big city isn’t just for the super-rich,’ says the study.
‘There are at least 10 US cities with populations over 396,000 where you can live comfortably on a salary of less than $80,000 a year.
Memphis, Tennessee, Wichita, Kansas, Tulsa, Oklahoma, and Oklahoma City rounded out the top five.
El Paso, Texas, Baltimore, Milwaukee, Indianapolis, and Kansas City, Missouri, completed the top 10.
Memphis was among the three southern sites to make the list.
A comfortable life in the city of 630,00, which is a home to rock ‘n’ roll music, can be achieved with an income of just $66,000, says the study.
Third place went to Wichita, a city of some 396,000 people that’s known for its history in airplane manufacture, where an income of $73,207 affords a comfortable life.
Researchers used data from the US Census American Community Survey, the Bureau of Labor Statistics Consumer Expenditure Survey, and other sources.
They used the cost of mortgages and everyday expenditures to create a typical cost of living for each city.
They defined ‘living comfortably’ as an income that was twice the typical cost of living.
Researchers also followed the so-called ’50/30/20 rule’ that offers guidance on sensible household budgeting.
It suggests that 50 percent of after-tax income should be spent on ‘needs,’ 30 percent on ‘wants,’ and the remaining 20 percent on savings and debt repayment.