Quality of Life for a Salary of $90,015 in the United States

A salary of $90,015 annually provides a comfortable lifestyle for an individual or small family in the United States, but the overall quality of life will vary depending on the specific location within the country. Below is an assessment of how this salary holds up against various cost of living factors and how it affects the quality of life.

Cost of Living

• Overall Affordability:

  • $90,015 is above the median household income in the U.S. This salary can afford a comfortable living in many parts of the country but may struggle in high-cost areas such as San Francisco, New York City, and Los Angeles.

• Expenses:

  • Essential expenses like groceries, utilities, and transportation might take a smaller portion of income in mid-sized cities and rural areas.
  • In major urban centers, these expenses can be significantly higher, consuming a larger share of the income.

Housing Market

• Home Prices:

  • The median home price in the U.S. fluctuates based on region, with coastal and urban areas being the most expensive.
  • A $90,015 salary is adequate for purchasing a home in many suburban and rural areas, but it might only be sufficient for renting in expensive cities.

• Renting vs. Buying:

  • Renting might be the more viable option in high-cost cities, where homeownership could be out of reach without additional income or savings.

Quality of Life

• Discretionary Spending:

  • Allows for leisure activities, moderate travel, dining out, and savings, significantly improving life satisfaction in regions with moderate living costs.

• Savings Potential:

  • Opportunities for saving and investing are present but heavily dependent on location. High-cost urban areas might limit this potential.

• Work-Life Balance:

  • A favorable work-life balance can often be maintained, especially in regions where commuting times are reasonable.

Access to Healthcare

• Healthcare Insurance:

  • With healthcare costs rising, employer-provided health insurance or marketplace plans are necessary to manage expenses, which can be a major financial consideration.

• Healthcare Accessibility:

  • Access is typically good in urban and suburban areas but may be limited in rural locations.

Quality of K-12 Schools

• School Districts:
  • Quality varies