Is $82,000 a Good Salary for Your Location and Lifestyle?
Understand the real worth of an $82,000 salary by aligning it with your personal financial context and location.
A salary of $82,000 holds a subjective value, its true worth depending on various contextual elements. No single income figure defines financial well-being or success. Its perceived adequacy is intricately linked to an individual’s unique circumstances and economic landscape. Therefore, evaluating an $82,000 salary requires a comprehensive look at multiple contributing factors beyond the numerical value itself.
How Location Affects Salary Value
Geographic location significantly shapes the purchasing power and overall value of an $82,000 salary. The cost of living varies widely across regions, meaning the same income can provide vastly different lifestyles. In high-cost urban centers, expenses for essentials like housing, transportation, and groceries can consume a much larger portion of income compared to lower-cost rural areas.
Housing costs represent a substantial component of living expenses and show considerable regional disparities. For instance, a salary considered modest in a major metropolitan area might be comfortable in a less populated region where housing is more affordable. Transportation costs, which averaged $13,174 for U.S. households in 2023, also fluctuate based on location, with urban areas potentially offering more public transit options while rural areas often necessitate higher vehicle-related expenses.
The price of groceries, averaging around $504 per month for a household, can also differ significantly by state or city. Local and state taxes, including income, property, and sales taxes, also play a role in determining disposable income. These tax burdens can vary widely, further influencing how far an $82,000 salary extends, making a seemingly good income feel less substantial in certain high-tax regions.
Individual Financial Factors
An $82,000 salary’s impact is heavily influenced by personal circumstances and existing financial commitments. Personal debt, such as student loans, credit card balances, and car payments, directly reduces discretionary income. The average monthly student loan payment is estimated at $536, with many borrowers taking over 20 years to repay their debt.
Credit card debt also presents a significant financial burden, with average interest rates ranging from 21.16% to 24.35% in early to mid-2025, leading to substantial interest accrual if balances are not paid in full. Similarly, car payments can be a considerable expense, with new vehicle owners paying an average of $745 per month and used vehicle owners paying around $521 per month in the first quarter of 2025. These regular debt obligations directly reduce an individual’s ability to save or invest.
Family size and dependents also significantly alter the financial landscape. Childcare costs, for example, can range from $400 to $1,500 per month for center-based programs, with infant care often being the most expensive. These expenses can consume a substantial portion of income, impacting financial flexibility. Tax considerations, such as deductions for student loan interest or mortgage interest, can offer some relief by reducing taxable income.
Career stage also plays a role; an $82,000 salary might represent a strong entry-level income in some fields, offering significant growth potential, while in others, it might be a mid-career salary with less upward mobility. Lifestyle choices, including dining out frequently, traveling, or pursuing expensive hobbies, further affect how an $82,000 salary is perceived. A budget that prioritizes significant discretionary spending will leave less for savings and investments, highlighting the personal trade-offs involved in managing financial resources.
Understanding Income Averages
Comparing an $82,000 salary to broader economic data provides objective context, though averages do not capture individual nuances. For the 2025 tax year, federal income tax brackets are progressive, meaning different portions of income are taxed at different rates. For a single filer, $82,000 would fall into the 22% tax bracket. For married couples filing jointly, $82,000 would place them in the 12% bracket.
Beyond federal income tax, individuals also contribute to FICA taxes, encompassing Social Security and Medicare. These taxes are withheld from gross pay, further reducing net income. The standard deduction, which can reduce taxable income, is $15,750 for single filers and $31,500 for married couples filing jointly in 2025. This deduction can significantly impact the amount of income subject to taxation.
While national median income figures offer a statistical reference point, they do not account for the specific factors previously discussed. An $82,000 salary might be above the individual median income but potentially below the household median income, depending on the number of earners. Income distribution across various industries and professions also varies, meaning $82,000 could be a competitive salary in one sector but less so in another.
These averages are statistical benchmarks and do not dictate the “goodness” of a salary. They serve as a general guide, highlighting how an $82,000 income positions an individual relative to the broader economic landscape. Ultimately, the personal and localized factors discussed earlier hold greater weight in determining the subjective value and adequacy of any given salary.