$329,555: The Annual Income Required for a Family of Four in Massachusetts

A family of four in Massachusetts must earn $329,555 per year to live comfortably, according to a new financial analysis released on Sunday. This figure represents the highest threshold for households with two working adults and two children in the nation. The study indicates that the cost of maintaining a basic standard of living has outpaced income growth in many regions, pushing the required annual pre-tax income well above the six-figure mark for a substantial portion of the country.

SmartAsset conducted the analysis using data from the MIT Living Wage Calculator. The firm adjusted these figures by applying the 50/30/20 budgeting rule to determine the income necessary for a comfortable lifestyle. Under this framework, 50% of a household’s income is allocated to necessities such as housing and utilities. Another 30% covers discretionary spending, while the final 20% is directed toward savings for retirement and emergencies. The resulting estimates represent the annual pre-tax income required for each state.

The findings show that a single adult needs at least $80,000 annually to live comfortably in every U.S. state. In nearly half of the states, that threshold exceeds $100,000. For a family of four, the income requirement is at least $200,000 in 40 states. Massachusetts tops the list for families, while Hawaii is the most expensive state for single adults, who must earn $129,002 to meet the comfort threshold.

Montana recorded the largest year-over-year increase in the income needed to live comfortably. The threshold for a single adult in that state rose by 8.6% since 2025. New York followed with an 8.4% increase, requiring single adults to earn $124,342. Maine, California, and Massachusetts also posted increases exceeding 5%. In contrast, six states saw a decline in the required income: Tennessee, Maryland, Louisiana, North Carolina, Mississippi, and Texas. Tennessee registered the largest drop at 1.7%.

Mississippi and West Virginia remain the least expensive states for comfortable living. A family of four in Mississippi needs an income of $187,533, the lowest figure for households in the study. For single adults, West Virginia has the lowest threshold at $81,245. These figures stand in contrast to the high costs observed in coastal and northeastern states.

The MIT Living Wage Calculator data used for the study was last updated in February 2026. The figures reflect the most recent available information on basic cost-of-living estimates. SmartAsset modified these base figures to account for the broader 50/30/20 budgeting model. The source data providers are not affiliated with the study and do not endorse its findings.

The analysis provides a detailed breakdown of year-over-year changes for all 50 states. In states like New Mexico, Wisconsin, and Nebraska, the income needed for a single adult increased by 3.6% to 4.4%. Conversely, in states such as Arizona and Virginia, the increase was under 0.3%. The data highlights the geographic disparity in cost of living, with some states experiencing rapid inflation in essential costs while others see slight declines or stagnation.

The report notes that a six-figure salary no longer guarantees financial comfort in much of the U.S. The pressure from housing, grocery, and transportation costs has shifted the financial baseline for households. For those in high-cost states like Massachusetts and Hawaii, the income required to maintain a stable lifestyle is now approaching or exceeding $300,000 for families and $129,000 for individuals.