It’s not even close."

He clarified, “First of all, $74,000 is much higher than the average income.

Most Gen Z’ers are probably making anywhere from $40 to $50k, maybe $60k.”

Debt, cost of living, expense, and financial burdens illustrated

He continued, “But let’s use 74k.”

Second, “The average college monthly payment on a loan is about $500.

You’re down to $3,800.”

Screenshot from Freddie's TikTok video

In regards to living costs, Freddie took a conservative estimate.

Then, he listed car costs (presuming this person has a car).

And lastly, “$100 for a cellphone leaves you $950.

Screenshot from Freddie's TikTok video

This is no savings, no investments, no emergency fund.

They’re left with only $650.”

They are splitting a two-bedroom apartment with a friend.

Freddie in cap looking at financial figures, reflecting on average college loan payment against a salary

Somebody making $74,000.

But the reality is, neither scenario is really realistic for most young people.

Today, a large percentage of average families cannot qualify, which is forcing them into renting."

Freddie in cap showing a budget with salary and expenses, indicating financial planning

Some argued that $100k$120k still feels like the bare minimum.

Once they make a road map, it’ll be easier to work toward that goal."

He said, “Though housing has changed, it doesn’t mean it’s impossible.

Freddie with surprised expression, infographic overlay lists income versus expenses with a focus on groceries

Success comes in many forms outside of homeownership.”

Let me know what you think, though do you consider $74k middle class?

Is home ownership still a delineation for the middle class?

Freddie with overlay of handwritten budget, pointing to insurance costs with a puzzled expression. Text summarizes personal budgeting

Freddie presenting a budget, listing expenses and $650 remaining from $74k salary

Freddie showing a budget breakdown emphasizing $650 left from a $74k salary

Three social media comments discussing the high cost of living and forgotten expenses, highlighting subscription services and health insurance

Summary of online comments discussing individual salaries and reactions to pay rates in various professions

Tweet discussing the adequacy of a $74k salary for solo apartment living

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People on a cliff looking at a house on another cliff they can't reach

Real estate professionals offer their clients contracts to discuss home purchases, insurance or real estate loans

Tweet mentioning someone's sister paying $1600 rent as her income doesn't qualify for a house loan

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Social media comments discussing the affordability of housing on a typical income

Summarized comments discussing the cost of living, with some arguing that a $100k-$175k income is now middle class

Family fighting to hold onto the concept of a house illustration

a woman with a calculator holding it up for a person signing papers with keys on the documents