What monthly salary is middle class?

Okay, so, what monthly salary really makes you middle class? Ugh, trying to nail that down feels like such a guessing game, doesn't it? You see those ranges thrown around, like $56,600 to $169,800 a year? That's just... massive!

Honestly, in my neck of the woods, $56,600? That barely keeps your head above water! I mean, think about rent, bills, groceries... It's definitely not what I'd call "comfortable." But then, on the other hand, someone pulling in $170,000? Well, that's a whole different ballgame. They're probably living pretty darn well, you know?

I guess what I'm trying to say is that "middle class" is totally subjective. It's all about where you live and, even more than that, about the kind of lifestyle you're trying to have. Like, are you eating out every night? Are you saving for a down payment on a house? Are you sending your kids to private school? It all adds up, right?

I remember my cousin, Sarah. She moved from a small town in Ohio to San Francisco a few years back. Back in Ohio, her salary felt pretty solid, like comfortably middle class. But when she landed in San Fran, BAM! Suddenly, she was struggling just to make rent each month. Same job, same skills, completely different financial reality.

So yeah, what is middle class? Is it a feeling? A number? I don't know, but I'm pretty sure it's all relative! What do you think?