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MIT Living Wage Calculator

Estimate the living wage needed to cover basic expenses by US state and family size. Compare against poverty wages and federal minimum wage with a full cost-of-living breakdown.

Location & Family Size

Select your state and household composition

Household Composition

Cost of Living Breakdown

Living Wage
per hour (per adult)
Annual Living Income
2080 hrs/yr × living wage
Poverty Wage
federal poverty line /hr
Your Wage Gap
enter your wage above

Methodology & Key Concepts

Living Wage

Minimum needed to cover basic expenses without public assistance

Poverty Wage

Based on federal poverty guidelines for family size

Annual Calc

Wage × 2080 hrs = Annual

Data Source

Based on MIT Living Wage Study methodology (2023–24)