"Good" is relative — it depends on where you live, your household size, and your financial goals. But there are useful benchmarks based on 2026 data that can give you a concrete answer.
US Median Household Income (2026)
The US median household income is approximately $77,000/year. This means half of US households earn more and half earn less. For an individual (single earner), the median is closer to $45,000–$50,000.
What Different Salaries Look Like After Tax
| Salary | Take-Home (TX) | Take-Home (CA) | Context |
|---|---|---|---|
| $40,000 | $34,320 | $33,532 | Entry-level, tight budget in most cities |
| $60,000 | $50,390 | $48,476 | Livable solo in most mid-size cities |
| $75,000 | $61,593 | $58,462 | Comfortable in most US cities |
| $100,000 | $79,180 | $73,724 | Upper-middle income, solid savings possible |
| $150,000 | $113,791 | $103,685 | High income, comfortable almost anywhere |
The 50/30/20 Benchmark
A widely used budget guideline says to allocate your take-home pay as: 50% to needs (housing, food, utilities, transportation), 30% to wants, and 20% to savings. Applied to a $75,000 salary in Texas (take-home $61,593/year = $5,133/month):
A "Good" Salary by City (Single Person, 2026)
Based on MIT Living Wage data and average rent indices, a single person needs roughly:
- San Francisco / New York City: $95,000–$120,000+ to live comfortably
- Los Angeles / Seattle / Boston: $75,000–$95,000
- Chicago / Dallas / Atlanta: $55,000–$75,000
- Phoenix / Columbus / Charlotte: $45,000–$60,000
- Rural areas (most states): $35,000–$50,000
Enter your salary and state to see your exact take-home pay and spending breakdown.
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