What You Can Rent on a Minimum-Wage Salary in Every State

manonallard / Getty Images
manonallard / Getty Images

In 1938, President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed the Fair Labor Standards Act into law, which introduced the minimum wage at 25 cents per hour. It has increased some since then, but not much. While always controversial, the issue has become a political hot button in recent years, as sides argue about whether or not people truly can live on the minimum wage.

See: How To Save Money on All Your Monthly Expenses and Bills

To cut through all the noise, GOBankingRates conducted a study to analyze just how much money minimum-wage earners make on a state-by-state basis, and whether a person can afford to rent an apartment (even with roommates) while earning the minimum wage, using data from the U.S. Department of Labor and the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Overall, the results of the study are eye-opening. Using 2020 data from RentData.org, which pulls from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, GOBankingRates found the average gross rent by state for single-person studios as well as one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments to see what would be affordable for people being paid the minimum wage. Alarmingly, there were no states where minimum-wage workers could afford to rent a studio or one-bedroom by themselves. When accounting for people sharing living spaces, there were only 15 states where two minimum-wage workers could afford to rent two-bedroom apartments and 23 states where three people could rent three-bedroom apartments.

Translated to real-world experience, it is clear from the study that it’s a serious struggle to survive in the U.S. while only earning the minimum wage. Yet, plenty of Americans are forced to do just that, so it’s important to implement coping strategies in any way possible. Some of these options are discussed after the state-by-state breakdown of the study results, which could help those who earn minimum wage to find additional ways to save money on monthly expenses and bills.

Last updated: April 15, 2021

Historic Downtown Mobile, Alabama
Historic Downtown Mobile, Alabama

Alabama

  • Minimum hourly wage: $7.25

  • Annual income on the minimum wage: $15,080

  • Monthly rent one person can afford on minimum wage: $325.34

  • Average studio rent: $534

  • Average one-bedroom rent: $576

  • Average two-bedroom rent: $701

  • Average three-bedroom rent: $924

A minimum-wage worker can’t afford a studio or one-bedroom apartment in Alabama. It would require three minimum-wage workers to rent a three-bedroom apartment together.

Related: How the US Minimum Wage Has Changed Since the Year You Were Born

Alaska, USA - August 12, 2016: Downtown Juneau with flowers in the foreground with painted wooden storefront buildings and the Red Dog Saloon.
Alaska, USA - August 12, 2016: Downtown Juneau with flowers in the foreground with painted wooden storefront buildings and the Red Dog Saloon.

Alaska

  • Minimum hourly wage: $10.19

  • Annual income on the minimum wage: $21,195.20

  • Monthly rent one person can afford on minimum wage: $457.27

  • Average studio rent: $911

  • Average one-bedroom rent: $1,033

  • Average two-bedroom rent: $1,288

  • Average three-bedroom rent: $1,715

A minimum-wage worker can’t afford a studio or one-bedroom apartment in Alaska. Even sharing spaces, two or three minimum-wage earners cannot afford to rent a two- or three-bedroom apartment together.

Check Out: 35 Useless Expenses You Need To Slash From Your Budget

The skyline of Scottsdale, Arizona, in evening light.
The skyline of Scottsdale, Arizona, in evening light.

Arizona

  • Minimum hourly wage: $12

  • Annual income on the minimum wage: $24,960

  • Monthly rent one person can afford on minimum wage: $538.50

  • Average studio rent: $656

  • Average one-bedroom rent: $727

  • Average two-bedroom rent: $917

  • Average three-bedroom rent: $1,276

A minimum-wage worker can’t afford to live alone in Arizona. Two or three minimum-wage workers can afford to rent a two- or three-bedroom apartment together.

Read: 50 Ways To Live the Big Life on a Small Budget

Little Rock, Arkansas, USA skyline on the river at twilight.
Little Rock, Arkansas, USA skyline on the river at twilight.

Arkansas

  • Minimum hourly wage: $10

  • Annual income on the minimum wage: $20,800

  • Monthly rent one person can afford on minimum wage: $448.75

  • Average studio rent: $493

  • Average one-bedroom rent: $533

  • Average two-bedroom rent: $672

  • Average three-bedroom rent: $889

A minimum-wage worker can’t afford a studio or one-bedroom apartment in Arkansas. Two or three minimum-wage workers can afford to rent a two- or three-bedroom apartment together.

