Tucson # 2 among the most livable cities for minimum wage earners

Many major cities still fall below the federal minimum wage of $ 7.25, which is not a living wage for the majority of people in the United States. So where can you live on the minimum wage and still lead a comfortable, affordable life? What are the most livable cities for minimum wage earners and which are the least livable cities for minimum wage earners?

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The Move.org researchers rated the 75 largest cities in the United States based on the number of hours it would take to buy a one-bedroom apartment while earning a minimum wage. This doesn’t include all other cost of living, but it does show where even paying rent for a single minimum wage job doesn’t work (if you’re planning on renting alone).

The average minimum wage in these 75 cities is $ 10.40 an hour, but the average rent for one-bedroom apartments is $ 1,040 per month – that means the rent in most major cities is over 60% of the monthly gross minimum wage, which does not include taxes .

Be wary of places with a current state minimum of $ 7.25 an hour and high rent – they’re likely prohibitive. Unless you have some roommates to help you keep the bills or you have multiple jobs, consider moving to a nearby town or town with a lower cost.

Worst cities for a one-room tenant living on the minimum wage

• Atlanta is the worst city to work and live as a minimum wage earner. You would have to work over 177 hours a month to live in a one-room apartment in Georgia’s capital.

• Dallas has the ninth largest population in the US, but it’s the sixth worst city for minimum wage earners.

• Irvine, California has the highest rent at $ 2,026 a month. Despite the higher minimum wage, the rent is still too expensive.

• Texas and North Carolina both have three major cities where rent is far higher than minimum wage earners alone should be able to afford.

The most livable cities for a one-room tenant living on the minimum wage

• You can still live and make a living in sunny California: Both Bakersfield and Stockton are in the top 10 best cities for minimum wage earners.

• From all cities with over a million inhabitants Chicago is one of the best for livable workers. Phoenix, Arizona came just under 14th place for minimum wage earners.

Living alone in a one-room apartment in a larger city may seem like a distant dream these days. However, two cities (in theory) still allow minimum wage earners to only have one job and live there affordably: Bakersfield, California and Tucson, Arizona.

Raising the state minimum wage could help millions afford a comfortable life, but for now it is best if workers making the minimum wage try to find an affordable place outside of big city costs.

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