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In reply to the discussion: A Minimum-Wage Worker Can't Afford A 2-Bedroom Apartment Anywhere in the US [View all]TexasBushwhacker
(20,185 posts)44. In most places, no
Net pay for minimum wage after FICA is taken out is $6.70 an hour. Since an employer who pays minimum wage is not going to want to pay overtime, let's say they work 38 hours per week. They probably won't get paid holidays or vacation either, so figure they work 1900 a year, and that's being generous. 2 people making that much will clear about $2100 a month and 33% of that for rent would be $700. IF they can get a 2 bedroom for that in a city it's going to be a godforsaken hell hole. They might be able to rent a 2 BR in a small town though. More likely they would have to share a 1 BR.
I'm in Houston and pay $747 for my 1 BR. I like my apartment, but it's a 40 year old building so it's not the best. 2 BR go for $987.
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A Minimum-Wage Worker Can't Afford A 2-Bedroom Apartment Anywhere in the US [View all]
appalachiablue
Jun 2018
OP
'POVERTY Is Rising Faster in US Suburbs Than In Cities, Here's Why' June 2, '18
appalachiablue
Jun 2018
#28
A full-time minimum-wage job won't get you a 1-bedroom apartment anywhere in America (2015)
oberliner
Jun 2018
#7
"no one making less than $140,000 a year can afford a 2-bedroom apartment in NYC."
BumRushDaShow
Jun 2018
#21
Yup, but lenders still use the 30% figure, even on high income households. (n/t)
thesquanderer
Jun 2018
#35
Besides rent control, NYC is also unusual because you typically don't need a car.
thesquanderer
Jun 2018
#37
Right. A version of this article comes out every year, it's still silly. Not just for the 30% reason
thesquanderer
Jun 2018
#23
As urban areas become more trendy and hip to live in, its the suburbs where low income families move
YOHABLO
Jun 2018
#10
The only way I could afford a one-bedroom on min wage in college was roommates...
Hekate
Jun 2018
#16
The headline to this post ought to be the rallying cry for ALL Democrats. n/t
Eyeball_Kid
Jun 2018
#17
Yeah. This is inaccurate on many levels and averages for such things are skewed.
Decoy of Fenris
Jun 2018
#25
What are the chances this bare economic fact and Ben Carson's rent increase will be covered on NPR..
Anon-C
Jun 2018
#29
Also related to serious decline of the US middle class. Unions are critical.
appalachiablue
Jun 2018
#47
So sorry for your loss and housing situation now at such a difficult time.
appalachiablue
Jun 2018
#59
In Upper Michigan, one can rent nice 3 BR homes for far less then $1,000 a month
Kaleva
Jun 2018
#61