If you earn up to $125,000 annually, it’s enough money to achieve the American dream in several Midwestern cities. Depending on the city, it may even be more than enough for a comfortable lifestyle.
Find Out: What Salary Single People Need To Live Comfortably in 100 Major US Cities
Try This: 4 Low-Risk Ways To Build Your Savings in 2025
Utilizing data from an existing study examining the salary needed to achieve the American dream in the 50 largest U.S. cities, GOBankingRates pulled the nine cities based in the Midwest region from the top 50 ranking. A full methodology is available at the end of this story.
Keep reading to see how much you’d need to earn in these Midwest cities.
Chicago
Household income for the American dream: $121K
Total annual cost of living: $61K
Grocery costs per year: $8,807
Average monthly mortgage cost: $1,813
See More: The Living Wage a Family of Four Needs in All 50 States
View Next: What Is the Estimated Median Income for the Upper-Middle Class in 2025?
Trending Now: Suze Orman’s Secret to a Wealthy Retirement–Have You Made This Money Move?
Minneapolis
Household income for the American dream: $119K
Total annual cost of living: $60K
Grocery costs per year: $9,170
Average monthly mortgage cost: $1,964
Read More: Warren Buffett Offers One Piece of Estate Planning Advice to the Middle Class
Omaha, Nebraska
Household income for the American dream: $110K
Total annual cost of living: $55K
Grocery costs per year: $8,753
Average monthly mortgage cost: $1,634
Columbus, Ohio
Household income for the American dream: $105K
Total annual cost of living: $53K
Grocery costs per year: $8,952
Average monthly mortgage cost: $1,509
Kansas City, Missouri
Household income for the American dream: $103K
Total annual cost of living: $52K
Grocery costs per year: $8,771
Average monthly mortgage cost: $1,388
Be Aware: 10 Things the Middle Class Won’t Be Able To Afford in Less Than a Decade
Indianapolis
Household income for the American dream: $100K
Total annual cost of living: $50K
Grocery costs per year: $8,481
Average monthly mortgage cost: $1,323
Milwaukee
Household income for the American dream: $99K
Total annual cost of living: $49K
Grocery costs per year: $8,418
Average monthly mortgage cost: $1,194
Wichita, Kansas
Household income for the American dream: $95K
Total annual cost of living: $48K
Grocery costs per year: $8,608
Average monthly mortgage cost: $1,134
Discover Next: 20 Best Cities Where You Can Buy a House for Under $100K
Detroit
Household income for the American dream: $91K
Total annual cost of living: $46K
Grocery costs per year: $8,064
Average monthly mortgage cost: $421
Methodology: For this study, GOBankingRates analyzed the largest 50 cities based on population, as sourced from the U.S. Census American Community Survey. The cost-of-living indexes were sourced from Sperling’s BestPlaces. Average expenditure costs were from the Bureau of Labor Statistics Consumer Expenditure Survey. Home value and mortgage data came from Zillow Home Value Index for January 2025 and Federal Reserve Economic Data. Using the 50/30/20 rule that states 50% of household income goes to needs, 30% goes to discretionary spending and 20% is used for savings, the cost of living was doubled to find the income needed to live the American Dream. All data was collected on and is up to date as of March 4, 2025.
More From GOBankingRates
Mark Cuban: Trump’s Tariffs Will Affect This Class of People the Most
5 Things You Must Do When Your Savings Reach $50,000
How To Get the Most Value From Your Costco Membership in 2025
7 Wealth-Building Shortcuts Proven To Add $1K to Your Wallet This Month
This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: Salary Needed To Achieve the American Dream in 9 Midwest Cities
