In 2025, a $100K salary might seem like a comfortable living, but its real value—how much purchasing power it provides after taxes and cost of living—varies dramatically across major U.S. cities. For six-figure earners ($100K-$200K), this can mean the difference between feeling financially secure or stretched thin. At SixFigureEdge, we’re exploring what a $100K salary feels like in major U.S. cities, focusing on the most expensive (where $100K gets you the least) and least expensive (where it gets you the most), including Seattle. This breakdown helps you understand where your money goes furthest and where high costs erode your income.

Explaining the “Feels Like” Baseline

The “feels like” value represents the effective purchasing power of a $100K salary after accounting for federal taxes (around $75K-$80K take-home for a single filer with standard deductions) and local cost of living (housing, groceries, utilities, transportation). The baseline is the national average cost of living index of 100, where $100K retains its full value (after federal taxes). Cities with higher indexes (e.g., 200+) make $100K feel like less, while lower indexes (e.g., 80) make it feel like more. Calculations use 2025 data from cost-of-living tools, adjusted for inflation (2.3%) and state taxes.

Most Expensive Cities: Where $100K Gets You the Least

These cities have sky-high living costs, taxes, and rents (median $2,000+), making $100K feel like under $60K after adjustments.

  1. Manhattan, NY: $100K feels like $30,362. State taxes (6.85%) and rent ($3,500/month) crush value—barely covers basics in this urban hub.
  2. Honolulu, HI: $100K feels like $35,904. Island costs (groceries 20% higher) and 8.25% state tax leave little for extras.
  3. San Francisco, CA: $100K feels like $36,445. Tech boom drives rent ($3,200/month) and 9.3% state tax—feels squeezed.
  4. Brooklyn, NY: $100K feels like $38,365. Similar to Manhattan, with rent ($2,800/month) and high taxes reducing power.
  5. Washington, D.C.: $100K feels like $38,810. Federal hub with rent ($2,500/month) and 8.5% tax—commutes add pressure.
  6. Boston, MA: $100K feels like $50,602. Education costs and rent ($2,800/month), plus 5% state tax, limit lifestyle.
  7. Seattle, WA: $100K feels like $59,000. High rent ($2,200/month) and groceries ($500/month for a family) eat 50%+ of income.
  8. Los Angeles, CA: $100K feels like $60,500. Entertainment capital with rent ($2,500/month) and 9.3% tax—Hollywood dreams cost more.

In these cities, housing alone can take 30-50% of take-home pay, leaving less for savings or investments.

Least Expensive Cities: Where $100K Gets You the Most

These cities offer low taxes and affordable living (rent under $1,500), making $100K feel like $80K+.

  1. Memphis, TN: $100K feels like $88,840. No state income tax, rent ($1,012/month)—feels like luxury with extra for savings.
  2. Houston, TX: $100K feels like $81,124. No state tax, rent ($1,200/month)—oil and tech jobs boost value.
  3. San Antonio, TX: $100K feels like $80,908. Low taxes, rent ($1,100/month)—affordable for families.
  4. Oklahoma City, OK: $100K feels like $84,000 (approx.). Low costs, no city tax—strong for mid-tier earners.
  5. El Paso, TX: $100K feels like $83,500. Low rent ($900/month)—maximizes purchasing power.
  6. Indianapolis, IN: $100K feels like $82,000. Rent ($1,000/month), 3.23% state tax—balanced for Midwest living.
  7. Detroit, MI: $100K feels like $81,500. Low rent ($950/month)—industrial revival helps value.

In these areas, lower costs allow more for investments or retirement, with housing under 15-20% of income.

Why This Matters in 2025

In 2025’s economy, a $100K salary’s value hinges on location—coastal cities like Manhattan halve it, while Texas cities like Houston nearly preserve it. For $100K-$200K earners, this gap affects everything from savings to lifestyle.

Stay tuned for more financial insights!

Sources:

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