Beautiful view of downtown San Francisco with famous California Street illuminated in first golden morning light at sunrise in summer, San Francisco, California, USA.
Beautiful view of downtown San Francisco with famous California Street illuminated in first golden morning light at sunrise in summer, San Francisco, California, USA.

California

  • Minimum hourly wage: $12

  • Annual income on the minimum wage: $24,960

  • Monthly rent one person can afford on minimum wage: $538.50

  • Average studio rent: $997

  • Average one-bedroom rent: $1,140

  • Average two-bedroom rent: $1,446

  • Average three-bedroom rent: $2,011

A minimum-wage worker can’t afford a studio or one-bedroom apartment in California. In fact, the cost of housing is so steep that even two or three minimum-wage workers will be unable to afford to rent a two- or three-bedroom apartment together.

Larimer street is a tourism highlight and worth a visit during the night time.
Larimer street is a tourism highlight and worth a visit during the night time.

Colorado

  • Minimum hourly wage: $12

  • Annual income on the minimum wage: $24,960

  • Monthly rent one person can afford on minimum wage: $538.50

  • Average studio rent: $745

  • Average one-bedroom rent: $801

  • Average two-bedroom rent: $1,008

  • Average three-bedroom rent: $1,367

A minimum-wage worker can’t afford a studio or one-bedroom apartment in Colorado. Two or three minimum-wage workers can afford to rent a two- or three-bedroom apartment together.

Bridgeport is a historic seaport city in the U.
Bridgeport is a historic seaport city in the U.

Connecticut

  • Minimum hourly wage: $12

  • Annual income on the minimum wage: $24,960

  • Monthly rent one person can afford on minimum wage: $538.50

  • Average studio rent: $870

  • Average one-bedroom rent: $1,033

  • Average two-bedroom rent: $1,294

  • Average three-bedroom rent: $1,644

A minimum-wage worker can’t afford a studio or one-bedroom apartment in Connecticut. Rents are prohibitively high for even two or three minimum-wage workers to afford to rent a two- or three-bedroom apartment together.

Wilmington is the largest city in the state of Delaware, United States and is located at the confluence of the Christina River and Brandywine Creek.
Wilmington is the largest city in the state of Delaware, United States and is located at the confluence of the Christina River and Brandywine Creek.

Delaware

  • Minimum hourly wage: $9.25

  • Annual income on the minimum wage: $19,240

  • Monthly rent one person can afford on minimum wage: $415.09

  • Average studio rent: $794

  • Average one-bedroom rent: $879

  • Average two-bedroom rent: $1,073

  • Average three-bedroom rent: $1,463

A minimum-wage worker can’t afford a studio or one-bedroom apartment in Delaware. Two or three minimum-wage workers can afford to rent a two- or three-bedroom apartment together.

Aerial image of Aventura Florida.
Aerial image of Aventura Florida.

Florida

  • Minimum hourly wage: $8.56

  • Annual income on the minimum wage: $17,804.80

  • Monthly rent one person can afford on minimum wage: $384.13

  • Average studio rent: $743

  • Average one-bedroom rent: $811

  • Average two-bedroom rent: $992

  • Average three-bedroom rent: $1,328

A minimum-wage worker can’t afford a studio or one-bedroom apartment in Florida. Rents are also too expensive even for two or three minimum-wage workers to rent a two- or three-bedroom apartment together.

Atlanta, Georgia, USA midtown skyline from PIedmont Park.
Atlanta, Georgia, USA midtown skyline from PIedmont Park.

Georgia

  • Minimum hourly wage: $5.15

  • Annual income on the minimum wage: $10,712

  • Monthly rent one person can afford on minimum wage: $231.11

  • Average studio rent: $628

  • Average one-bedroom rent: $655

  • Average two-bedroom rent: $788

  • Average three-bedroom rent: $1,041

Minimum-wage workers in Georgia can’t afford a studio or one-bedroom apartment. Even pooling resources, two and three minimum-wage workers are unable to afford to rent a two- or three-bedroom apartment together.

Aerial view of Honolulu cityscape at night, Hawaii, USA.
Aerial view of Honolulu cityscape at night, Hawaii, USA.

