In California, a living wage is considerably higher than minimum wage levels. A single adult, without children, needs an hourly income of approximately $27.50 to cover basic living expenses. For families, the required income increases dramatically; a single parent with three children must earn about $82.16 per hour. Overall, rising costs in real estate, food, and transportation contribute to the increasing financial strain on residents, highlighting the challenge of achieving a sustainable livelihood in the state.
MIT defines the living wage as 'the hourly rate that an individual in a household must earn to support themselves and/or their family, working full-time, or 2,080 hours per year.' In California, that means earning enough to afford food, housing, transportation and more.
A single adult with no children would need to earn almost double California's minimum wage—$27.50 an hour—to afford basic necessities.
Prices are much higher today than just a few years ago, breeding stress and a sense of inequity around buying power, as well as adjustments in buying habits.
For families, the costs can be particularly challenging; for example, a single parent with three children would need to earn an hourly wage of $82.16.
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