High-Net-Worth Income and Spending: 2026 Benchmark Report
A 2026 survey of 146 Long Angle members shows how working and early-retired high-net-worth households earn, spend, and save.
Key Takeaways
- Working households earn about four times what they spend, with expenses at about a quarter of gross income and 36% retained as free cash flow.
- The average early-retired household lives on passive income alone, though 32% of early retirees run a cash-flow deficit.
- Savings overtakes spending in the high six figures of income, and above $1.5M free cash flow reaches 44% of income.
- The wealthiest working households spend the largest share of income, with the spending rate at $25M+ of net worth jumping to 34%.
- A full-time nanny runs about $60K a year, more than respondents pay for private school or college.
- Findings come from 146 Long Angle members surveyed in September and October 2026, a voluntary sample that shouldn't be read as representative of all high-net-worth households.
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Where 146 Long Angle members' income goes, in five sections
Long Angle surveyed 146 members in September and October 2026 on their household income, taxes, and expenses over the past 12 months. Respondents chose to take part and aren't a representative sample of high-net-worth households.
- Income, spending, and savings. How gross income splits between taxes, expenses, structural savings, and free cash flow, for working households and early retirees.
- Spending versus savings. Where savings overtakes spending by income and net worth, how effective tax rates change as wealth rises, and which early retirees run a deficit.
- Income sources. How many times over income covers spending, and why stock compensation and business ownership separate $1M+ earners more than salary does.
- Spending categories. What respondents pay for housing ($55K a year all in), childcare and education, vacations, food, lifestyle, and health insurance.
- Structural savings. What working households and early retirees put into retirement, 529, and UTMA accounts each year.
Test your own numbers against peers in the same position
Still earning
Most of your income is still salary, bonus, equity, or business income. See how much respondents spend, how much they keep as cash, and where savings overtakes spending.
Retiring early
You're working out whether passive income can cover your life. See how early retirees fund spending without touching principal, and how many run a deficit.
Paying for children
You're weighing a nanny, daycare, or private school. See what respondents spend on each, and how a full-time nanny compares with college.
High-Net-Worth Income and Spending: 2026 Benchmark Report
A 2026 survey of 146 Long Angle members shows how working and early-retired high-net-worth households earn, spend, and save.
