Devin Jacobs
Living alone sounds freeing—no roommates, no shared fridge battles—but in many US cities, it costs a small fortune just to keep the lights on. Here’s a closer look at how much income it really takes to fly solo in 20 places where rent, bills, and coffee seem to cost extra just for fun.
New York City, NY
New York remains the most expensive US city for single-person households, with a required annual income of $138,570. Rent levels alone can be unsustainable without a high-paying job. On top of that, the city’s overall pricing structure offers very little flexibility for managing unexpected expenses.
San Francisco, CA
Fueled by the tech surge, this city’s sky-high prices are hardly shocking anymore. Rent here can take anyone’s breath away, as even a decent salary struggles to keep up. Living solo requires $119,558 a year just to keep a head above water.
Irvine, CA
It looks peaceful (and it is), though low prices don’t come with the view. Living alone in Irvine takes $126,797 annually, as groceries, rent, and other essentials all carry a premium. Turns out, safe streets and spotless sidewalks don’t maintain themselves for free.
Santa Ana, CA
The cost of living single in Santa Ana mirrors that of nearby Irvine, requiring $126,797 annually. While it doesn’t top Southern California’s price charts, it comes close. Residents face steady housing expenses, along with daily costs that leave little cushion against unexpected expenses.
Chula Vista, CA
Just south of San Diego, Chula Vista offers slightly lower prices but shares many of the same financial pressures. Rent stays elevated compared to income, and the rest of the bills do little to ease the load. A single resident needs $122,803 per year to stay financially secure here.
Los Angeles, CA
Living solo in Los Angeles now demands an annual income of around $110,000 just to stay financially stable. High rent continues to outpace most salaries, and unpredictable costs—like utilities, gas, and transportation—keep budgets tight. For many, breaking even in L.A. requires careful planning and a steady income stream.
Oakland, CA
The idea that this is a cheaper alternative to San Francisco is fading fast as rent keeps climbing and day-to-day costs rarely offer a break. Living solo requires at least $118,768 annually to avoid constant financial strain. Anything below that leaves little room for unexpected expenses.
Portland, OR
Portland once had a reputation for affordable living. That era, however, is long gone. To maintain solvency alone, an annual income of $110,032 is recommended. It may remain more affordable than California on paper, though shrinking price gaps keep reminding everyone that the bargain days are over.
Long Beach, CA
The ocean views here come at a price. First, rent claims a big chunk. Then, utilities and transportation happily join the parade of expenses. Altogether, it takes $114,691 a year to live alone and stay comfortable. After all, sunshine doesn’t exactly cover the bills.
Honolulu, HI
Honolulu offers natural beauty and a slower pace of life, but its financial demands are considerable. A solo resident must earn $111,904 each year to manage rising rent, everyday essentials, and other core expenses. Even without topping the list, the cost difference compared to most US cities is hard to miss.
Jersey City, NJ
Financial models depict that $116,646 is the annual income required for solo stability in Jersey City. High rental demand and regional inflation drive up overall expenses. Though technically outside New York, the city shares much of its economic profile, leaving little margin for residents earning below this threshold.
Boston, MA
It takes $124,966 a year for one person to live comfortably in Boston. Rent usually takes the biggest share, and rising costs for everyday necessities only add to the strain. The strong job market offers some help, but for many, living alone still means carefully juggling expenses to stay ahead.
San Diego, CA
Life in this coastal city appears dreamy. The cost of living, however, is steep. Essentials, from rent to food, demand a solid income. And to keep pace, $122,803 annually is necessary. After all, the appeal of ocean views doesn’t change the reality of rising prices across nearly every category of spending.
Newark, NJ
Affordability here ranks higher than many cities nearby, yet single-income earners still face tight margins. A minimum of $68,268 per year is needed to live alone without ongoing financial strain. While rent is modest by comparison, the overall cost of living leaves little room to stretch.
Aurora, CO
Living solo in Aurora now requires an annual income of $110,115. If rent, transportation, and daily expenses are to be covered comfortably, that’s the amount necessary. With prices rising—especially in housing—anyone considering this area should budget carefully and plan well to stay ahead of the curve.
San Jose, CA
San Jose’s tech-driven economy drives costs high. Single residents need $136,739 annually to cover steep rents and pricey services that sit well above national averages. But on the bright side, higher salaries help ease the burden and make an independent living in the city possible.
Anaheim, CA
The cost of living alone in Anaheim has risen steadily, requiring a yearly income of $114,691 to remain financially secure. Economic pressures stem largely from housing demand and tourism-related inflation. For residents, managing this cost structure demands careful planning and reliable earnings.
Riverside, CA
Compared to nearby Southern California cities, Riverside offers a modest break in costs. Still, the financial bar remains high. A single person must earn $109,408 annually to live alone comfortably. The reason? Housing, plus everything else that insists on staying expensive.
Arlington, VA
A solo income of $117,686 is necessary for financial sustainability in Arlington. Elevated housing prices, driven by strong demand, combined with transit costs to push monthly expenses higher. Falling short of this threshold leaves single residents vulnerable to steady financial pressure across everyday essentials.
Seattle, WA
While Seattle remains attractive for work and quality of life, affordability continues to decline as costs rise across the board. Now, individuals need $119,392 a year to live alone and stay financially stable. Even with steady job growth, that single paycheck covers less with each passing year.