As prices continue to climb in 2025, many Americans are rethinking what it truly means to live comfortably. From groceries to housing, everyday expenses have shifted — and so have people's expectations around income. A recent GOBankingRates survey asked Americans from multiple generations: What salary do you think is needed to live comfortably in the U.S. today?
The results show a surprising amount of agreement across age groups — but also a few unexpected differences.
Don't Miss:
- ‘Scrolling To UBI' — Deloitte's #1 fastest-growing software company allows users to earn money on their phones. You can invest today for just $0.30/share with a $1000 minimum.
- Hasbro, MGM, and Skechers trust this AI marketing firm — Invest before it's too late.
Today's Best Finance Deals
Most Americans Say $100K or Less Is Enough
Despite rising costs, more than half of the survey's 1,000 respondents – 55% – said a person can live comfortably on $100,000 or less per year. This view was common across all generations, though younger Americans were more likely to say a lower salary could still provide a good quality of life.
The responses suggest that while the idea of what's "comfortable" varies, many people believe a middle-class income can still stretch far enough in today's economy — at least with careful budgeting.
Gen Z: Modest Expectations with a Wide Range
Among those ages 18 to 24, most felt that comfort didn't require a six-figure income. About 21% said $50,001 to $75,000 would be enough, while 27% felt $75,001 to $100,000 was ideal.
Still, expectations varied. While only 3% of Gen Z respondents believed you'd need half a million dollars or more to live comfortably — the highest percentage of any generation in that range — more than 14% said a salary between $100,001 and $150,000 would be necessary.
Trending: Nancy Pelosi Invested $5 Million In An AI Company Last Year — Here's How You Can Invest In Multiple Pre-IPO AI Startups With Just $1,000.
Millennials: Views Shift Slightly With Age
Millennials, currently the largest share of the U.S. workforce according to the Department of Labor, were slightly more divided.
Among younger millennials, ages 25–34, just over 29% said a salary between $75,001 and $100,000 was sufficient. For millennials aged 35–44, that number was slightly higher at 31%. Compared to Gen Z, more millennials leaned toward needing six figures or more to feel secure.
This difference may reflect life stage. Older millennials are more likely to have mortgages, children, and other financial responsibilities, which could influence their sense of what's “comfortable.”
Boomers: A Split Between Younger and Older
Boomers showed some of the most consistent responses across age brackets, but a deeper look reveals subtle shifts.
Around 28% of those ages 55 to 64 said $75,001 to $100,000 was enough — compared to 29% of those 65 and older. However, younger boomers were more likely to say a higher salary was necessary. In fact, 45% of respondents in the 55–64 range believed $100,001 or more was needed, versus 40% of those age 65 and older.
See Also: Invest where it hurts — and help millions heal: Invest in Cytonics and help disrupt a $390B Big Pharma stronghold.
This could reflect different financial pressures: younger boomers may still be working or supporting others, while older boomers may already be drawing from retirement savings or living on fixed incomes.
The Bottom Line: Generational Gaps Are Narrower Than You Might Think
The GOBankingRates survey shows that while each generation has its own perspective, most Americans — regardless of age — believe a "comfortable" lifestyle is possible on less than $100,000 a year.
Still, perceptions of comfort can depend heavily on personal circumstances, location, and financial goals. As costs continue to rise, what feels "comfortable" may be a moving target for many households.
Read Next:
- Can you guess how many retire with a $5,000,000 nest egg? The percentage may shock you.
- Deloitte's fastest-growing software company partners with Amazon, Walmart & Target – Many are rushing to grab 4,000 of its pre-IPO shares for just $0.30/share!
Photo: Shutterstock
© 2025 Benzinga.com. Benzinga does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved.
