So what you're saying is that even the cheapest state is incredibly higher than the median household income. Basically only the upper class is living comfortably
Agreed. Seems only the upper class get to live like that. There are far more people making less than $15/hr trying to survive than there are those making $39+/hr.
@stevenjgrundy6765 well he did give how he got these numbers, obviously these are high. But to get by you cut the number in half. So if costs 90k to live somewhere, you only need to make 45k to get by
@@Saphire_Throated_Carpenter_Ant It doesn't. Just need to buy reasonable house and fix it up. Usually I like Brigg's videos but this will be upsetting to many viewers because it is completely wrong.
Define comfortable. Even the poorest of folk in Appalachia in some cases are completely content with how they live and just barely get by. They would say they live a good life. As long as you have the basics and essentials everything beyond is extra and truly not needed just wanted
It doesn't I make like 2000 a month and my wife makes like the same or a little more and we are struggling can't buy a house or anything but we aren't struggling
Sorry Briggs these numbers seem way too high. I live in GA, single and have an income of about $65,000 a year. I live very comfortably. Even though I am retired I save money every month, and take at least 2 nice vacations a year. I don’t live in a mansion but a nice home on half an acre in the mountains.
The numbers are based on averages of each State. So, Atlanta/Savannah alone probably raise the averages of the entire State, even though most of the State can live comfortably on way less than what he is reporting.
@@randomguy6745 You are correct, and that is why these averages seem so high to a lot of people in the chat. Urban comfortability does NOT = Rural comfortability!
Hey man great video! I suggest making the same video but how much you need to live “uncomfortably” or basically bare minimum to not be homeless and starving. Problem is most people don’t make this kind of money and living “comfortably” is unattainable in the current state of things.
So, just curious, does your version of "comfortably" include gold-plated toilets, a private lake and regular international travel? Because based on this, I couldn't afford to live comfortably in West Virginia, let alone the state where I actually live. What are these salaries actually based on? I need a better definition of "comfortably" than what you're giving here because this one does not track
crazy Gubmint surveys. "So ultimately the info behind this video and the MIT living wage calculator it was based on goes back to the Census related "Consumer Expenditure Survey " and "American Community Survey." "Republican lawmakers have called these surveys an invasion of “people’s privacy by requiring them to answer questions such as what time they leave for work, how long their commute is, and whether they need help going shopping.” There is also an objection to the fine levied against somebody who does not cooperate. " From the website: Why me? Why not interview someone else? Your address, not you personally, was selected as part of a scientifically determined sample. Your household represents thousands of other households. We need to talk with someone from your household because only your household can accurately tell us how you spend your money." - I am already familiar with them and have issues with the "Consumer Expenditure Survey" and "American Community Survey" because the sampling of the people actually willing and having the time to be interviewed skews upper middle class whites. And the results exactly match these artificially high numbers. Note* people recently relocating and renting are used as the basis for the housing numbers. All via in person arranged Census interviews. Such a small sampling when you get down to it. Again, not a good reflection of overall costs. "
I think comfortably means well off or not having to really pay much mind to financial decisions. I live in Denver and make $83K a year, but still have to watch my finances very closely. Which may not be comfortable by his definition even though I’m certainly not broke or starving
A family needs $189,000 to live comfortably in West Virginia?! Come on. As of 2024, the median household income in West Virginia is approximately $52,719. I guess by those numbers very few people in West Virginia are comfortable. From data I can find approximately only 9.85% of households in West Virginia have an income over $150,000.
This 'living comfortably' as far as the subjective opinion of a UA-camr with 1.2 million subscribers... it's just that would be an awkward title is all.
he did say these stats are based on the 50/30/20 rule. not everyone goes by that. so "comfortably" as in going on vacations, family outings and such, while still saving money. most people are comfortable with not doing the extras.
Live comfortably and get by are 2 very different things, I think he is a bit high though, Imo I could live comfortably anywhere in the country on $100,000 per year
Comfortable is subjective but most of the people in WV definitely aren’t living comfortable. Unless you’re living in an extremely small town, most people aren’t living comfortably anywhere.
I live near BOSTON and my wife and I are living on pensions totalling $45,000 A year. Our car is 20 years old and we have to skimp on our trips to the supermarket. I haven't been to a mid-priced restaurant in almost 5 years. Lobster Roll, forget it. We buy all the cheap food to exist and no food stamps, no clothing allowence, no free housing, etc.
@normanwyatt, I am retired living off of Pension and SSA my yearly take home after deductions is around $48,000.00 per year or $3,880.00 per month that it, I live in California the Capital Sacramento city. Of a course I got totally out of debt live in a house that is all paid off I prepared myself for 37 years of my life not to need to depend on relatives but do depend on Gov money. And I am single no children. I liked your comment.
Yea I am in the same boat paid off duplex rent from the one unit (1k a month used to be $700 a month before C19) covers my whole housing cost so 15k besides the rental income and I got a solid Upper middle class lifestyle in Iowa
But are you living the 50/30/20 financial split? Do you have a reserve fund? Are you putting away money for retirement? This is where most people fall short. They live wherever they live and say these income levels are crazy, but they can't afford a $400 unexpected expense.
@bryanwhitton1784 as of now? No. That unexpected expense just happened. We had to replace both the tankless water heater AND our septic. This year alone. Last year was the roof and the husband totalled our truck. It happens. I'm hoping the worst is done with and we can pay off debt and save again.
I made$ 84000 last year living in NY single I was comfortable I guess I never had to struggle it’s how you spend your money really but most households don’t make more then $80k in total so it must be rough out here if you have kids
As a Michigan resident, I can tell you that almost no one makes anywhere close to $40/hr. You'd be very fortunate to make above $30/hr. I think your stats were a bit flawed in this one because I could probably live comfortably on $25/hr; would be more like $20 if it wasn't for my student loan debt.
he did say the stats go by the 50/30/20 rule. meaning you have your bills paid, money to spend on vacations and friends, and a good savings account. you can still live comfortably and not do all those things. then you're not part of that 50/30/20 rule
We live in the most prosperous nation in the world. Housing, food, and healthcare should be covered period. No one makes enough to live and companies are forcing financial slavery on us.
