07/24/2026
Reports claiming that $100,000 is now considered “lower-middle class” in parts of the U.S. have sparked a massive debate online about the cost of modern living.
The analysis, based on Pew Research Center income ranges cited by MoneyLion, found that several high-cost states now require well above six figures to comfortably qualify as middle class. California reportedly topped the list, followed by states including Massachusetts, New Jersey, Maryland, and Hawaii.
A lot of people online said the story reflects how dramatically expenses have changed over the last decade. Rent, home prices, healthcare, childcare, groceries, and insurance have all increased faster than many salaries, especially in major metropolitan areas.
At the same time, others argued the label “lower-middle class” can sound misleading because earning $100K still remains significantly above the national average income in many parts of the country.
Would you rather make $100K in California or $60K somewhere cheaper?