Cost-of-living study says this is how much money you need to ‘live comfortably’

(CNN) - The cost of living has spiked in recent years but that’s just half the story, according to a recent study.

Just living isn’t the same as living comfortably.

Researchers found that affording basic pleasures is costing more these days without trying to live paycheck to paycheck.

A study released by Smart Asset determined the amount needed to “live comfortably” in 99 U.S. cities.

And the numbers are high.

The average salary needed to live comfortably in a major city is $96,500 for one person and roughly $235,000 for a family of four.

According to the study, the highest for an individual is New York, where a person would need roughly $138,000 to live comfortably.

The lowest is Houston, where a single adult must earn about $75,000 a year to live comfortably.