I’m a Top 10% Earner: 5 Reasons I Consider Myself Middle Class

Income vs. Cost of Living: Despite earning in the top 10% with incomes over $200,000, many individuals feel financially strained due to high living costs, especially in cities like New York and San Francisco where housing and childcare expenses are exorbitant.

Budgeting Challenges: Higher earners often face significant expenses such as mortgages, student loans, and childcare, leading them to budget carefully and feel more middle class than wealthy, despite their nominal income levels.