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?
ALSO READ: Tucson, Phoenix among Top 25 Best Cities for New College Graduates
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.
Comments are closed.