Latest news with #livingwage
Entrepreneur
6 hours ago
- Business
- Entrepreneur
Here Are the 10 Cheapest States for Single People: Report
The report found that there are no U.S. states where a single person can live comfortably with a salary under $80,000. If you got a job offer in Massachusetts, could you afford to move there? What about Hawaii? Financial site SmartAsset used the most recent data available (February 2025) from the MIT Living Wage Calculator to gather the basic cost of living, including necessities like housing, food, transportation, and income taxes, to find how much salary it takes to live "comfortably" in each state. Researchers applied the cost of living in every U.S. state to a 50/30/20 budget (50% for needs, 30% for wants, and 20% for savings) to sort the list. Unsurprisingly, Hawaii was found to be the most expensive state for a single adult to live comfortably. Related: Here's How Much a Family of 4 Needs to Live 'Comfortably' in Every U.S. State, According to a New Report Living "comfortably" is defined as earning enough money for needs like housing and wants like trying that pricey restaurant, while still being able to put away money for long-term savings. According to the report, it takes a minimum salary of $124,467 for a single adult to live comfortably there. According to a 2023 report from Hawaii Governor Josh Green, the Aloha State's housing market is the most expensive in the nation, and an annual income of $252K would be needed to afford a median-priced new home. West Virginia, meanwhile, was found to be the cheapest state for single adults, where a salary of "only" $80,829 is needed to live comfortably. Housing in West Virginia is 27% lower than the national average, and utilities are 6% lower, according to RentCafe. Still, this means that in the entire U.S., having a salary under $80,829 means you won't be "comfortable." Here are the 10 most (and least) expensive states for a single adult with no children. Most Expensive States for a Single Adult With No Kids to Live Comfortably 1. Hawaii Income needed for a single adult, 2025: $124,467.20 2. Massachusetts Income needed for a single adult, 2025: $120,140.80 3. California Income needed for a single adult, 2025: $119,475.20 4. New York Income needed for a single adult, 2025: $114,691.2 5. Washington Income needed for a single adult, 2025: $109,657.60 6. New Jersey Income needed for a single adult, 2025: $108,992.00 7. Maryland Income needed for a single adult, 2025: $108,867.20 8. Virginia Income needed for a single adult, 2025: $106,704.00 9. Colorado Income needed for a single adult, 2025: $105,955.20 10. Connecticut Income needed for a single adult, 2025: $105,164.80 Least Expensive States for a Single Adult With No Kids to Live Comfortably 1. West Virginia Income needed for a single adult, 2025: $80,828.80 2. Arkansas Income needed for a single adult, 2025: $81,078.40 3. South Dakota Income needed for a single adult, 2025: $82,160.00 4. North Dakota Income needed for a single adult, 2025: $82,284.80 5. Kentucky Income needed for a single adult, 2025: $83,574.40 6. Oklahoma Income needed for a single adult, 2025: $84,281.60 7. Ohio Income needed for a single adult, 2025: $84,780.80 8. Alabama Income needed for a single adult, 2025: $85,280.00 9. Louisiana Income needed for a single adult, 2025: $85,321.60 10. Mississippi Income needed for a single adult, 2025: $86,320.00 Click here for SmartAsset's full report.
