Is the middle class growing? Cape Coral residents say costs tell a different story

CAPE CORAL, Fla. (WINK) — New research shows more Americans are moving into higher-income groups, but some people say the label doesn't always reflect the pressure.

The middle class doesn't have to mean money. It can also be a feeling.

"A comfortable lifestyle: you have all of your needs met, and then some wants as well," said one person.

American Enterprise Institute analysis of U.S. Census data reports that the upper-middle class is no longer a small slice of America. It's now one-third of households.

While visiting, Jacob Lynn told WINK News the biggest obstacle is the cost of living.

"Vehicles go up, houses go up, food's even more expensive now," Lynn said.

For a family of four, AEI reports the upper-middle class starts at more than $153,000 a year. With her three kids in the background, Jana McCuistion says the label matters less than what's left after her bills.

"We have to be very mindful of how we spend every dollar," McCuistion said.

The middle class is shrinking, the research says. The main reason is that more families are moving up, not falling down.

For Lynn, it doesn't add up because the cost of living can make economics feel claustrophobic. When asked if he feels it over the course of a year, Lynn responded clearly.

"Paycheck to paycheck for me. I'm trying to change it, but you got to get a better income somehow, some way," Lynn said.

The report shows that earning more doesn't always mean feeling secure, especially when housing, health care, and education are more expensive.

"Cost of living just keeps increasing. I mean, middle class back in the day was, I mean, you could survive off a 50 grand salary for a year when you could still have a nice house back then with just 50 grand," Lynn said.

When asked how he would spend the money if he were given a 10% raise, Lynn smiled and said he'd take his daughter on a vacation. She's the most important part of his life, and life's too short not to enjoy.