The costs involved in raising a family across the United States can vary significantly depending on the region. Factors such as housing, food, healthcare, childcare, and transportation contribute to these differences. In areas with higher costs of living, the income needed for families to cover necessities can be substantially higher compared to regions with lower living costs.
Additionally, regional differences in wages and employment opportunities further influence the overall income needed for families to maintain a decent standard of living. Understanding these variations is crucial for policymakers and organizations aiming to address economic disparities and support families effectively.
Scholaroo’s data team analyzed the income needed for these factors across all 50 states to gain deeper insights. This analysis provides a detailed view of how food-related expenses impact households differently depending on their geographic location, offering valuable information for those looking to optimize their budgets effectively.
Where would you need a lower or higher income to raise your family in the country?
Costs of Each Basic Need for Estimating the Living Wage, by State
Methodology
Scholaroo's data team analyzed the most recent public data available on the costs of basic necessities, which are part of estimating the income needed for the living wage of a family with two working adults and two children.