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MacroAug 2, 2026, 4:21 PM

Middle-Class Income Gap Widens as Family Costs Soar

A family of four requires $178,000–$301,000 for a middle-class living, far above the median household income of $83,730.

The estimated annual income needed to sustain a middle-class lifestyle for a family of four now ranges from $178,000 to $301,000, depending on location.

In contrast, the median U.S. household income sits at $83,730, underscoring a widening disparity between typical earnings and everyday living costs.

The figures highlight the increasing financial pressure on American households as essential expenses outpace income growth.

Source: First Squawk

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