So, You Wanna Be Fancy in La La Land? How Much Does Upper Middle Class Cost in Los Angeles?
Ah, Los Angeles. The land of dreams, movie stars, and obscenely expensive avocado toast. But beneath the veneer of glitz and glamour, there's a burning question for aspiring Angelenos: how much bread do you actually need to be considered "upper middle class" in this city?
The Great Los Angeles Salary Shuffle
Let's be honest, folks, the line between "making it" and slinging lattes at your local coffee shop is about as thin as a sheet of kale in a trendy juice cleanse. Here in LA, what qualifies as "middle class" would make your average Midwesterner choke on their cheese curds. We're talking six figures, baby. But upper middle class? That's a whole new tax bracket, my friends.
Here's the Skinny on Upper Middle Class LA:
According to some fancy economic studies (which, let's face it, were probably conducted by people who've never had to choose between rent and that new swimsuit you desperately need for poolside lounging), to be considered upper middle class in Los Angeles, you're looking at a household income somewhere in the ballpark of $150,000 and above. Bold that number and underline it twice, because that's the magic ticket to a world of... well, not exactly caviar dreams, but maybe smoked salmon aspirations.
What Does Upper Middle Class Buy You in LA (Besides Bragging Rights)?
So, what exactly does this hefty paycheck get you in the City of Angels? Let's break it down:
- A Decent Abode (Maybe): Forget sprawling mansions with tennis courts. In this price range, you might snag a cute bungalow that doesn't have a creepy clown living in the basement (fingers crossed).
- Dining Out (Without Guilt): You can finally ditch the ramen and indulge in overpriced brunch mimosas without that lingering fear of eviction. Just avoid those bottomless deals – they're a slippery slope, my friend.
- A Reliable Ride (Hopefully): This could mean a slightly used Lexus or a brand new Toyota Camry – the choice is yours (as long as it involves four wheels and doesn't require a push start every other day).
- Vacations (Sometimes): Okay, maybe not a private island getaway every year, but a weekend trip to Palm Springs or a staycation at a fancy hotel (with a pool, because duh) might be within reach.
The Final Takeaway: Upper Middle Class in LA is All Relative
Here's the truth, folks: upper middle class in Los Angeles is a relative term. What feels fancy to one person might be downright pedestrian to another. But hey, if you're pulling in that sweet upper middle class dough, at least you can afford to laugh (or cry) about it over a delicious (and probably overpriced) latte.
