Income and Expenses for families

Minimum Wage For Families

Later in October,  we divided into two groups and investigated the costs of living in relationship to a minimum wage salary. We discussed whether you could actually live off of  minimum wage in our area. Students looked at two family scenarios, a two-person household and a four-person household.

We found that a family of four is considerably more expensive than a family of two. The most expensive thing that was purchased  was childcare. The child care bill was just as expensive as the apartment building. This information doesn't even include healthcare are or taxes.

We wanted to see how much our favorite meals would  cost. If we wanted to make Chicken satay the it would cost $43.25 for one meal. That is only the cost for one meal. You need three meals and maybe some snacks, that could easily add up to $200. We found out that things like good spices and fresh fruits and vegetables are really expensive. Sometimes families  don't have enough money to buy real food so they are forced to buy junk food and fast food.

Four person family

income per month was: $ 2,513

Housing: $775

Utilities: Included in housing

Transportation: $370

Daycare: $800

Clothes/ shoes: $100

Toiletries: $20

Luxury items: $20

Entertainment (cell phone): $126

Left over for food? $472

Two person family

Income per month was: 2,513

Housing: $585 per month

Utilities: $171 per month

Transportation: $150 per month

Clothes/Shoes: $100 per month

Toiletries: $14 per month

Luxury items/Entertainment: $10 per month for Wi-Fi

iPhones: $120 per month  

Left over for food? $790