I understand the methodology but there are so many variables and what stage in life you're in. Going but just my salary for my family of 4, I could barely afford WV! But in my 50's with 30+ years of building wealth and selling a few homes for more than I bought them, definitely needing a lot less to be comfortable. I'm guessing this is for a single person or family living only off their current income. Still good info, thanks Briggs!
My parents did exactly this 20 yrs ago. Hot Springs Village was very nice. Half a dozen lakes for fishing and the same or more golf courses, it was paradise if that's what you like.
I'm a student going to come in USA probably in January , I'm confused where I should go. Here are the options:- phoenix (Arizona) , Knoxville (Tennessee) or wichita (Kansas) . Any suggestions?
Knoxville is pretty nice, near the mountains. It’s a college town, UT Knox is huge, you’ll want to go to at one game at neyland to experience it. Phoenix is a big city with a lot to do and more career opportunities after you graduate. I could live in either city. I’ve never been to wichita. It’s probably nice but i’d choose knoxville or phoenix over it.
Here's an overview of all 3: Knoxville, TN: moderate summer and winter weather, nice hills and scenery. No state income tax (don't know if you will be working). - Phoenix, the beauty of the desert. Very, very hot during the summer. This is, by far, the biggest metro area of the 3. Phoenix is the capital city of AZ. Wichita - Kansas is in the Great Plains. This is the middle of the USA. Very flat and lots of agriculture outside the city. The wind can sweep down the plains and you'll have the coldest winter here. Enjoy your student adventure in the USA and stay safe!
It would depend on what stats you check. A single man can live comfortably in Greenville, South Carolina with 3 weeks vacation and health insurance for 37K before taxes. Not that I ever made that kind of money, Dad had the good job, not me.
As someone whose made terrible life choices at 30 almost 31, this video is gonna be depressing. If you're a failure like me then hit that like button 😂.
I didn't start going to college until 34, and I just turned 36 with still a few years left. Like my old history teacher once told me: "it's only too late when you're dead."
@@ShortandSweet54 I'm definitely considering going back to school for nursing. I've tried trade school but since I have ruined my knees (self inflicted) I have osteoarthritis in both of my knees and I'll need surgery down the line. Anyways, nursing or something in the medical field seems doable for me.
I can assure you, just about no one in The Ozarks is making enough to “live comfortably”. Minimum wage in Missouri is just $12.30/hr. Even those of us with Bachelor’s degrees are lucky if we’re earning $17/hr.
My family of 6 lives pretty comfortably in a nice suburb of Kansas City Missouri on about $40k a year **EDIT TO ADD: To be fair though, we bought our 3-bedroom house in 2013 for only 80k with a 30 year mortgage. The houses all around us are selling for $220k lol
@@TheModestMama My best friend got away from her abusive husband, but he took everything in divorce since he was a sneaky lawyer. So as a disabled person she did a spicy only fans of her feet instead of relying on minimum wages. Even though IRS, state taxes, and only fans took HALF her gross income, she bought a house with cash after 3 years. She never wanted the stress of a man cheating on her and then taking ALL her savings in the divorce ever again. Anyway she now has a little ESTY design biz and makes 55k a year. She lives very well since she doesn't have a mortgage. Housing costs impact things so much.
Nicely done! My wife and I live off 1/4, a little less than) of even the lowest individual income in the cheapest state. Which isn't even where we live.
I believe the numbers are based on not struggling. If you are living what you believe is “comfortable” but still struggle you are not making enough. I also believe the numbers are based on being able to pay all your bills paying off debt and also being able to save and still being able to live a good quality of life.
I find this video rather hilarious as it obviously is numerically averaged by the more expensive areas of each State. I live in Virginia & I'm single. I make about $60K/year, yet I own 2 homes & have a job that's in demand & have no economic problems. Come to the country, folks. Life is easy, friendly, good & comfortable. When the market collapses, I'll still be sitting pretty!
@@clout_chasingI live in the southern Shenandoah Valley, a little town named Grottoes. I was raised in Northern Virginia & the difference in cost of living is insane. I'm about a half hour south of Harrisonburg where growth is huge & our economy is fine, outside of the terrible inflation. But yes, I live comfortably!
numbers are wrong, EVEN for expensive areas. Video should be retitled, How to live comfortably if you're clueless and don't know how to find good deals.
Yeah this is going off of the 50/30/20 rule. Many people do not follow these rules. Many people also choose to cut down on the 30% or the 20%. I would also imagine that this is based on the average for the cost of living of each state so there are going to be places that are cheaper and also places that more expensive. Like I'm sure Hastings Nebraska does not need an average 80k+
New Jersey here. It depends on your life style and debt. If you have no mortgage and no other debt, a retired couple can live quite comfortably on $100,000 . What hurts are the property taxes which are the highest in the nation. Our plan is to downsize and move to PA or Delaware effectively saving us about $12,000 per year. My older brother and his wife moved to southern Delaware. They have a very nice townhome in a gated community and pay $2,400 per year. That savings will pay all our insurance bills (home, auto , Medicare supplements). Yes , property taxes are that bad in NJ.
NJ has the highest property taxes in the USA. Most people cannot stand NJ because the people are rude. I know this because I lived their for 12 yrs. and I could not believe how nasty people are until I left the state and I was like OMG there are nice people in the world.
Feels like it's almost impossible to break 80k for lots of these states for a single person. My career salaries are plummeting and become more scarce. Could have used a little bit of that nepotism on top of hard work and education.
@@ytgytgy it’s very simple and easily quantifiable. A large percentage of people live in metro areas and the premium that those areas command are much greater than the rural areas. Take the median sale price for homes, figure what the mortgage would be, get the average car loan amount, add those together along with the variables and you’ll have the 50%, then he just doubles that to get the outcome while plugging in cost for family or couple.
