💡 What is Middle Class in 2026?

Over the weekend, I caught up with my friends and my brother.

Our conversation turned to one surprisingly tricky question:

What does it mean to be “middle class”?

For me, I’ve always thought of it in numbers.

Anyone earning more than the Hong Kong household median income

(roughly around HK$30,000) fits the definition.

But here’s where it gets interesting:

Some of my friends earning HK$100,000 (lawyers, bankers) still call themselves middle class.

A few of my classmates, now AOs making HK$200,000+, also identify as middle class. (To me, that’s already upper middle class)

Others define it not by income, but by lifestyle

where you live, what you buy, how you spend.

The range is wide, and the definition feels blurry.

Personally, I believe financial freedom is easier to achieve if you keep spending modest.

Living in a smaller flat or less “fancy” location can save a lot.

But I also understand the temptation or being judged:

When you earn more, you want to reward yourself with something nice.

When you earn more, you would want to move to somewhere fancier.

✨ My takeaway:

“Middle class” isn’t just about income.

It’s about choices, lifestyle, and how you balance spending with saving.

What’s your definition of middle class?

I am still trying to find an answer...

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