American Dream Check

The American Dream, by the Numbers

Twelve pieces of a good life — a home, a car, kids, retirement, a vacation, a pet — each priced with real data across 37 cities and 7 income bands. Pick one and see what your income actually affords.

Data: 2026-Q2 · BLS · HUD · KFF

The "American Dream" is really a dozen smaller questions — can I buy a home, raise a kid, take a real vacation, retire on time? Each one has a number attached, and that number changes dramatically depending on your city and your income. Choose a goal below to see the honest math, city by city.

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Buying a Home

Median price, down-payment timeline, and what you can actually afford on your income — across 34 cities.

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🚗

Owning a Car

$11,577/year. Most people budget half that. See what a car really costs where you live.

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👶

Raising Children

The joy is priceless. The runway is $297,674. Here’s how parents make it work.

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✈️

Taking Vacations

Half of workers leave PTO unused, and money is reason #1. What a real vacation costs — and how to fund it.

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Staying Out of Debt

Card balances hit $1.21 trillion at 20.9% APR. Staying out of debt is now a competitive sport.

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Retirement Savings

The 15% rule costs $1,125/month at $90K — easy in some cities, impossible in others. Find your real number.

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Financial Flexibility

Flexibility isn’t income — it’s what’s left after the bills. Map the genuine choice in your budget.

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Emergency Preparedness

37% of Americans can’t cover a $400 surprise. Here’s your real emergency-fund number.

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Affording Childcare

Infant care can top $2,000/month — 4× the federal affordability standard. How parents make it work.

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🎉

Social Life & Dating

In New York, one date night eats 64% of the month’s social budget. See where it costs half as much.

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Pet Ownership

A dog runs ~$185/month all-in — plus pet rent and the emergency-vet question nobody budgets for.

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Side Hustle Potential

Every side-hustle dollar is taxed at your highest rate. See the keep-rate in 37 cities — and how to raise yours.

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Not sure where to start?

Run the American Dream Check on the homepage — pick your city and income band once, and see all twelve goals scored together in seconds.

Run the American Dream Check →

Income Reality Check is an educational tool, not financial advice. Your situation has more dimensions than any tool can capture.