If you have good Health Insurance and Dental Insurance at a good price and ZERO Debt (No Mortgage, Car Payment, Credit Card payment, etc.), you can live fine on a much lower income. I know a retired guy that is doing fine even though he doesn't have a ton of money coming in. He has a small residual income, but he owns his townhome, his hot rod car, and anything else he has. He only uses a credit card when he takes trips and pays the balance off as soon as he returns from his trips. If he sees something he wants but doesn't have the money for it on hand he gets it the old fashioned way: He saves up for it, then gets it. He has some money put aside in the bank for "when life happens" as he puts it. 🙂
I live in CT and I love how its ranked 10th but the family income needed to live comfortably is only higher in Hawaii and Mass ahhh CT where everything is mediocre except the prices
I noticed that too. I think the ranking was based on how much a single person needs, not on a family. And you are right about everything being mediocre in CT except for the prices
You need to make over 2 and half times the minimum wage of Massachusetts ($15) to live comfortable in West Virginia. The key is to have a small or no mortgage. My mortgage is the majority of my monthly expenses, but I'm comfortable and will be even more comfortable if I pay it off before I decide to upgrade since it's just a studio condo. Keep it modest and live within your means until it financially makes sense to do something different.
*If you are not in the financial market space right now, you are making a huge mistake. I understand that it could be due to ignorance, but if you want to make your money work for you...prevent inflation*
Interesting, This is superb! Information, as a noob it gets quite difficult to handle all of this and staying informed is a major cause, how do you go about this are you a pro Investor?
Prioritizing effective personal finance management holds greater significance than the sheer amount saved, irrespective of income source. Consulting a certified financial advisor can offer tailored strategies to optimize financial results by reducing expenses and enhancing income, regardless of whether it's earned through employment or investments.
Brian Humphery Services was my hope during the 'bear summer' last year. I made so many mistakes but also learned so much from it, and of course from Brian.
I'm a bit perplexed seeing him mentioned here I also Didn't know he has been good to so many people too this is wonderful, i'm in my fifth trade with him and it has been super,
I reallywant to get my life together. Really me and my family has been into series of we've faced a lot of trials and tribulations and my income is not just enough
Love your videos! Probably important to note that eastern OR and WA don't tend to be as expensive as west of the Cascades in the temperate region. You can still get a decent home in Spokane for under $300k
I’m living in one of the more expensive neighborhoods in Minneapolis on $48,000. I can afford to go out for dinner once every week or two; grab a Caribou Coffee a couple times a week; and take some type of vacation every year.
If you have no debt you can live comfortably in a lot more places. I made $50/hr in Wisconsin and lived in a very modest house in the most expensive community. Wife didn’t work. Could travel to Europe, around the country, etc. I sold the house and a wealthy man was going to buy it for his 21 year old daughter cash. It wasn’t good enough for her and she wanted something bigger. Most people just cannot be satisfied unless they’re living the slave life: huge house, new cars, spending constantly.
I graduated college, got a good salaried managment job for a large company (after 2 years of experience in sales and recruiting), and still don't make enough for the lowest cost state to live comfortably.
I live in the Foothills of New Hampshire on 46k. Before my GF started working i lived just fine and now that she works I dont even worry about money and do whatever we want within reason.
We now retired in hawaii, thinking back to the working years in Massachusetts. Still not sure how we pulled it off after so many years of blood, sweat and tears!
50% investments - 30% necessities - 20% discretionary (less if I can manage). My reasoning? Work hard, invest wisely now, and then work very little or not at all with plenty of returns to be comfortable.
It may not be comfortable to the world's standards but I have what I need and some of the things I want. I do not go with out food or clothing I have a roof over my head and comfortable bed to sleep in. I give God the glory. I pay my tithes and sometimes I even get to eat out. With out God I would have none of this. The world needs to know with out God they would not have what they have and would not be alive believe me with out someone's prayers from generations past they would not have what they have
Born and raised Hawaii State citizen from the 90s to October 2021. Most of my youngish millennial life. Waiting to see where we rank on this list considering there's an all time high priced out of paradise situation.
The numbers must include the need for a mortgage, car payments, etc...if everything is paid for they wouldn't be this high. As for overall costs, there are so many variables. Just because a state has no income tax, it's not necessarily cheaper.
TN has no income tax, but they more than make up for it on sales tax. I pay way more in taxes in TN than when I lived in the Midwest. If you’re retired and don’t need to buy a lot it might be ok because they don’t tax your SS. For a young family it sucks. They even tax food in TN. Only California is higher.
I’m from Los Angeles too! Went to visit family and friends in April and flew back 2 days early. I can’t stand that place anymore! Traffic is even worse, people still suck and my favorite places to eat are double the price. I’ve only been gone for a decade. People here in Minnesota ALWAYS ask why I left there and my response is always to go visit for a week.
My fiance and I are starting a new life and moving out of state together. I was born and raised in TX and him in NYC but we are currently living in AZ. We’ve been here for years now and we really want to move somewhere with a banging car industry,and a low cost of living. If you (or anyone) have any ideas I’d love to know!
Living comfortably in CA for 80 thousand a year. Of course... I don't have kids, own a house, have a car payment or pay student loans . It's a good life. Still can't wait to get the hell out, lol .
From MA, these numbers seem high. If you live in Boston the figure might be true, but if you live 30 miles outside Boston that number drops significantly.
I'm in Louisiana and it's ~100 a month average utilities. Last bill 442 kWh 13 ¢p kWh.Since I'm my own slum lord I paid $12 K for the place in of 2018. Get this I overpaid for it. The place across the street was tax sale auction below the listed start of auction. Nobody bid a low-ball offer was accepted.
Holy heck, WHO is making that much money? I officially don’t make enough to live anywhere in the US and I thought I was doing okay here in the Bay Area.
Unless you are in Southern, Central, or Western Illinois, 40k isn't going to be comfortable even with no mortgage or cc debt, if you live in Lake/DuPage, or Crook County, unless you have zero debt and live like a hermit. I live in DuPage County and have to make 50k/yr. pre tax just to pay all of the bills. Which leaves very little left over for savings and fun stuff.
@@MrMajikman1 Chicago is actually cheap for a major US city. You could live in smaller cities like San Francisco, Honolulu, San Diego, Seattle, Boston, or heck even Portland and they'd be a lot more expensive than Chicago
These stats should have been based on the median i.e. exact mid point, as opposed to an average that gets massively increased by one area like you mentioned about New York city. I live in NC and the cost of living in places like Raleigh and Charlotte is way different than smaller towns. Also there's a huge difference in the single and family numbers that just don't calculate on national income averages.
