You landed a job that pays $70,000. That's solid. Above the national average. People even tell you you're "doing well."
So why does it still feel like you're broke?
If your paycheck disappears the moment it arrives, you're not alone. Many people earning $60K, $70K, even $90K+ still feel like they can't breathe financially. And it's not always about spending too much.
1. Your Gross Pay Isn't What You Actually Keep
$70,000 sounds great — until you subtract everything:
- Federal income tax
- Social Security & Medicare (FICA)
- Health insurance premiums
- 401(k) or retirement deductions
- State and local taxes (depending on where you live)
After all that, your real take-home pay might look more like:
- $4,100/month in Texas (no state tax)
- $3,600/month in California (high tax + higher insurance)
That's a big drop from $5,833/month gross.
2. Lifestyle Inflation Sneaks Up Fast
When you started making more, your expenses went up too — sometimes without realizing it. New car? Nicer apartment? Daily coffee? Streaming, subscriptions, kids' activities?
This is called lifestyle inflation. Your spending rises to meet your income… and before you know it, you're back at zero.
"I gave myself a raise… and still feel broke."
Sound familiar?
3. You're Living in a High-Cost Area
In some places, $70K barely covers the basics. Rent, groceries, gas, and utilities can swallow your budget.
Compare that to someone living in a lower-cost state or town who earns the same — they might have $500+ more wiggle room each month just because of geography.
Use our Paycheck Calculator to see how location affects your take-home pay.
4. Your Fixed Costs Are Too High
Fixed costs are bills that don't change month to month: rent, loan payments, insurance, child care.
If these are taking up more than 50–60% of your net pay, you'll always feel strapped, even if your income grows.
5. You're Not Budgeting for Real Life
Sometimes it's not about income — it's about awareness.
If you don't know where your money is going each month, it's almost impossible to feel in control. Budgeting doesn't mean cutting out all fun — it means knowing the truth about your money.
Want a gut-check? Try tracking your spending for one week. You'll probably be surprised.
6. Student Loans & Debt
If you're repaying $300–$700 a month in student loans, credit cards, or car payments, it's no wonder you feel broke. That's money you never get to use.
Use our calculator to see how much debt is really costing your paycheck.
7. You're Not Alone
This is a system problem — not a personal failure. The cost of living has outpaced wage growth. In many places, a "good salary" doesn't stretch far anymore.
According to recent studies, nearly 60% of Americans making over $70K still live paycheck to paycheck.
How to Start Feeling Less Broke
- Know your net pay — not just your salary
- Track your spending (even for 1 week)
- Audit fixed costs — rent, car, insurance
- Make space for emergency savings (even $100/month)
- Use tools to estimate future raises and lifestyle costs
We built this site to help with exactly that. Start with our free Paycheck Calculator to see where you stand based on your state, income, and taxes.
State-by-State Reality Check
See how a $70K salary actually translates in different states:
- Texas Calculator (Higher take-home due to no state tax)
- California Calculator (Lower take-home due to high taxes)
- Florida Calculator (No state tax advantage)
- New York Calculator (High tax impact)
- Compare All States
Final Thoughts
If you're making $70,000 and still feel broke, you're not crazy — and you're not alone. The best thing you can do is start with the numbers, get clear on what's really happening with your paycheck, and adjust from there.
Understanding your true take-home pay is the first step toward financial clarity. From there, you can make informed decisions about spending, saving, and whether you need to increase income or decrease expenses.
Want to break the cycle? Try our Paycheck Calculator to take the first step toward clarity.