A $60K Salary May Not Cover Summer Bills in These 5 Metros
An annual salary of $60,000 might sound like a solid income on paper, but it’s nearly $10,000 below the national average, per the Social Security Administration. That number doesn’t go far in cities, especially in the summer when expenses are typically higher.
From higher electricity bills from air conditioning and seasonal childcare costs when school is out to travel spending and already-elevated housing costs, a decent income can leave workers struggling to make it from one paycheck to the next.
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Here are five metros where summer spending can cause cash-flow gaps with a $60,000 salary.
1. San Jose, California
Making $60,000 a year breaks down to $5,000 a month before taxes, so finding affordable housing is a must. In San Jose, that’s tough. According to Zumper, the average rent is $3,291 per month. That alone takes about 95% of your net income, and that’s before food, utilities, dining out or any summertime fun like music festivals or weekend trips.
2. Omaha, Nebraska
In many cities, childcare costs more than rent by a wide margin, but Omaha takes the top spot for the most expensive place. While rent is less expensive, the cost of raising children is not.
According to a LendingTree study, the average monthly cost of care for two children — an infant and a 4-year-old — is $2,891. That compares with an average monthly rent of $1,368, meaning childcare costs are about 111% higher than rent.
Because childcare is a year-round necessity, families already paying thousands of dollars each month for care may have little budget flexibility when summer expenses such as higher electric bills, vacations and increased household spending arise.
3. Springfield, Massachusetts
In Springfield, the cost of infant care has risen to a level that now exceeds the cost of housing. The average rent for a 2-bedroom is a little over $1,700, but childcare costs nearly $2,000, according to a LendingTree study. Infant care is 15% more than rent.
For households earning around $60,000 a year, a childcare bill that already rivals a monthly mortgage or rent payment can leave little room for unexpected expenses.
4. Palm Springs, California
As temperatures heat up this summer, households are expected to spend much more on electricity. The National Energy Assistance Directors Association estimated that the average U.S. household will spend roughly $778 on electricity between June and September, up from $717 in 2025.
But in Palm Springs and the Coachella Valley, where temps can reach 115 degrees or higher, locals say bills can hit $800 to $1,000 a month easily during the summer, making it a challenge for people making $60,000 a year to stay comfortable and cool.
5. Phoenix
Phoenix is another hot, desert area where temperatures climb above 110 degrees, and where keeping cool isn’t an option — it's a necessity. With Payscale reporting that housing costs are 12% higher than the national average and utility prices are 6% more than the national average, Phoenix is already pricey for workers earning $60,000 a year. When electric bills soar, it’s easy to get off track financially.
Unfortunately, it doesn't look like there will be relief. Fox 10 Phoenix reported that officials expect utility costs to rise significantly this summer and encouraged people experiencing financial hardship to contact their electric company about payment options.
A $60,000 income can be affordable year-round in some areas, but in metros like those listed above, living comfortably and covering seasonal expenses on top of everyday bills is a challenge.
This article was provided by MoneyLion.com for informational purposes only and should not be construed as financial, legal or tax advice.
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