Yahoo
a day ago
- Lifestyle
- Yahoo
Living on $40K: 5 Budget-Friendly Cities for Low-Income Earners
As rent prices and inflation surge, living on $40,000 a year feels harder than ever. And in truth, it often isn't enough to meet basic needs without support. But in the right city, where housing is cheaper, public transportation is accessible, and safety nets exist, $40,000 can still stretch further than you'd expect. Read More: Find Out: While definitions of 'low income' vary depending on the source and location, we used $40,000 as a practical benchmark, considering this number is an income that sits near or slightly above the estimated living wage for a single adult in each of these cities. These aren't luxury destinations, but they offer low-income earners a better shot at stability and breathing room. This list of budget-friendly cities is based on publicly available data from the MIT Living Wage Calculator and Cities where low-income individuals have a better chance of managing costs, especially with assistance, were prioritized considering these factors: Median one-bedroom rent under $1,000 per month An estimated living wage under $40,000 per year for a single adult Public transit access or walkability Access to public support programs like Medicaid, SNAP, or local food banks. Discover Next: Average one-bedroom rent: $868 Living wage estimate after taxes: $32,033 Transportation/Walkability: Brownsville's overall Walk Score is 35, indicating that most errands require a car. However, certain neighborhoods, like downtown, are more walkable with a Walk Score of 87. Additionally, Brownsville Metro operates 13 bus routes, providing residents with public transportation options to reduce the need for a car and its expenses. Public support programs: The city is served by the Food Bank of the Rio Grande Valley, one of the largest in South Texas, providing food assistance to numerous local agencies. Texas offers Medicaid through specific waiver programs, and participation in both Medicaid and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is especially high among low-income households in Cameron County. Average one-bedroom rent: $827 Living wage estimate after taxes: $33,722 Transportation/Walkability: Brownsville Metro operates 13 public bus routes across the city, including the BTX Downtown Circular and Southeast line. The citywide Walk Score is around 35, though some downtown areas are more walkable. Downtown Brownsville, for example, has a Walk Score of 87, meaning most errands can be done on foot. Public support programs: Roughly 25.8% of Cameron County residents are enrolled in Medicaid, and nearly 24% participate in SNAP. The region is also served by the Food Bank of the Rio Grande Valley, which partners with over 275 local agencies to provide food assistance. Average one-bedroom rent: $973 Living wage estimate after taxes: $34,846 Transportation/Walkability: Dayton's public transportation system, operated by the Greater Dayton RTA, includes nearly 20 fixed bus routes, electric trolley buses, and paratransit services. For low-income earners, this network can reduce or eliminate the need for a personal vehicle. The city has a Walk Score of 45, while its downtown area has a Walk Score of 90. Public Support Programs:Roughly 177,000 Montgomery County residents are enrolled in Medicaid, and over 79,000 receive SNAP benefits in 2022. Average one-bedroom rent: $795 Living wage estimate after taxes: $34,883 Transportation/Walkability:The Toledo Area Regional Transit Authority (TARTA) operates 28 fixed bus routes. TARTA also offers paratransit services and on-demand options like TARTA Flex, enhancing mobility for residents. These options can reduce or eliminate the need for a personal car and save residents money on gas, insurance, and upkeep costs. Public Support Programs:Ohio's Medicaid program provides healthcare coverage to eligible residents, including those in Lucas County. Additionally, as of 2022, approximately 67,195 individuals in Lucas County received SNAP benefits. The SeaGate Food Bank, based in Toledo, supports over 400 pantries and programs in Northwest Ohio and plays a crucial role in addressing food insecurity in the region. Average one-bedroom rent: $948 Living wage estimate after taxes: $37,408 Transportation/Walkability:Citilink, Fort Wayne's public transportation system, operates 13 fixed bus routes and additional services like Flexlink and MedLink, connecting various parts of the city and surrounding areas to reduce or eliminate the need for a car. Public Support Programs:Indiana's Medicaid program offers healthcare coverage to eligible residents, including those in Allen County. As of 2022, approximately 36,934 individuals in the county received Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits. More From GOBankingRates 3 Luxury SUVs That Will Have Massive Price Drops in Summer 2025 7 Luxury SUVs That Will Become Affordable in 2025 5 Types of Cars Retirees Should Stay Away From Buying This article originally appeared on Living on $40K: 5 Budget-Friendly Cities for Low-Income Earners Sign in to access your portfolio
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Lifestyle
- Yahoo
