Salary a single adult needs to live comfortably in all 50 U.S.states
By Team SalaryCalculate · 6/28/2025
Introduction
The idea of "living comfortably" is an evolving goal for millions of Americans. But what defines comfort? For a single adult, it typically means having enough income to cover essential expenses—housing, food, healthcare, transportation—plus a buffer for savings, emergencies, and modest leisure. However, the cost of achieving that lifestyle varies dramatically across the United States.
In this guide, we dive into the latest 2025 figures from official U.S. government sources to determine how much a single adult needs to earn in each state to live with financial peace of mind.
Latest Data Sources (2025)
We base our findings on the most recent official reports from:
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS)
- Consumer Expenditure Survey (CES): https://www.bls.gov/cex/
- Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS): https://www.bls.gov/oes/
- MIT Living Wage Calculator (updated 2025): https://livingwage.mit.edu
- U.S. Census Bureau Income & Poverty Reports: https://www.census.gov/topics/income-poverty/income.html
- Internal Revenue Service (IRS): https://www.irs.gov
Key Statistics as of 2025
- Average Annual Spending: According to the BLS Consumer Expenditure Survey, the average annual expenses for a single adult in 2023 (latest available year) were approximately $46,500, a notable increase from $38,633 in 2020 due to inflation, housing, and healthcare costs.
- Median U.S. Wage: The BLS May 2024 OEWS report lists the median annual wage for all full-time U.S. workers at $48,060.
Source: BLS OEWS 2024 - Highest Median Household Income: As per the U.S. Census Bureau's 2024 American Community Survey, Maryland again ranks highest, with a median household income of $96,370.
Source: Census ACS Data
Comfortable Salary Required by State (2025 Estimates)
Using the MIT Living Wage Calculator (2025), we estimate the minimum pre-tax income required for a single adult to live comfortably in each U.S. state. This includes modest discretionary spending and savings beyond essentials.
Full list and calculator: MIT Living Wage Calculator
The gap between the highest and lowest-cost states exceeds $30,000, showing how dramatically location affects financial needs.
Tax Implications: Net Pay vs. Gross Pay
Salaries don't tell the whole story. Federal income tax, state tax, Social Security, Medicare, and sometimes local taxes significantly reduce take-home pay.
- The IRS federal tax brackets for 2025 start at 10% and go up to 37% depending on income.
2025 IRS Tax Brackets - Some states (like Texas, Florida, Tennessee) have no state income tax, boosting take-home income.
- Others (like California and New York) can add up to 13% in state income taxes.
To simulate your exact take-home pay by state, use a tool like Salary Calculate Income Tax Calculator for your region.
Future Trends in Salary and Cost of Living
With the post-pandemic shift to remote work, some professionals are relocating to lower-cost states while maintaining high-paying coastal jobs. This geographic wage arbitrage is becoming more common in tech, finance, and creative industries.
However, many employers now adjust remote worker pay based on location, narrowing the arbitrage opportunity.
Meanwhile, housing affordability continues to be a key pressure point. According to HUD, nearly 40% of renters in 2024 spent over 30% of their income on rent—a threshold for housing cost burden.
FAQs
What is the average salary for a single adult in the U.S. in 2025?
According to the BLS, the median wage in the U.S. in 2024 was $48,060 for full-time workers. However, a comfortable living often requires closer to $54,000–$60,000, depending on location.
How does cost of living influence required salary?
The cost of living includes housing, food, utilities, transportation, and healthcare. In states like California or New York, even modest living requires significantly higher income due to housing and tax burdens.
What’s the impact of taxes on my salary?
Federal, state, and local taxes can cut your gross salary by 20%–40%. Using calculators like SalaryCalculate.com helps estimate your true take-home pay.
Where can I live comfortably on a lower income?
States like Mississippi, Arkansas, West Virginia, and Oklahoma offer the most affordable cost of living, allowing a comfortable lifestyle with incomes in the $40,000–$45,000 range.