These stats actually make sense all things considered. People have car payments and student loans. Not to mention you also need some income to put aside for saving/retirement. The family income is a little high I would say though.Lastly the most expensive places in each state are gonna skew some of the numbers up because things can get exponentially more expensive in the richest areas.
I grew up in Connecticut and visited last month. It’s pretty nice there but, yes, pretty expensive. I spent my adult life in California, the San Francisco Bay Area. That is really expensive but my engineering salary and now pension reflected that cost of living. I now now live in Thailand. You can live more than comfortably in central Bangkok with $50k-$60k/yr. You are unlikely to work here making that much money but it is very welcoming to retirees. Yes it is a foreign country and culture but Bangkok is a modern international city. You will want for nothing here.
I have a family of 5 and we live in Arkansas. Making $180K per year is an absolute dream. We make between $45K-$50K a year. Needless to say we are no where near comfortable.
I'm living in poverty in CA OF here I come 😅😅😅 News stated that a starter home here will cost close to 1 million but that's not really true unless you want to live in highly urbanized areas.
All along, I'd been thinking Briggs is a common man. But he hasn't been uncomfortable a day in his life! (Absolute congratulations on your success, but holy cow, don't forget who your audience is!)
Model used is flawed - who has 50% of their income left after expenses? You should have said say 2,000 sf house, 2 cars and insurance and 15% towards retirement, etc. The model used here made everything too high and so the same.
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I thought I was living comfortably until I watched this video. Now i realize I'm living as a minimalist
Agreed. I think the wages he shared are excessive. My husband and I live on so much less and we are in Michigan, which was one of the higher states.
Right? According to this I should be on the streets.
Tell me about it!
So what you're saying is that even the cheapest state is incredibly higher than the median household income. Basically only the upper class is living comfortably
Agreed. Seems only the upper class get to live like that. There are far more people making less than $15/hr trying to survive than there are those making $39+/hr.
Bingo! My thoughts exactly
Welcome to the United Globalist Corporations of the Americas.
Now, get to work peasant.
Well it is said that only the top 20-25% of earners in America live comfortably
These numbers are insane.
You know he used chat gpt for this shit annoying as always. This channel has turned to bait and watch crap.
you've got that right!!
@stevenjgrundy6765 well he did give how he got these numbers, obviously these are high. But to get by you cut the number in half. So if costs 90k to live somewhere, you only need to make 45k to get by
Bidenomics baby, vote for her
This is why Americans are struggling everywhere. It shouldn't take $38 per hour to live comfortably in West Virginia!
I highly doubt it does.
@@Saphire_Throated_Carpenter_Ant It doesn't. Just need to buy reasonable house and fix it up. Usually I like Brigg's videos but this will be upsetting to many viewers because it is completely wrong.
Insane 😢
Define comfortable. Even the poorest of folk in Appalachia in some cases are completely content with how they live and just barely get by. They would say they live a good life. As long as you have the basics and essentials everything beyond is extra and truly not needed just wanted
It doesn't I make like 2000 a month and my wife makes like the same or a little more and we are struggling can't buy a house or anything but we aren't struggling
Sorry Briggs these numbers seem way too high. I live in GA, single and have an income of about $65,000 a year. I live very comfortably. Even though I am retired I save money every month, and take at least 2 nice vacations a year. I don’t live in a mansion but a nice home on half an acre in the mountains.
The numbers are based on averages of each State. So, Atlanta/Savannah alone probably raise the averages of the entire State, even though most of the State can live comfortably on way less than what he is reporting.
You live rural. Most people don’t live in rural areas…65k is definitely doable for rural living as only 17.9% of population live rurally.
@@randomguy6745 You are correct, and that is why these averages seem so high to a lot of people in the chat. Urban comfortability does NOT = Rural comfortability!
Hey man great video!
I suggest making the same video but how much you need to live “uncomfortably” or basically bare minimum to not be homeless and starving.
Problem is most people don’t make this kind of money and living “comfortably” is unattainable in the current state of things.
He said you would need about half of those numbers to get by.
Are you kidding with these numbers, how many single people do you know who makes $80.000. And a family of 4, $180,000. These are not realistic numbers
he's a multi millionaire at this point. either ragebait or used chat gpt which spit out weirdly close numbers.
I know a decent amount of people who are single and make 80,000.
yep
@@jamesdean6744 yeah, they're either strip dancers (onlyfans in today's world) or money for some pu$$y
I have worked in healthcare for 25 years and I don’t make anywhere near $80,000 and never will. I am in the wrong profession.
So, just curious, does your version of "comfortably" include gold-plated toilets, a private lake and regular international travel? Because based on this, I couldn't afford to live comfortably in West Virginia, let alone the state where I actually live.
What are these salaries actually based on? I need a better definition of "comfortably" than what you're giving here because this one does not track
crazy Gubmint surveys. "So ultimately the info behind this video and the MIT living wage calculator it was based on goes back to the Census related "Consumer Expenditure Survey " and "American Community Survey." "Republican lawmakers have called these surveys an invasion of “people’s privacy by requiring them to answer questions such as what time they leave for work, how long their commute is, and whether they need help going shopping.” There is also an objection to the fine levied against somebody who does not cooperate. "
From the website: Why me? Why not interview someone else?
Your address, not you personally, was selected as part of a scientifically determined sample. Your household represents thousands of other households. We need to talk with someone from your household because only your household can accurately tell us how you spend your money."
- I am already familiar with them and have issues with the "Consumer Expenditure Survey" and "American Community Survey" because the sampling of the people actually willing and having the time to be interviewed skews upper middle class whites. And the results exactly match these artificially high numbers.
