economy
Gen Z Wants to Be ‘Tradwives.’ New Data Reveals the Exact Salary Your Spouse Needs to Earn—and in Most States It's Under $100K
For many Gen Zers, becoming a “tradwife” is the dream—with even teen girls taking to TikTok and sharing how they’re ditching aspirations of holding down a corporate career, in favor of getting married, having a family, and being supported by a doting partner. But now, research reveals exactly how much a husband (or wife) would need to earn to afford that lifestyle in the U.S.—and perhaps surprisingly, in most states, it’s below six figures.
TL;DR
- The 'tradwife' lifestyle, where one partner stays home to raise children, is appealing to many Gen Z individuals.
- Research from SmartAsset shows the average income needed for one parent to support a stay-at-home spouse and one child is around $80,000.
- The required income varies by state, with West Virginia being among the most affordable ($71,000) and Hawaii the most expensive ($102,773).
- Eliminating daycare costs is a significant factor in making this lifestyle feasible.
- Achieving a broader 'American Dream' including homeownership, college tuition, and raising two children is estimated to cost around $4.4 million.