Here’s the Salary You Need to be Upper Middle Class in AZ

Like many of us, I bought groceries last week. The price of everything has gone up so much that I half considered taking out a personal loan just to pay for it all.

Making ends meet is becoming a greater challenge, and I began fantasizing about how much you have to earn to get beyond merely surviving.

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How Much Do You Need to Earn to Be 'Upper Middle Class' in the United States?

How much do you need to earn to be considered upper-middle class in Arizona? According to a study done by GoBankingRates.com, the number can vary widely from state to state.

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The District of Columbia is the most expensive place in America for this income category. You'll need a mind-blowing $165,336 annual household salary to be part of the upper middle class in the Nation's capital. The cost of living is higher there than in any other state in the U.S., beating out places like California and Hawaii.

Here are the five states where you'll need the most significant amount of income to be considered upper-middle class:

1. Maryland: You'll need to earn at least $158,126.
2. Massachusetts: The threshold here is $157,643.
3. New Jersey: You'll need to make at least $157,190.
4. Hawaii: Upper middle class starts at $152,939
5. California: You'll have to bring in at least $149,854

On the flip side, your money will go much further if you live in Mississippi. It's the state where you need the least amount of household cash to be considered upper-middle class. In Mississippi, the starting point is around $85,424. That's quite a difference compared to the top five locations.

How Much Do You Need to Earn to Be 'Upper Middle Class' in Arizona?

In general, it's more affordable to live in Arizona than in some nearby states. The overall cost of living is significantly lower than in Colorado, Nevada, California, and Oregon.

So, how much do you need to earn to break into the upper middle class in the Grand Canyon state? You'll need to earn around $119,579 annually to achieve this more comfortable range in Arizona.

Arizona was ranked number 31 on the list.

Of course, it also depends on where you live in Arizona. The cost of living varies from town to town across the state. The price tag in Scottsdale or Gilbert is much higher than in Willcox or Show Low.

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Other Factors That Constitute Upper Middle Class in Arizona

Being a member of the Upper Middle Class in Arizona is not just about income. Your occupation can factor in, too. Most of those in this category work in professional fields like law, medicine, or engineering.

Lifestyle and values also influence factors like home ownership, travel, and access to quality education and healthcare.

Source: GOBankingRates | Living Cost | Salary.com