Note* people recently relocating and renting are used as the basis for the housing numbers. All via in person arranged Census interviews. Such a small sampling when you get down to it. Again, not a good reflection of overall costs. "
I think comfortably means well off or not having to really pay much mind to financial decisions. I live in Denver and make $83K a year, but still have to watch my finances very closely. Which may not be comfortable by his definition even though I’m certainly not broke or starving
Everyone should watch their finances closely
A family needs $189,000 to live comfortably in West Virginia?! Come on. As of 2024, the median household income in West Virginia is approximately $52,719. I guess by those numbers very few people in West Virginia are comfortable. From data I can find approximately only 9.85% of households in West Virginia have an income over $150,000.
This 'living comfortably' as far as the subjective opinion of a UA-camr with 1.2 million subscribers... it's just that would be an awkward title is all.
he did say these stats are based on the 50/30/20 rule. not everyone goes by that. so "comfortably" as in going on vacations, family outings and such, while still saving money. most people are comfortable with not doing the extras.
Live comfortably and get by are 2 very different things, I think he is a bit high though, Imo I could live comfortably anywhere in the country on $100,000 per year
Extremely poorly researched topic.
Comfortable is subjective but most of the people in WV definitely aren’t living comfortable. Unless you’re living in an extremely small town, most people aren’t living comfortably anywhere.
I live near BOSTON and my wife and I are living on pensions totalling $45,000 A year. Our car is 20 years old and we have to skimp on
our trips to the supermarket. I haven't been to a mid-priced restaurant in almost 5 years. Lobster Roll, forget it. We buy all the cheap
food to exist and no food stamps, no clothing allowence, no free housing, etc.
Wow
Do you own your house mortgage free?
Doesn’t matter in Mass… the property taxes and vehicle taxes will still get ya! 😂
Market basket!
@normanwyatt, I am retired living off of Pension and SSA my yearly take home after deductions is around $48,000.00 per year or $3,880.00 per month that it, I live in California the Capital Sacramento city. Of a course I got totally out of debt live in a house that is all paid off I prepared myself for 37 years of my life not to need to depend on relatives but do depend on Gov money. And I am single no children. I liked your comment.
I own my home. No mortgage, no car payment. I live on $13,000 a year . Retired in Indiana
I envy you(In a good way) I wish that I can restart my life at 18. I would’ve did things WAY DIFFERENT!!
Yea I am in the same boat paid off duplex rent from the one unit (1k a month used to be $700 a month before C19) covers my whole housing cost so 15k besides the rental income and I got a solid Upper middle class lifestyle in Iowa
I know mortgage seems to bring down his guesstimates on living cost. I like on much less and very comfortable. New England
Well done, sir!
Wow boomers have it insanely easy.
When he said the lowest state was almost double my current income I knew I was cooked 😏
We are a family of 5 IN TEXAS that live off of ONE SALARY which is around 72k-78k annually. We are VERY comfortable. Broke AF but comfortable.
so ur not comfortable
But are you living the 50/30/20 financial split? Do you have a reserve fund? Are you putting away money for retirement? This is where most people fall short. They live wherever they live and say these income levels are crazy, but they can't afford a $400 unexpected expense.
If you're broke, you ain't comfortable.
@jkuku1 yes we are content. And comfortable. The difference is we own our home. No mortgage
@bryanwhitton1784 as of now? No. That unexpected expense just happened. We had to replace both the tankless water heater AND our septic. This year alone. Last year was the roof and the husband totalled our truck. It happens. I'm hoping the worst is done with and we can pay off debt and save again.
How many people make the amounts listed per year?
I apparently don't make enough to live in the U.S., period.
answer is 0
@@NursePeter nobody here
I made$ 84000 last year living in NY single I was comfortable I guess I never had to struggle it’s how you spend your money really but most households don’t make more then $80k in total so it must be rough out here if you have kids
I made north of $200,000 but don’t feel comfortable enough, I live in NYC
As a Michigan resident, I can tell you that almost no one makes anywhere close to $40/hr. You'd be very fortunate to make above $30/hr. I think your stats were a bit flawed in this one because I could probably live comfortably on $25/hr; would be more like $20 if it wasn't for my student loan debt.
he did say the stats go by the 50/30/20 rule. meaning you have your bills paid, money to spend on vacations and friends, and a good savings account. you can still live comfortably and not do all those things. then you're not part of that 50/30/20 rule
@@DahBrown57it’s interesting how many commenters don’t seem to get that.
yeah who the heck and how many are paying $40 per hour? holysmoke
Inspiring
Live in Nevada I thought I was doing all right until I listen to this now I feel like I'm broke
I’m soooooo sad. I live in Oregon and apparently I can only live comfortably in West Virginia 😂😂
I completely understand how you feel; it's ridiculous!
Dang you got it like that? Lucky! I cant live comfortably anywhere in the U.S...
oregon is too much!
Same @@Saphire_Throated_Carpenter_Ant
@@DahBrown57it depends where compared to cali it’s nothing taxes are pretty low no sales tax
We live in the most prosperous nation in the world. Housing, food, and healthcare should be covered period. No one makes enough to live and companies are forcing financial slavery on us.
Amen to that!
Socialism never works
I wonder why my comment about socialism was deleted 🤔
Covered? As in free? Hell no. You have to work for what you get. Now if you are arguing affordability I’m right there with you.
sadly the wealth distribution is askew. Some make billions and millions. Others make next to nothing. And we seem to be ok with that.
These numbers are way too high
he knows it , click bait
I understand the methodology but there are so many variables and what stage in life you're in. Going but just my salary for my family of 4, I could barely afford WV! But in my 50's with 30+ years of building wealth and selling a few homes for more than I bought them, definitely needing a lot less to be comfortable.
I'm guessing this is for a single person or family living only off their current income.
Still good info, thanks Briggs!
Yeah if you're about 35 or younger and never had the opportunity to buy a home. You have no chance without being a top earner
So I can afford (nowhere)
Love your videos but, the average salaries in most of the states are less than the single person's salaries you quoted. What gives?
Starting to think if this isn't ragebait that he used chat-gpt or claude ai for the script. So wrong and oddly the numbers are so close together. SUS.
Awesome video, Briggs. You’re always pretty on point. Keep em coming, and take care brother.
I’m from Dallas, TX but I’m moving to the hills, trees, lakes, and golf courses in Arkansas. The low cost of living is a big bonus.
