"Comfortable Living: Income Requirements in Major U.S. Cities for Families and Singles"

A recent analysis by SmartAsset reveals that a family of four needs to make over $275,000 to live comfortably in the most expensive U.S. cities, with San Francisco topping the list at $339,123. The study is based on a 50/30/20 budget, with housing costs being a significant factor. California cities dominate the top of the list due to their high housing expenses, while Houston has the lowest income requirement at $175,219. Despite higher salaries in these cities, housing costs often exceed 30% of income, making it challenging for families to maintain a balanced budget.