Figuring out the income needed for a comfortable lifestyle isn't always straightforward. Beyond covering essentials like housing, groceries, transportation, and clothing, most people also want enough financial flexibility to enjoy life. Whether it's dining out with friends, attending events, traveling, or saving for future goals, the amount you need can vary dramatically depending on where you live.

A recent SmartAsset analysis sheds light on this question by estimating the income required to maintain a comfortable standard of living in the 100 largest cities across the United States.

The study is based on the widely used 50/30/20 budgeting framework. Under this approach, 50% of income is allocated to necessities, 30% to discretionary spending, and the remaining 20% to savings and long-term financial planning.

Using local cost-of-living data and this budgeting model, SmartAsset calculated the annual salary needed for both a single adult and a family of four to live comfortably in each city.

New York Tops the List

Unsurprisingly, New York City ranks as the most expensive place to achieve a comfortable lifestyle. According to the study, a single adult would need to earn approximately $159,000 per year to meet the recommended budget targets while enjoying a reasonable quality of life.

Close behind is San Jose, California, where the required income is estimated at around $158,000 annually for a single person.

Several other California cities also rank near the top. Irvine, Anaheim, and Santa Ana share the third position, with each requiring just under $152,000 per year for a single adult to live comfortably.

California's Strong Presence

California dominates the upper end of the rankings. In fact, 14 of the 20 most expensive cities identified in the study are located in the Golden State. High housing costs, everyday expenses, and strong local economies continue to drive up the income needed to maintain a comfortable lifestyle across many parts of the state.

For anyone considering a move, the findings serve as an important reminder that salary expectations should be weighed alongside local living costs. An income that provides financial freedom in one city may feel much tighter in another.

According to SmartAsset's analysis, the following cities rank among the most expensive places in the United States for achieving a comfortable standard of living. These rankings highlight just how significantly location can influence personal finances and overall quality of life.

To see the full list and how much money you need to live comfortably in your city, check out SmartAsset’s website.