My parents did exactly this 20 yrs ago. Hot Springs Village was very nice. Half a dozen lakes for fishing and the same or more golf courses, it was paradise if that's what you like.
I'm a student going to come in USA probably in January , I'm confused where I should go. Here are the options:- phoenix (Arizona) , Knoxville (Tennessee) or wichita (Kansas) . Any suggestions?
Believe me, you can live 50% to 75% cheaper than your seeing here in Tennessee and more to do and more beautiful than those places
@@RobOlgatree thanks man, Tennessee is my first priority. This guy freaked me out of me with those numbers for a second.
Wherever you want to live based on your passion or calling
Knoxville is pretty nice, near the mountains. It’s a college town, UT Knox is huge, you’ll want to go to at one game at neyland to experience it.
Phoenix is a big city with a lot to do and more career opportunities after you graduate. I could live in either city.
I’ve never been to wichita. It’s probably nice but i’d choose knoxville or phoenix over it.
Here's an overview of all 3:
Knoxville, TN: moderate summer and winter weather, nice hills and scenery. No state income tax (don't know if you will be working).
- Phoenix, the beauty of the desert. Very, very hot during the summer. This is, by far, the biggest metro area of the 3. Phoenix is the capital city of AZ.
Wichita - Kansas is in the Great Plains. This is the middle of the USA. Very flat and lots of agriculture outside the city. The wind can sweep down the plains and you'll have the coldest winter here.
Enjoy your student adventure in the USA and stay safe!
It would depend on what stats you check. A single man can live comfortably in Greenville, South Carolina with 3 weeks vacation and health insurance for 37K before taxes. Not that I ever made that kind of money, Dad had the good job, not me.
Keep in mind what is comfortable for one may not be enough for another.
As someone whose made terrible life choices at 30 almost 31, this video is gonna be depressing. If you're a failure like me then hit that like button 😂.
I didn't start going to college until 34, and I just turned 36 with still a few years left. Like my old history teacher once told me: "it's only too late when you're dead."
@@ShortandSweet54 I'm definitely considering going back to school for nursing. I've tried trade school but since I have ruined my knees (self inflicted) I have osteoarthritis in both of my knees and I'll need surgery down the line. Anyways, nursing or something in the medical field seems doable for me.
@@ShortandSweet54 congratulations btw
😂
@@ShortandSweet54I was retired military and went back in my late 40s. Received my bachelor's at 51. And my MBA at 56. It's never too late!
Jeeze! Apparently, I'm destitute. I never knew.
I can assure you, just about no one in The Ozarks is making enough to “live comfortably”. Minimum wage in Missouri is just $12.30/hr. Even those of us with Bachelor’s degrees are lucky if we’re earning $17/hr.
My family of 6 lives pretty comfortably in a nice suburb of Kansas City Missouri on about $40k a year **EDIT TO ADD: To be fair though, we bought our 3-bedroom house in 2013 for only 80k with a 30 year mortgage. The houses all around us are selling for $220k lol
The plan is to pay off the house, save a little money, and then buy our next house with cash!
that was the best time to buy. you did good
My mom bought a house in California in 2013 for $320К. Now that house is around $700-750K.
@@TheModestMama My best friend got away from her abusive husband, but he took everything in divorce since he was a sneaky lawyer. So as a disabled person she did a spicy only fans of her feet instead of relying on minimum wages. Even though IRS, state taxes, and only fans took HALF her gross income, she bought a house with cash after 3 years. She never wanted the stress of a man cheating on her and then taking ALL her savings in the divorce ever again. Anyway she now has a little ESTY design biz and makes 55k a year. She lives very well since she doesn't have a mortgage. Housing costs impact things so much.
@@sidehustletips Mortgage rates are SOOO high right now and are making it impossible for people to become home owners.
Nicely done! My wife and I live off 1/4, a little less than) of even the lowest individual income in the cheapest state. Which isn't even where we live.
What does he consider "living comfortably"?!?! These numbers feel SUPER comfortable.
I believe the numbers are based on not struggling. If you are living what you believe is “comfortable” but still struggle you are not making enough. I also believe the numbers are based on being able to pay all your bills paying off debt and also being able to save and still being able to live a good quality of life.
Family of 4 in Chicago suburbs making under the annual amount of comfort. Your amount was spot on, Briggs.
I moved from Idaho to Massachusetts, and am now heading down to PA! Mass is SOOO expensive 😱😱
Why leave Idaho?
How interesting that this is based on the MIT living wage calculator. Seems biased. And that data is based on the crazed FORCED census surveys.
I find this video rather hilarious as it obviously is numerically averaged by the more expensive areas of each State. I live in Virginia & I'm single. I make about $60K/year, yet I own 2 homes & have a job that's in demand & have no economic problems. Come to the country, folks. Life is easy, friendly, good & comfortable. When the market collapses, I'll still be sitting pretty!
I'm coming (don't worry, not VA.):)
I live in Hampton VA and it's way cheaper here than in northern VA by DC.
@@clout_chasingI live in the southern Shenandoah Valley, a little town named Grottoes. I was raised in Northern Virginia & the difference in cost of living is insane. I'm about a half hour south of Harrisonburg where growth is huge & our economy is fine, outside of the terrible inflation. But yes, I live comfortably!
Loved all the “--, where the cost of living is as -- as the---“ lines. I would have put California and Hawaii ahead of Massachusetts, so mind blown.
I feel like Briggs version of comfortable is the wealthiest town in the state
This video makes me believe the rumor that he makes a million plus on his channel a year.
Sounds like the minimum amount of persons got to make is around $80,000 look at how many people don't make 80,000 a year
numbers are wrong, EVEN for expensive areas. Video should be retitled, How to live comfortably if you're clueless and don't know how to find good deals.
Yeah this is going off of the 50/30/20 rule. Many people do not follow these rules. Many people also choose to cut down on the 30% or the 20%. I would also imagine that this is based on the average for the cost of living of each state so there are going to be places that are cheaper and also places that more expensive. Like I'm sure Hastings Nebraska does not need an average 80k+
New Jersey here.
It depends on your life style and debt.
