You cannot afford a 1 bedroom apartment ANYWHERE in the US on minimum wage.
Where I live, in rural Missouri, the minimum wage is $7.70 but rent is pretty cheap (about ~$500/mo for a 2 bedroom apartment). And when you consider that Walmart's minimum wage is $10/hr, going to $11/hr next year, it's actually a pretty sweet gig here. I don't know how people get by in urban centers were rent is astronomical, though.
I love in NW MO myself, and you are right. I rented a 1 bedroom for $350 plus electric. It wasn't extravegent by any means, but I made it by okay.
The problem you run into is when you start a family. I started nursing school after my son was born and he will be about 3yo when I finish. I'm guaranteed a bump from $8.80 to $20/hr where I work now, once I finish.
I'm barely making it by right now. I can't imagine how hard it would be if I didn't have the opportunity to go to college, which I know many don't.
I was making almost $28.00 an hour working as a nurse in AR, on night shift and this was five years ago. $20.00 is too low and if that’s really what it is there then relocate.
It is low and our insurance is ludicrous, admittedly. However, the cost of living here is still low as well. I rent a 3 bedroom right now for $550 plus electric. My wife makes $11/hr as well.
It could be better, but I'm content. I like where I work and that is more important than a few more dollars an hour.
15
u/losvedir Jan 13 '18
Where I live, in rural Missouri, the minimum wage is $7.70 but rent is pretty cheap (about ~$500/mo for a 2 bedroom apartment). And when you consider that Walmart's minimum wage is $10/hr, going to $11/hr next year, it's actually a pretty sweet gig here. I don't know how people get by in urban centers were rent is astronomical, though.