Hawaii

  • Minimum hourly wage: $10.10

  • Annual income on the minimum wage: $21,008

  • Monthly rent one person can afford on minimum wage: $453.24

  • Average studio rent: $1,236

  • Average one-bedroom rent: $1,406

  • Average two-bedroom rent: $1,798

  • Average three-bedroom rent: $2,501

A minimum-wage worker can’t afford a studio or one-bedroom apartment in Hawaii. Even if they pool their income, two or three minimum-wage workers cannot afford to rent a two- or three-bedroom apartment together.

City of trees Boise Idaho with fall colors.
City of trees Boise Idaho with fall colors.

Idaho

  • Minimum hourly wage: $7.25

  • Annual income on the minimum wage: $15,080

  • Monthly rent one person can afford on minimum wage: $325.34

  • Average studio rent: $564

  • Average one-bedroom rent: $617

  • Average two-bedroom rent: $793

  • Average three-bedroom rent: $1,096

A minimum-wage worker can’t afford a studio or one-bedroom apartment in Idaho. Two or three minimum-wage workers still fall short when it comes to renting a two- or three-bedroom apartment together.

Chicago Illinois at sunset with Cloud Gate bean art work
Chicago Illinois at sunset with Cloud Gate bean art work

Illinois

  • Minimum hourly wage: $10

  • Annual income on the minimum wage: $20,800

  • Monthly rent one person can afford on minimum wage: $448.75

  • Average studio rent: $556

  • Average one-bedroom rent: $624

  • Average two-bedroom rent: $787

  • Average three-bedroom rent: $1,033

A minimum-wage worker can’t afford a studio or one-bedroom apartment in Illinois. Two or three minimum-wage workers can afford to rent a two- or three-bedroom apartment together, however.

Indianapolis Indiana
Indianapolis Indiana

Indiana

  • Minimum hourly wage: $7.25

  • Annual income on the minimum wage: $15,080

  • Monthly rent one person can afford on minimum wage: $325.34

  • Average studio rent: $549

  • Average one-bedroom rent: $620

  • Average two-bedroom rent: $782

  • Average three-bedroom rent: $1,027

A minimum-wage worker can’t afford a studio or one-bedroom apartment in Indiana. Neither can two or three minimum-wage workers afford to rent a two- or three-bedroom apartment together.

Morning in Des Moines, Iowa.
Morning in Des Moines, Iowa.

Iowa

  • Minimum hourly wage: $7.25

  • Annual income on the minimum wage: $15,080

  • Monthly rent one person can afford on minimum wage: $325.34

  • Average studio rent: $516

  • Average one-bedroom rent: $570

  • Average two-bedroom rent: $729

  • Average three-bedroom rent: $970

A minimum-wage worker can’t afford a studio or one-bedroom apartment in Iowa. Even two minimum wage workers will be unable to rent a two-bedroom apartment. However, three minimum-wage workers will have just barely enough cash to rent a three-bedroom apartment together.

Wichita, Kansas, USA - April 27, 2018: Evening view of the Lewis Street Bridge bracketing downtown Wichita, crossing the Arkansas River.
Wichita, Kansas, USA - April 27, 2018: Evening view of the Lewis Street Bridge bracketing downtown Wichita, crossing the Arkansas River.

Kansas

  • Minimum hourly wage: $7.25

  • Annual income on the minimum wage: $15,080

  • Monthly rent one person can afford on minimum wage: $325.34

  • Average studio rent: $545

  • Average one-bedroom rent: $589

  • Average two-bedroom rent: $752

  • Average three-bedroom rent: $992

A minimum-wage worker can’t afford a studio or one-bedroom apartment in Kansas. Two or three minimum-wage workers do not fare any better, either, when it comes to renting a two- or three-bedroom apartment together.

Lexington, KY, USA October 18, 2009 The skyline of Lexington Kentucky rises behind a residential area near the University of Kentucky.
Lexington, KY, USA October 18, 2009 The skyline of Lexington Kentucky rises behind a residential area near the University of Kentucky.

Kentucky

  • Minimum hourly wage: $7.25

  • Annual income on the minimum wage: $15,080

  • Monthly rent one person can afford on minimum wage: $325.34

  • Average studio rent: $498

  • Average one-bedroom rent: $556

  • Average two-bedroom rent: $699

  • Average three-bedroom rent: $929

A minimum-wage worker can’t afford a studio or one-bedroom apartment in Kentucky. Three minimum-wage workers could team for a three-bedroom apartment, but just two cannot afford a two-bedroom place together.

