The monthly income threshold for the upper-middle class ranges from €603 in Macedonia to €6,490 in Switzerland. In the United States, a comparable benchmark would be around $6,200 per month, based on OECD disposable-income data, although the figures are not perfectly aligned by year.
How much money do people need to live comfortably? The answer varies significantly across countries, depending on income levels, housing costs and the price of everyday necessities.
A new analysis published by Euronews on October 28 compares the monthly net disposable income needed to reach the beginning of the upper-middle-income group across 34 European countries.
The figures range from €603 per month in Macedonia to approximately €6,490 in Switzerland.
In Serbia, the threshold is €975 per month, while Montenegro stands at €825 and Turkey at €755.
These figures are based on income distribution rather than a fixed budget for a comfortable lifestyle, meaning they show where people stand relative to others in their country.
How Much Is Needed in the United States?
Using OECD disposable-income data as a reference, the comparable U.S. threshold can be estimated at approximately $6,200 per month, or about $74,800 annually, for one adult living alone. This is an indicative calculation using available median disposable-income data, rather than a directly published 2025 U.S. figure calculated using the exact same methodology as the European analysis.
The amount needed to live comfortably in America can vary considerably by location. Housing, health insurance, transportation, childcare and other expenses can make a substantial difference, particularly in expensive metropolitan areas.
The income benchmark also does not guarantee financial security. Savings, homeownership, debt and the ability to handle unexpected expenses all affect a household’s standard of living.
Germany Leads Among the EU’s Largest Economies
Among the European Union’s four largest economies, Germany has the highest monthly threshold for the upper-middle-income group, at €3,611.
France follows at €3,307, while Italy stands at €2,758 and Spain at €2,546.
Several northern and western European countries have even higher thresholds. Norway records €5,240 per month, while the figures for Austria, Denmark and Ireland range from approximately €4,300 to €4,600.
Elsewhere, the monthly threshold is €2,143 in Estonia, €1,900 in the Czech Republic, €1,882 in Croatia and €1,808 in Portugal. Within the EU, Romania has a figure of €1,023, while Luxembourg reaches €6,256.
Macedonia Has the Lowest Figure in the Study
Macedonia records the lowest monthly threshold among the 34 countries examined, at €603, compared with €975 in Serbia and €825 in Montenegro.
However, a lower income threshold does not automatically mean residents enjoy a more affordable or comfortable lifestyle. Purchasing power, housing expenses and the prices of essential goods must also be taken into account.
How Is the Upper-Middle Class Defined?
The analysis uses equivalised disposable income, which accounts for household size and composition. It includes income from different sources after taxes and social contributions have been deducted.
Under the OECD framework, the upper-middle-income group earns between 150% and 200% of the national median disposable income.
In 2025, the median equivalised disposable income in the European Union was €1,912 per month. The 150% threshold therefore amounted to €2,867 for a single adult living alone.
The figures offer a useful comparison of income levels across countries, but they should not be mistaken for a universal cost-of-living budget. As Euronews notes, living comfortably also means being able to afford adequate housing, food, energy and transportation, participate in social activities, save money and manage unexpected expenses without falling into financial difficulty.
