Many who receive an annual salary wonder how that sum would translate to hourly wage rates. This article will outline all the factors that play a part in deciding if you can survive on a $70,000 annual income.
One of the critical factors to remember when moving is the cost of living; this varies significantly across regions in the U.S.
Cost of Living
Housing, food, healthcare, and utilities can significantly add to living costs. Furthermore, income taxes have an immense effect on your final salary; living in states with higher tax rates, such as New York or California, requires you to have a higher annual salary to maintain the same standard of living compared with states like Texas or Florida where taxes are much lower.
Lifestyle should also be taken into consideration. Everyone has a different upbringing and attitudes toward money that can influence how much is spent and saved each year. A $70,000 annual salary may seem sufficient but may not meet your lifestyle needs; to know your spending patterns better,, it’s essential to create a budget and track where every cent goes.
Calculating hourly wages requires dividing your annual salary by the total work hours in a year. For instance, if you make $70,000 annually and work 2,080 hours annually, your hourly rate would be $53,445. After taxes, this would leave approximately $50,200 after living expenses, sufficient for single living arrangements or small families, though this may prove more challenging for larger ones.
Taxes
Spend and save your money wisely; whether $70,000 is a satisfactory annual salary will depend on your lifestyle choices and beliefs about money. What may seem lavish to one may be considered frugal by another person. Also, keep taxes in mind, as this can significantly take away your income.
Your tax payments depend heavily on where you reside; California residents pay higher state income taxes than their Texas counterparts. Furthermore, federal tax rates will impact how much money you make; be sure to research what rates exist in your region!
Expenses
When earning $70,000 annually, many factors must be considered when spending it wisely and creating your lifestyle plan. Everyone has their own upbringing and belief system about spending their money differently, so what may seem lavish to one may not be to another person.
Your income tax burden can directly affect the annual salary earned; for instance, if you work 2,080 hours and, after federal and state taxes and FICA, you have made $70,000 (minus any expenses such as car loans or home mortgage payments).
To ensure you’re earning enough, it’s essential to consider your living costs and the cost of living in your area. San Buenaventura, CA’s average wage leads the pack with an income of $53,744. Other cities range between $32,744 and $25,457 below this figure.
Savings
While $70,000 a year is a respectable income, it may not cover all your expenses. To best assess your fees and their cost, the key is understanding which expenses there are and determining their value to you. There are various methods of calculating hourly wages, but for the most accurate results, factor in your costs to see if you can afford your lifestyle.
Income taxes are essential when calculating hourly wages; federal and state income taxes can substantially cut into your take-home pay. Furthermore, your place of residence can dramatically impact your income; for instance, a $70000 salary in San Buenaventura, CA, would pay 32% higher than average, while Brooklyn offers 16% less.
Your lifestyle choice on a 70k annual salary ultimately lies within your hands. Each person has a different upbringing and beliefs about money; thus, what may seem extravagant to one may be frugal to another – it all boils down to what works for your and your family’s best.