If you have no mortgage and no other debt, a retired couple can live quite comfortably on $100,000 .
What hurts are the property taxes which are the highest in the nation. Our plan is to downsize and move to PA or Delaware effectively saving us about $12,000 per year. My older brother and his wife moved to southern Delaware. They have a very nice townhome in a gated community and pay $2,400 per year. That savings will pay all our insurance bills (home, auto , Medicare supplements).
Yes , property taxes are that bad in NJ.
NJ has the highest property taxes in the USA. Most people cannot stand NJ because the people are rude. I know this because I lived their for 12 yrs. and I could not believe how nasty people are until I left the state and I was like OMG there are nice people in the world.
Feels like it's almost impossible to break 80k for lots of these states for a single person. My career salaries are plummeting and become more scarce. Could have used a little bit of that nepotism on top of hard work and education.
Perhaps do a video on how actual people live on half or less than these numbers, but still get by and look to the casual observer, pretty normal?
I don't care what your videos are about, I just like listening to your voice.
Prices seem higher than what I was expecting.
Where are you getting these numbers? They seem very high, in Idaho living in the 50/30/20 rule only takes about 60k for 2 people
Man im in michigan making less than half of the minimum of #50 WV. Where do you come up with these numbers?
ragebait makes a lot of money.
@@ytgytgy it’s very simple and easily quantifiable. A large percentage of people live in metro areas and the premium that those areas command are much greater than the rural areas. Take the median sale price for homes, figure what the mortgage would be, get the average car loan amount, add those together along with the variables and you’ll have the 50%, then he just doubles that to get the outcome while plugging in cost for family or couple.
This is a perfect video. Thank you.
If you have good Health Insurance and Dental Insurance at a good price and ZERO Debt (No Mortgage, Car Payment, Credit Card payment, etc.), you can live fine on a much lower income. I know a retired guy that is doing fine even though he doesn't have a ton of money coming in. He has a small residual income, but he owns his townhome, his hot rod car, and anything else he has. He only uses a credit card when he takes trips and pays the balance off as soon as he returns from his trips. If he sees something he wants but doesn't have the money for it on hand he gets it the old fashioned way: He saves up for it, then gets it. He has some money put aside in the bank for "when life happens" as he puts it. 🙂
That’s the way to do things!
Nice list, thank you for your work on this.
I live in CT and I love how its ranked 10th but the family income needed to live comfortably is only higher in Hawaii and Mass ahhh CT where everything is mediocre except the prices
I noticed that too. I think the ranking was based on how much a single person needs, not on a family. And you are right about everything being mediocre in CT except for the prices
I can hear John Denver’s “Country Roads Take Me Home”. -Almost heaven, West Virginia, Blue Ridge Mountains, Shanandoah River…🎶🎵🎼
We make close to 200k in south central Missouri. We feel the cost of living like everyone else. But not as hard. Crazy how things have changed.
You need to make over 2 and half times the minimum wage of Massachusetts ($15) to live comfortable in West Virginia. The key is to have a small or no mortgage. My mortgage is the majority of my monthly expenses, but I'm comfortable and will be even more comfortable if I pay it off before I decide to upgrade since it's just a studio condo. Keep it modest and live within your means until it financially makes sense to do something different.
*If you are not in the financial market space right now, you are making a huge mistake. I understand that it could be due to ignorance, but if you want to make your money work for you...prevent inflation*
Interesting, This is superb! Information, as a noob it gets quite difficult to handle all of this and staying informed is a major cause, how do you go about this are you a pro Investor?
Prioritizing effective personal finance management holds greater significance than the sheer amount saved, irrespective of income source. Consulting a certified financial advisor can offer tailored strategies to optimize financial results by reducing expenses and enhancing income, regardless of whether it's earned through employment or investments.
Brian Humphery Services was my hope during the 'bear summer' last year. I made so many mistakes but also learned so much from it, and of course from Brian.
I'm a bit perplexed seeing him mentioned here I also Didn't know he has been good to so many people too this is wonderful, i'm in my fifth trade with him and it has been super,
I reallywant to get my life together. Really me and my family has been into series of we've faced a lot of trials and tribulations and my income is not just enough
Love your videos! Probably important to note that eastern OR and WA don't tend to be as expensive as west of the Cascades in the temperate region. You can still get a decent home in Spokane for under $300k
I’m living in one of the more expensive neighborhoods in Minneapolis on $48,000. I can afford to go out for dinner once every week or two; grab a Caribou Coffee a couple times a week; and take some type of vacation every year.
If you have no debt you can live comfortably in a lot more places. I made $50/hr in Wisconsin and lived in a very modest house in the most expensive community. Wife didn’t work. Could travel to Europe, around the country, etc. I sold the house and a wealthy man was going to buy it for his 21 year old daughter cash. It wasn’t good enough for her and she wanted something bigger. Most people just cannot be satisfied unless they’re living the slave life: huge house, new cars, spending constantly.
Until I saw this video, I would have never ever guessed Massachusetts was more expensive than Hawaii…wow…😳
I graduated college, got a good salaried managment job for a large company (after 2 years of experience in sales and recruiting), and still don't make enough for the lowest cost state to live comfortably.
I live in the Foothills of New Hampshire on 46k. Before my GF started working i lived just fine and now that she works I dont even worry about money and do whatever we want within reason.
We now retired in hawaii, thinking back to the working years in Massachusetts. Still not sure how we pulled it off after so many years of blood, sweat and tears!
50% investments - 30% necessities - 20% discretionary (less if I can manage). My reasoning? Work hard, invest wisely now, and then work very little or not at all with plenty of returns to be comfortable.
The order is confusing. I would have used the most expensive as #50
From wv now live in sc 11,968 yearly income geez good that God takes care of me
How?
It may not be comfortable to the world's standards but I have what I need and some of the things I want. I do not go with out food or clothing I have a roof over my head and comfortable bed to sleep in. I give God the glory. I pay my tithes and sometimes I even get to eat out. With out God I would have none of this. The world needs to know with out God they would not have what they have and would not be alive believe me with out someone's prayers from generations past they would not have what they have
Could you define comfortable? Car payments, mortgage, what else?
