@jjg-re our periodic discussion re cost of living in US.
https://www.cnbc.com/2025/06/14/how-much-money-a-family-of-four-needs-to-live-comfortably-in-all-50-states.htmlAn eye-opening article.
Here is the kicker:
US median household makes about 80K/year (per article), yet "a family of four needs at least $186,618 a year to
live comfortably* in Mississippi in 2025, the country’s most affordable state, found a SmartAsset study that published on June 4."
Later it shows data for all 50 states (from the aforementioned $186618 to $313747 in Massachusetts).
Wowza!
* live comfortably
“Living comfortably” means having enough income to dedicate 50% to necessary costs, 30% to discretionary wants and 20% to debt payments and saving, also known as following the 50/30/20 budget, according to the study.