Recent times have witnessed an upsurge in the studies aimed at determining the required earnings for individuals to ensure a respectable standard of living across the diverse landscape of the United States. A recent study has ignited keen interest in comprehending influential factors like housing, utilities, and discretionary expenses, thereby illuminating the diverse financial landscapes across states.
According to GOBankingRates.com’s survey of annual living expenses for a single person in each of the 50 states, Hawaii claims the highest living wage at $112,411, while Mississippi has the lowest at $45,906. This startling contrast highlights the significant influence that geographic location exerts on economic realities.
Hawaii’s remote geography and limited land availability drive up the cost of living, particularly housing prices. The increased housing demand in Hawaii, combined with its restricted land availability, results in the rise of rental prices. Generally, in Honolulu, a one-bedroom apartment might require an average payment of around $2,500; in contrast, a similar apartment in a major mainland city like Los Angeles could cost approximately $1,500. Similarly, states like Massachusetts, California, and New York necessitate higher incomes due to their exorbitant housing costs.
In light of this analysis, the 50/30/20 budget model serves as a framework for defining living wages. Though it provides a guideline, it may not be universally applicable, especially in cities with soaring housing expenses like Hawaii. These realities have illuminated the complexities of single individuals looking for an environment where solution often entails curbing retirement savings or sharing housing costs. In this context, the significance of dual-income households, where sharing expenses is easier, becomes apparent.
A deep dive into individual state data showcases the dramatic variations in income required to achieve financial stability, according to the report. Alabama’s median income of $56,929 starkly contrasts with California’s $81,575, shedding light on the disparities that exist within a country that prides itself on economic equality. This regional dichotomy underscores the essence of context while assessing an individual’s financial standing. A salary deemed comfortable in one state might prove inadequate in another due to differing living costs and economic conditions.
Moreover, beyond data and figures, understanding the concept of a living wage encompasses a broader socioeconomic perspective. It encapsulates the essence of the “American Dream,” where hard work should yield a comfortable life and a secure retirement. However, the reality proves more complex. The chasm between executive salaries and worker earnings continues to widen, revealing an imbalance that challenges the notion of equal opportunity. With only 1% of households enjoying an income surpassing $500,000, the ideal dream of financial prosperity has appeared elusive for many.
While average post-tax income of $68,499 to live comfortably in the U.S., according to recent data from SmartAsset, the determination of a “good” salary still remains subjective. It hinges on individual circumstances, interests, and geographic realities. For single individuals, the ideal salary intertwines with life goals, from housing to retirement planning. Consequently, understanding one’s needs and aligning them with median income data can guide financial decisions. The gist of this study is that, rather than seeking a universal benchmark, individuals should assess their financial well-being in light of their unique circumstances.
The GOBankingRates.com’s researchers used the 2021 Consumer Expenditure Survey data (the latest available) for a single person from the Bureau of Labor Statistics to calculate the annual cost of necessities based on data from the Missouri Economic Research and Information Center’s 2023 Q1 Cost of Living Data Series.
Here’s a look at the average wage of a single person in each U.S. state:
| State | Annual Living Wage for a Single Person |
|---|---|
| Alabama | $46,577 |
| Alaska | $71,570 |
| Arizona | $60,026 |
| Arkansas | $47,111 |
| California | $80,013 |
| Colorado | $59,218 |
| Connecticut | $63,078 |
| Delaware | $56,571 |
| Florida | $57,064 |
| Georgia | $49,051 |
| Hawaii | $112,411 |
| Idaho | $58,634 |
| Illinois | $49,372 |
| Indiana | $49,855 |
| Iowa | $48,518 |
| Kansas | $47,379 |
| Kentucky | $47,318 |
| Louisiana | $50,087 |
| Maine | $60,862 |
| Maryland | $67,915 |
| Massachusetts | $87,909 |
| Michigan | $50,049 |
| Minnesota | $51,668 |
| Mississippi | $45,906 |
| Missouri | $47,771 |
| Montana | $57,056 |
| Nebraska | $49,009 |
| Nevada | $58,580 |
| New Hampshire | $62,935 |
| New Jersey | $64,463 |
| New Mexico | $51,214 |
| New York | $73,226 |
| North Carolina | $53,531 |
| North Dakota | $52,807 |
| Ohio | $50,157 |
| Oklahoma | $46,024 |
| Oregon | $65,763 |
| Pennsylvania | $53,838 |
| Rhode Island | $59,936 |
| South Carolina | $52,222 |
| South Dakota | $52,095 |
| Tennessee | $48,774 |
| Texas | $50,497 |
| Utah | $55,293 |
| Vermont | $65,923 |
| Virginia | $57,293 |
| Washington | $65,640 |
| West Virginia | $47,732 |
| Wisconsin | $53,122 |
| Wyoming | $49,666 |