Louisiana State CapitolLouisiana State Capitol.
Louisiana State CapitolLouisiana State Capitol.

Louisiana

  • Minimum hourly wage: $7.25

  • Annual income on the minimum wage: $15,080

  • Monthly rent one person can afford on minimum wage: $325.34

  • Average studio rent: $617

  • Average one-bedroom rent: $672

  • Average two-bedroom rent: $820

  • Average three-bedroom rent: $1,073

A minimum-wage worker can’t afford a studio or one-bedroom apartment in Louisiana. Two or three minimum-wage workers do not fare any better even when pooling resources; they are still unable to afford to rent a two- or three-bedroom apartment together.

Augusta, Maine
Augusta, Maine

Maine

  • Minimum hourly wage: $12

  • Annual income on the minimum wage: $24,960

  • Monthly rent one person can afford on minimum wage: $538.50

  • Average studio rent: $640

  • Average one-bedroom rent: $685

  • Average two-bedroom rent: $849

  • Average three-bedroom rent: $1,108

A minimum-wage worker can’t afford a studio or one-bedroom apartment in Maine. However, two or three minimum-wage workers can afford to rent a two- or three-bedroom apartment together.

Annapolis Maryland capitol
Annapolis Maryland capitol

Maryland

  • Minimum hourly wage: $11

  • Annual income on the minimum wage: $22,880

  • Monthly rent one person can afford on minimum wage: $493.62

  • Average studio rent: $909

  • Average one-bedroom rent: $1,023

  • Average two-bedroom rent: $1,243

  • Average three-bedroom rent: $1,637

A minimum-wage worker can’t afford a studio or one-bedroom apartment in Maryland. The best possibility would be for three minimum-wage workers to share a two-bedroom apartment and get creative about sleeping arrangements.

Lawrence is a city in Essex County, Massachusetts, United States, on the Merrimack River.
Lawrence is a city in Essex County, Massachusetts, United States, on the Merrimack River.

Massachusetts

  • Minimum hourly wage: $12.75

  • Annual income on the minimum wage: $26,520

  • Monthly rent one person can afford on minimum wage: $572.15

  • Average studio rent: $1,149

  • Average one-bedroom rent: $1,273

  • Average two-bedroom rent: $1,588

  • Average three-bedroom rent: $1,995

A minimum-wage worker can’t afford a studio or one-bedroom apartment in Massachusetts. Two or three minimum-wage workers do not fare any better even when pooling resources; they are still unable to afford to rent a two- or three-bedroom apartment together in the pricey state.

Capitol park in Detroit downtown Summer.
Capitol park in Detroit downtown Summer.

Michigan

  • Minimum hourly wage: $9.65

  • Annual income on the minimum wage: $20,072

  • Monthly rent one person can afford on minimum wage: $433.04

  • Average studio rent: $547

  • Average one-bedroom rent: $614

  • Average two-bedroom rent: $773

  • Average three-bedroom rent: $1,017

A minimum-wage worker can’t afford a studio or one-bedroom apartment in Michigan. However, two or three minimum-wage workers can afford to rent a two- or three-bedroom apartment together — and have enough money left for a streaming service or two.

Minneapolis Minnesota cityscape view
Minneapolis Minnesota cityscape view

Minnesota

  • Minimum hourly wage: $10

  • Annual income on the minimum wage: $20,800

  • Monthly rent one person can afford on minimum wage: $448.75

  • Average studio rent: $562

  • Average one-bedroom rent: $646

  • Average two-bedroom rent: $823

  • Average three-bedroom rent: $1,121

A minimum-wage worker can’t afford a studio or one-bedroom apartment in Minnesota. However, two or three minimum-wage workers can afford to rent a two- or three-bedroom apartment together.

View to small American town.
View to small American town.

Mississippi

  • Minimum hourly wage: $7.25

  • Annual income on the minimum wage: $15,080

  • Monthly rent one person can afford on minimum wage: $325.34

  • Average studio rent: $524

  • Average one-bedroom rent: $569

  • Average two-bedroom rent: $703

  • Average three-bedroom rent: $916

A minimum-wage worker can’t afford a studio or one-bedroom apartment in Mississippi. However, three minimum-wage workers can afford to rent a three-bedroom apartment together.

