"A $74,000 salary is above the national median and enough to comfortably cover rent in most U.S. cities, but it still falls short of affording a median-priced home in nearly every state. Monthly mortgage payments often exceed the one‑third income threshold, even for households earning nearly double that "ideal" salary. Experts say the bigger obstacle isn't just today's mortgage rates, but persistently high home prices fueled by tight inventory and homeowners holding on to their low-rate mortgages."
"All things considered, $74,000 per year doesn't sound like a bad salary. It's about $12,000 more than the average salary in the U.S. and enough to afford an $1,800 rent in most major U.S. cities. Americans consider that amount of money to be the "perfect salary," according to a recent survey of more than 2,000 U.S. adults by Talker Research."
$74,000 per year sits above the national median and generally covers typical rents, including roughly $1,800 monthly in major U.S. cities. Survey respondents labeled $74,000 the "perfect salary," yet many report current earnings insufficient to support their lifestyles. Median new homes exceed $410,000 and existing homes top $422,000, with several states seeing median prices above $600,000. Putting 20% down on a $422,000 home still often produces mortgage payments above the one-third income guideline, even for households earning far more. High home prices, limited inventory, and homeowners retaining low-rate mortgages are primary affordability barriers.
Read at Fortune
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