02/14/2026
So - Over 300k a year in New Jersey!!
Being “rich” in the U.S., in the top 10% of earners, varies widely by location. Households generally need $198,000–$387,000 per year, but some states are far above or below that. In Washington, D.C., you’d need $635,000 to be considered rich, while in West Virginia, just $198,000 gets you there.
Top 10 states where you need the highest income to be rich:
D.C. – $635,000 (income needed)
Massachusetts – $387,000
Connecticut – $353,000
New Jersey – $337,000
Washington – $331,000
New York – $327,000
Hawaii – $317,000
Alaska – $313,000
California – $311,000
Maryland – $309,000
Top 5 states where it costs the least amount to be rich:
West Virginia – $198,000
Mississippi – $200,900
Kentucky – $204,300
Arkansas – $206,000
Oklahoma – $206,800
