Affordability of necessities in the US continues to deteriorate
byu/RobertBartus inEconomyCharts
For context…
SmartAsset studied how much families need to live a "normal" life in every US state.
(covering needs, wants, AND saving 20%)
The results are terrifying:
— Brennan Schlagbaum, CPA (@Budgetdog_) December 3, 2025
40. Texas ($204,922)
39. North Dakota ($207,334)
38. Michigan ($207,584)
37. South Carolina ($208,333)
36. Oklahoma ($208,749)
35. Wyoming ($209,914)
34. North Carolina ($210,746)
33. Georgia ($210,829)
32. Nebraska ($215,738)
31. Florida ($217,651)— Brennan Schlagbaum, CPA (@Budgetdog_) December 3, 2025
20. Arizona ($237,952)
19. Nevada ($238,534)
18. Maine ($239,699)
17. Virginia ($241,696)
16. Pennsylvania ($248,435)
15. Minnesota ($251,264)
14. Rhode Island ($256,672)
13. Alaska ($259,002)
12. Maryland ($259,168)
11. New Hampshire ($259,501)— Brennan Schlagbaum, CPA (@Budgetdog_) December 3, 2025
Out of all 50 states…
Only 7 require less than $200k/yr.
This is why "high earners" still struggle in America…
But they don't have to.
Here's the system I've taught 2,318+ families to fix their finances for good:
— Brennan Schlagbaum, CPA (@Budgetdog_) December 3, 2025