Study: Maryland, Virginia single adults need to make 0K+ to live comfortably in 2025

ARLINGTON, Va. (7News) — Single adults in Maryland and Virginia would need to make over $100,000 a year to maintain a comfortable lifestyle, according to a new study released on Wednesday.

The study conducted by SmartAsset ranked the states among the top 10, with Maryland singles needing more money than singles in Virginia.

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Maryland's single residents would need $108,867 in pre-tax income in 2025 to maintain their lifestyle, and at least $259,168 for a four-person household. Virginian singles would need $106,704, which is up 7% from last year's estimate, according to the group behind the survey.

Numbers were tabulated based on rising housing, transportation, healthcare, and overall inflation costs, especially for those without a second household income.

Researchers also took the 50/30/20 rule into . The informal budget rule suggests allocating 50% of your income to necessary matters, 30% to discretionary spending, and 20% to long-term goals like retirement savings.

Hawaii is at the top of the list, with single residents needing a salary of $124,467 to live comfortably - a roughly 9.5% increase from the survey's 2024 numbers.

West Virginia sits at the bottom of the list, with an $80,800 salary needed to live comfortably.