The MIT Living Wage Calculator estimates the real cost of living in the U.S. by measuring and comparing both family composition and everyday typical expenses. Using 12 different family metrics, publicly available data, and geographically specific expenditure data, the tool successfully calculates how much a family needs to meet the minimum standards of living in the U.S.
Built and developed by MIT, the tool was created to help communities, local citizens, and their respective employers better understand the true cost of living in any given location in the U.S.
Main Features
- Estimates the living wage for every every state, city, and metro area in the U.S.
- Uses 12 different family compositions
- Has an easy-to-use search box
- Tool is updated every January
- Shows living wage, poverty wage, and minimum wage
- Outlines typical expenses for every location
- Shows typical annual salaries for various professions for each location
Launch the MIT Living Wage Calculator
Authors and Creators
Glasmeier, Amy K. Living Wage Calculator. 2020. Massachusetts Institute of Technology. livingwage.mit.edu.
