Americans need $2.3 million net worth to be “wealthy"

According to Charles Schwab’s 2025 Modern Wealth Survey—which tracks how Americans view saving, spending, investing, and wealth—people now say it takes $839,000 to feel “financially comfortable.” That’s up from $778,000 last year, though still below the $1 million reported in 2023.

To be considered “wealthy,” Americans now estimate it takes $2.3 million on average. That’s a slight drop from $2.5 million last year but aligns with a steady five-year trend.

Interestingly, while the dollar threshold for being wealthy has dipped, most Americans say it still feels harder to achieve wealth today. Nearly 63% say the bar has effectively risen, even as the number has fallen. They point to inflation (73%), a worsening economy (62%), and higher taxes (48%) as key reasons. Another 43% blame rising interest rates and the cost of borrowing.

“The idea of being wealthy often feels abstract or out of reach, while financial comfort is more connected to people’s day-to-day realities,” said Rob Williams, managing director of financial planning at Charles Schwab. “Still, both play a big role in shaping financial goals, whether short-term or long-term.”