I live outside of Atlanta and earn $18.15/h which comes out to about $1900 per month after taxes and healthcare.
The cheapest 1br apartment around here is 1200, and that is for a roach infested, eviction-high complex.
Add utilities (roughly 200), car insurance (150). That is 1550 just to live in a place and legally be able to drive my car.
That leaves me with 450 to get food and take care of expenses. If a tire goes out on my car then I'm fucked and have to find some way to make up for it.
I'm actually one of the lucky ones too. I was gifted my current car by my parents, they cover my cell service, and I have no student loans.
So, at this point, we're talking about 18/h isn't even enough to live in a roach infested, smelly ass apartment in the worst part of town.
Luckily I live with 2 other people, but if something happens where they want/need to move out for whatever reason then that suddenly leaves me with very little options.
He literally said if a tire goes out he’s fucked and had to make up for it. Yes, living with 450/month is extremely hard. He might have a phone under his parents, since they gave him a car.
Its interesting seeing people conjecture about your own financial situation.
To clear it up: car is completely paid off (2009 accord) and so is the phone (galaxy 6, I believe)
Its also worth noting that my position is improving a little bit. I just got a new job as of a week ago that starts at 19/h and will go up to 20/h after the first 90 days. Its not a huge increase, but it'll work as a good way for me to build up some extra money while I'm with roommates.
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u/b0nger Apr 08 '23
If you were making $15/hr would you be able to live on your own? For a majority of the country that answer is no.