US Cities Show Diverging Salary Buying Power

Recent analyses highlight how affordability varies sharply across the United States: the purchasing power of a $100,000 salary rose in many large cities from 2024 to 2025, while typical earnings remain far below the estimated income needed for a comfortable middle-class lifestyle in all 50 of the largest metro areas. Policy decisions after the 2026 midterms could affect household expenses such as energy and health care, though broader forces—including global events—also shape prices. For people considering San Diego, the cost of moving can extend well beyond rent to deposits, moving fees, utility setup and vehicle registration, with expenses varying by neighborhood.