Two questions: Firstly, what is considered an average family? Secondly, if Washington, D.C. was a part of this, where would it rank?
Born and raised Hawaii State citizen from the 90s to October 2021. Most of my youngish millennial life.
Waiting to see where we rank on this list considering there's an all time high priced out of paradise situation.
The numbers must include the need for a mortgage, car payments, etc...if everything is paid for they wouldn't be this high. As for overall costs, there are so many variables. Just because a state has no income tax, it's not necessarily cheaper.
TN has no income tax, but they more than make up for it on sales tax. I pay way more in taxes in TN than when I lived in the Midwest. If you’re retired and don’t need to buy a lot it might be ok because they don’t tax your SS. For a young family it sucks. They even tax food in TN. Only California is higher.
I hit the "like" button, watched about West Virginia and went on to other videos. I'm in poverty, apparently.
I’m from Los Angeles too! Went to visit family and friends in April and flew back 2 days early. I can’t stand that place anymore! Traffic is even worse, people still suck and my favorite places to eat are double the price. I’ve only been gone for a decade. People here in Minnesota ALWAYS ask why I left there and my response is always to go visit for a week.
My fiance and I are starting a new life and moving out of state together. I was born and raised in TX and him in NYC but we are currently living in AZ. We’ve been here for years now and we really want to move somewhere with a banging car industry,and a low cost of living. If you (or anyone) have any ideas I’d love to know!
Living comfortably in CA for 80 thousand a year. Of course... I don't have kids, own a house, have a car payment or pay student loans . It's a good life. Still can't wait to get the hell out, lol .
From MA, these numbers seem high. If you live in Boston the figure might be true, but if you live 30 miles outside Boston that number drops significantly.
It seems like you are saying that it now requires something like twice the median income for a family to live comfortably anywhere in the country.
I'm in Louisiana and it's ~100 a month average utilities. Last bill 442 kWh 13 ¢p kWh.Since I'm my own slum lord I paid $12 K for the place in of 2018. Get this I overpaid for it. The place across the street was tax sale auction below the listed start of auction. Nobody bid a low-ball offer was accepted.
I guess Lavish is the new Comfortable 😮
I know it's a statewide average, but it's $90,000 a year in las vegas and it's only $54,000 a year in douglas county , south of lake tahoe
Great video love the details keep up the good work
Thanks 👍
Holy heck, WHO is making that much money? I officially don’t make enough to live anywhere in the US and I thought I was doing okay here in the Bay Area.
I’m in Illinois and as long as you don’t live in overrated Chicago, you can make 40k and be comfortable!
I would definitely not consider Chicago to be overrated, if anything it's underrated
Unless you are in Southern, Central, or Western Illinois, 40k isn't going to be comfortable even with no mortgage or cc debt, if you live in Lake/DuPage, or Crook County, unless you have zero debt and live like a hermit. I live in DuPage County and have to make 50k/yr. pre tax just to pay all of the bills. Which leaves very little left over for savings and fun stuff.
@@DPF61008OConnor He probably meant overpriced!
@@MrMajikman1 Chicago is actually cheap for a major US city. You could live in smaller cities like San Francisco, Honolulu, San Diego, Seattle, Boston, or heck even Portland and they'd be a lot more expensive than Chicago
I’m in Southern Illinois and 40k is good here
These stats should have been based on the median i.e. exact mid point, as opposed to an average that gets massively increased by one area like you mentioned about New York city. I live in NC and the cost of living in places like Raleigh and Charlotte is way different than smaller towns. Also there's a huge difference in the single and family numbers that just don't calculate on national income averages.
Thank you for the video! Great information!
These stats actually make sense all things considered. People have car payments and student loans. Not to mention you also need some income to put aside for saving/retirement. The family income is a little high I would say though.Lastly the most expensive places in each state are gonna skew some of the numbers up because things can get exponentially more expensive in the richest areas.
Would you explain where you got these numbers? I raised 3 kids in an upscale area of Atlanta making under $80K .
What average single person makes around $40 an hour in states like Iowa or Mississippi?
I grew up in Connecticut and visited last month. It’s pretty nice there but, yes, pretty expensive. I spent my adult life in California, the San Francisco Bay Area. That is really expensive but my engineering salary and now pension reflected that cost of living. I now now live in Thailand. You can live more than comfortably in central Bangkok with $50k-$60k/yr. You are unlikely to work here making that much money but it is very welcoming to retirees. Yes it is a foreign country and culture but Bangkok is a modern international city. You will want for nothing here.
I don't know if I missed this but are you saying Net or Gross?
I obviously have never been comfortable. Happy yes.
I have a family of 5 and we live in Arkansas. Making $180K per year is an absolute dream. We make between $45K-$50K a year. Needless to say we are no where near comfortable.
I'm retired with a home and mortgage and I am surviving under $60k.
Who makes enough to live on over $100 to $180k?
What jobs pay enough?
Well, as a senior, I don’t even have half of the lowest one. So, a spot under the bridge?
I'm right there with ya!
@@heavywoods at least I’ll have company. 🤷♀️❤️😵💫
@@jerrilynhenson9024 😆🥹🙏🏼
I'm living in poverty in CA OF here I come 😅😅😅
News stated that a starter home here will cost close to 1 million but that's not really true unless you want to live in highly urbanized areas.
Wow I can’t even live comfortably in the cheapest state
People aren't stopping moving to Florida. I saw a report 3 days ago that said 894 people per day are still moving to Florida.
The more I listen to these videos the better my Kentucky sound's.
You got to be kidding!!! That is not middle class that's upper class incomes.
All along, I'd been thinking Briggs is a common man. But he hasn't been uncomfortable a day in his life! (Absolute congratulations on your success, but holy cow, don't forget who your audience is!)
After watching this its no wonder I can't save any money and I'm always broke. Thanks for videos
Id like a video about the top agricultural states
Model used is flawed - who has 50% of their income left after expenses? You should have said say 2,000 sf house, 2 cars and insurance and 15% towards retirement, etc. The model used here made everything too high and so the same.
Alternative video title: Reasons why homelessness is a major problem in the USA.