To truly live the American Dream in the United States in 2025, a household would likely need to earn well over $250,000 a year. With rising housing prices, the high cost of childcare and healthcare, and the general increase in everyday living expenses, an income at this level is often necessary for families who want more than just the basics. At $250,000 and above, a family can realistically afford a comfortable home in a safe neighborhood, cover education and healthcare costs, build retirement and emergency savings, and still have enough left over to enjoy leisure and travel. This level of income allows families not only to maintain financial stability, but also to experience the freedom to take vacations, travel internationally, and give their children opportunities beyond simple necessities. In many ways, what once was attainable on a middle-class salary in the 1950s now requires an upper income household, highlighting how much the definition of the “American Dream” has shifted over time.