Living on $40K: 5 Budget-Friendly Cities for Low-Income Earners
As rent prices and inflation surge, living on $40,000 a year feels harder than ever. And in truth, it often isn't enough to meet basic needs without support. But in the right city, where housing is cheaper, public transportation is accessible, and safety nets exist, $40,000 can still stretch further than you'd expect. Read More: Find Out: While definitions of 'low income' vary depending on the source and location, we used $40,000 as a practical benchmark, considering this number is an income that sits near or slightly above the estimated living wage for a single adult in each of these cities. These aren't luxury destinations, but they offer low-income earners a better shot at stability and breathing room. This list of budget-friendly cities is based on publicly available data from the MIT Living Wage Calculator and Cities where low-income individuals have a better chance of managing costs, especially with assistance, were prioritized considering these factors: Median one-bedroom rent under $1,000 per month An estimated living wage under $40,000 per year for a single adult Public transit access or walkability Access to public support programs like Medicaid, SNAP, or local food banks. Discover Next: Average one-bedroom rent: $868 Living wage estimate after taxes: $32,033 Transportation/Walkability: Brownsville's overall Walk Score is 35, indicating that most errands require a car. However, certain neighborhoods, like downtown, are more walkable with a Walk Score of 87. Additionally, Brownsville Metro operates 13 bus routes, providing residents with public transportation options to reduce the need for a car and its expenses. Public support programs: The city is served by the Food Bank of the Rio Grande Valley, one of the largest in South Texas, providing food assistance to numerous local agencies. Texas offers Medicaid through specific waiver programs, and participation in both Medicaid and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is especially high among low-income households in Cameron County. Average one-bedroom rent: $827 Living wage estimate after taxes: $33,722 Transportation/Walkability: Brownsville Metro operates 13 public bus routes across the city, including the BTX Downtown Circular and Southeast line. The citywide Walk Score is around 35, though some downtown areas are more walkable. Downtown Brownsville, for example, has a Walk Score of 87, meaning most errands can be done on foot. Public support programs: Roughly 25.8% of Cameron County residents are enrolled in Medicaid, and nearly 24% participate in SNAP. The region is also served by the Food Bank of the Rio Grande Valley, which partners with over 275 local agencies to provide food assistance. Average one-bedroom rent: $973 Living wage estimate after taxes: $34,846 Transportation/Walkability: Dayton's public transportation system, operated by the Greater Dayton RTA, includes nearly 20 fixed bus routes, electric trolley buses, and paratransit services. For low-income earners, this network can reduce or eliminate the need for a personal vehicle. The city has a Walk Score of 45, while its downtown area has a Walk Score of 90. Public Support Programs:Roughly 177,000 Montgomery County residents are enrolled in Medicaid, and over 79,000 receive SNAP benefits in 2022. Average one-bedroom rent: $795 Living wage estimate after taxes: $34,883 Transportation/Walkability:The Toledo Area Regional Transit Authority (TARTA) operates 28 fixed bus routes. TARTA also offers paratransit services and on-demand options like TARTA Flex, enhancing mobility for residents. These options can reduce or eliminate the need for a personal car and save residents money on gas, insurance, and upkeep costs. Public Support Programs:Ohio's Medicaid program provides healthcare coverage to eligible residents, including those in Lucas County. Additionally, as of 2022, approximately 67,195 individuals in Lucas County received SNAP benefits. The SeaGate Food Bank, based in Toledo, supports over 400 pantries and programs in Northwest Ohio and plays a crucial role in addressing food insecurity in the region. Average one-bedroom rent: $948 Living wage estimate after taxes: $37,408 Transportation/Walkability:Citilink, Fort Wayne's public transportation system, operates 13 fixed bus routes and additional services like Flexlink and MedLink, connecting various parts of the city and surrounding areas to reduce or eliminate the need for a car. Public Support Programs:Indiana's Medicaid program offers healthcare coverage to eligible residents, including those in Allen County. As of 2022, approximately 36,934 individuals in the county received Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits. More From GOBankingRates 3 Luxury SUVs That Will Have Massive Price Drops in Summer 2025 Clever Ways To Save Money That Actually Work in 2025 6 Popular SUVs That Aren't Worth the Cost -- and 6 Affordable Alternatives This article originally appeared on Living on $40K: 5 Budget-Friendly Cities for Low-Income Earners Sign in to access your portfolio
Washington Post
5 days ago
- Business
- Washington Post
Eliminating the tipped minimum wage was a mistake. Repeal Initiative 82.
