As the cost of living increases, so does the threshold to be considered middle class, according to financial technology company SmartAsset.

A new study from SmartAsset found that the middle-class income in big cities ranges from $49,478 to $71,359 with a median income of $74,225. 

Middle income, as defined by Pew Research, is two-thirds to double the median household income. 

How much money do I need to make to be considered middle class in Texas?

North Texas suburb Plano ranks No. 7 on the study's list of highest incomes needed to maintain a middle-class standing. Middle-class income in Plano is considered $72,389 to $217,188. The median income is considered $108,594.

When it comes to lowest middle class income threshold, Lubbock ranks No. 9 with income ranging from $36,297 to $108,902. The median income in Lubbock is $54,451. 

To determine the income limits to be in the middle class, SmartAsset analyzed U.S. Census Bureau's 2023 1-year American Community Survey data for the median household income in 100 of the largest U.S. cities, as well as all 50 states. 

A recent CBS News poll said that a large majority of Americans say their incomes aren't keeping pace with inflation, as they report prices around them either rising or staying the same.