You Might Be 'Upper Class' If You Can Pay For This Luxurious Item In All Cash

As nationwide prices and the CPI inflation rises in tandem, more Americans are leveraging cash rather than saddling themselves with monthly payments. Wages have struggled to keep up with the cost of living, and those who have the liquid capital to buy luxury goods now most likely fall in the upper-class category. While there is no concrete definition, you may infer your status if you work a classic upper-class job. You also may be considered upper class if your purchasing power is enough to buy a luxury car.

While not as grand as paying for your home in cash, purchasing luxury vehicles can cost well over $100,000 and come with extensive interest rates. With the median household income in America sitting just under $84,000, according to the Federal Reserve Bank of St Louis, the spending power required to buy a luxury vehicle in cash firmly indicates an upper-class lifestyle. Even non-luxury vehicle costs are on the rise,  with the auto industry suffering from new Trump tariffs, making some American cars more expensive.

The CBOE Volatility Index has increased this year, indicating a more unstable market. This has incentivized upper-class earners, like Warren Buffett, to hold more cash on hand. This is in line with classic wisdom, which advises one should hold a percentage of their net worth in cash.

While half of the 1,848 Americans polled by Zebra in a 2025 report purchased their car via financing, rates have become increasingly costly. In 2024, Experian found that the national auto loan debt increased by 2.1%. This rise is due, in part, to the high loan rates associated with vehicles, sitting as high as 15.97%. While these rates are for those with lower credit scores, typical rates fall in the 5% to 7% range, according to Nerd Wallet. That would be a massive monthly payment for luxury vehicles that cost over $100,000.

Additionally, the cost of maintenance on luxury brands, including Porsche and Land Rover, are some of the highest in the market, according to Consumer Reports. For instance, the cost of a luxury Porsche SUV, the 2025 Cayenne, can range from $84,700 – $203,800, and maintenance costs can reach upward of $1,000 a year. Given this, the liquid capital needed, not only to purchase but also to maintain a Porsche, requires an income well over double the national average, making one upper class.