One can sympathize with D.C. residents who, in 2022, overwhelmingly voted to eliminate the tipped minimum wage in the city. Proponents sold the measure — known as Initiative 82, which passed with nearly 74 percent of the vote — as a policy to guarantee restaurant servers a 'living wage.' Instead, it is proving to be an economic disaster. With restaurants closing, laying off workers or warning that they are on the verge of financial ruin because of rising payroll costs, the D.C. Council voted 8-4 on Tuesday to pause minimum-wage increases for tipped workers, which have been rolling out in phases since May 2023. The next raise, to $12, was slated for July. Pausing the policy was the right call. Now, the council should take the next step and repeal it entirely, as D.C. Mayor Muriel E. Bowser (D) proposed in her 2026 budget. D.C. lawmakers should rarely overturn voter-approved policies. Should a repeal pass, it would be the second time the council overturned the will of voters on the issue, having repealed a measure that passed in 2018 with 56 percent of the vote. The council's vote on Tuesday provoked intense backlash from activists, who disrupted the meeting multiple times with booing and yelling. One declared the decision a 'betrayal' of service workers. Council member Brianne K. Nadeau (D-Ward-1) stressed that D.C. residents were 'counting on' the raise. Yet Initiative 82 is a case study example of when council action is justified — indeed, essential, if the D.C. hospitality industry is to survive. The argument that District restaurant employees failed to receive livable wages was never accurate. Nor is it true that eliminating tipped wages would make servers more financially stable. Before the initiative went into effect, the minimum wage for tipped workers was set at $5.35 an hour, with tips covering the rest of their income to reach the city's standard minimum wage, which is now $17.50. If that didn't happen, employers were legally required to make up the difference. Some servers now complain that the initiative has resulted in them making less money because many customers now pay less in tips. And that's if they're eating at D.C. restaurants at all. Many restaurants are adding irritating service charges to cover the higher payrolls costs, which has pushed fed-up diners to competitors outside the city. Most restaurants — especially smaller ones — operate on thin margins, so multiple increases in pay for their staff within a short period can be toxic. Initiative 82 it hitting them as other economic factors bite into their business: inflation, tariffs and a sagging regional economy due to widespread job losses among federal workers. Proponents of the initiative often point out that the number of D.C. employees working at restaurants has grown since the policy took effect, according to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics. But many factors can affect job numbers, including the industry's long-term recovery from the pandemic — which might have been more robust without Initiative 82. In fact, the data suggests that job growth in full-service restaurants slowed significantly in the District as soon as the policy was implemented. That fact should make all elected officials uneasy. Beset by new economic challenges, the city needs a pro-growth agenda. A haphazard attempt to restructure how restaurants have long done business is the opposite of that.
Yahoo
17-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Letters to the Editor: A living wage isn't just an economic issue — it's a justice one
To the editor: A living wage is a justice issue. This was proclaimed by Pope Leo XIII and just affirmed by Pope Leo XIV. Still, rising costs of living have not resulted in comparable compensation, with wages remaining stagnant ('L.A. Council backs $30 minimum wage for hotels, despite warnings from tourism industry,' May 14). The argument from opponents about future projections is dire. Losing profits, which they gain on the back of underpaid workers, is not a winning argument. It is time to support the living wage and enable airport and hotel workers to earn what they deserve for their well-being and continued support of the tourism industry. Thanks to City Council members who value and support tourism workers. Lenore Navarro Dowling, Los Angeles .. To the editor: While reading this article by David Zahniser and Suhauna Hussain, I looked for a mention of how much it costs to live in Southern California. If we look at, for example, a single mother who needs a two-bedroom dwelling, transportation, food and other necessities such as clothes for herself and kids, how much does she need to make to survive in L.A. County? Paying her anything less than that means the employer is dumping its responsibilities into the government safety net. Should we allow that employer to get away with abusing the system? Perhaps if that employer cannot find the money to pay a living wage, it should lower wages at the top and work its way down the managerial chain until the business is managed well. Don Martens, Pomona This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
