# Where is the income line for the middle and upper class in the United States set in 2026?

Want to know which class you belong to? It mainly depends on income. According to the latest data, **the income range for the upper middle class in the U.S. in 2026 is approximately $117,000 to $150,000 per year**, with some cities possibly going as high as $250,000. However, this number can vary greatly due to regional differences.

For example, in Mississippi, a household income of $85,000 to $110,000 is considered upper middle class; but in Maryland, you need at least $158,000. The large difference mainly depends on local housing prices, cost of living, and employment.

There is another key variable: **inflation**. The core inflation is expected to be 2.8% in 2026, which means the cost of living continues to rise, and to maintain a middle-class standard of living, one needs to earn more money. Therefore, the income threshold for the upper-middle class may need to be adjusted upwards.

In summary: For the upper middle class in 2026, $120,000 to $150,000 is a relatively safe number, but ultimately it depends on where you live, how many people are in your family, and your spending habits.