Kansas City, United States - May 6, 2016: On Friday afternoon a classic, blue Cadillac convertible car drives downtown past the traditional Midwestern American buildings.
Kansas City, United States - May 6, 2016: On Friday afternoon a classic, blue Cadillac convertible car drives downtown past the traditional Midwestern American buildings.

Missouri

  • Minimum hourly wage: $9.45

  • Annual income on the minimum wage: $19,656

  • Monthly rent one person can afford on minimum wage: $424.07

  • Average studio rent: $484

  • Average one-bedroom rent: $547

  • Average two-bedroom rent: $700

  • Average three-bedroom rent: $933

A minimum-wage worker can’t afford a studio or one-bedroom apartment in Missouri. However, two or three minimum-wage workers comfortably can afford to rent a two- or three-bedroom apartment together.

BOZEMAN, MT -7 SEP 2018- View of downtown Bozeman, Montana, home to the campus of Montana State University (MSU).
BOZEMAN, MT -7 SEP 2018- View of downtown Bozeman, Montana, home to the campus of Montana State University (MSU).

Montana

  • Minimum hourly wage: $8.65

  • Annual income on the minimum wage: $17,992

  • Monthly rent one person can afford on minimum wage: $388.17

  • Average studio rent: $561

  • Average one-bedroom rent: $636

  • Average two-bedroom rent: $809

  • Average three-bedroom rent: $1,081

A minimum-wage worker can’t afford a studio or one-bedroom apartment in Montana. Two minimum wage workers come up just short, but three minimum-wage workers can join to rent a three-bedroom apartment.

Lincoln, Nebraska, USA - July 9, 2013: People in the busy downtown area of Lincoln, the capital city of the state of Nebraska with a colorful pedestrian bridge which is part of the city's effort to make the area more appealing.
Lincoln, Nebraska, USA - July 9, 2013: People in the busy downtown area of Lincoln, the capital city of the state of Nebraska with a colorful pedestrian bridge which is part of the city's effort to make the area more appealing.

Nebraska

  • Minimum hourly wage: $9

  • Annual income on the minimum wage: $18,720

  • Monthly rent one person can afford on minimum wage: $403.87

  • Average studio rent: $480

  • Average one-bedroom rent: $569

  • Average two-bedroom rent: $724

  • Average three-bedroom rent: $946

A minimum-wage worker can’t afford a studio or one-bedroom apartment in Nebraska. However, two or three minimum-wage workers can combine to rent a two- or three-bedroom apartment.

Henderson Nevada best weather
Henderson Nevada best weather

Nevada

  • Minimum hourly wage: $9

  • Annual income on the minimum wage: $18,720

  • Monthly rent one person can afford on minimum wage: $403.87

  • Average studio rent: $610

  • Average one-bedroom rent: $710

  • Average two-bedroom rent: $905

  • Average three-bedroom rent: $1,263

A minimum-wage worker can’t afford a studio or one-bedroom apartment in Nevada. In fact, two or three minimum-wage workers will fall just short of renting a two- or three-bedroom apartment together.

This is a panorama view of Claremont, New Hampshire, New England.
This is a panorama view of Claremont, New Hampshire, New England.

New Hampshire

  • Minimum hourly wage: $7.25

  • Annual income on the minimum wage: $15,080

  • Monthly rent one person can afford on minimum wage: $325.34

  • Average studio rent: $757

  • Average one-bedroom rent: $856

  • Average two-bedroom rent: $1,089

  • Average three-bedroom rent: $1,426

A minimum-wage worker can’t afford a studio or one-bedroom apartment in New Hampshire. In fact, two or three minimum-wage workers also will be unable to rent a two- or three-bedroom apartment together.

Exchange Place, Jersey City, New Jersey skyline
Exchange Place, Jersey City, New Jersey skyline

New Jersey

  • Minimum hourly wage: $11

  • Annual income on the minimum wage: $22,880

  • Monthly rent one person can afford on minimum wage: $493.62

  • Average studio rent: $1,013

  • Average one-bedroom rent: $1,185

  • Average two-bedroom rent: $1,467

  • Average three-bedroom rent: $1,875

A minimum-wage worker can’t afford a studio or one-bedroom apartment in New Jersey. In fact, two or three minimum-wage workers also can’t merge their funds to afford a two- or three-bedroom apartment together.

New Mexico
New Mexico

New Mexico

  • Minimum hourly wage: $9

  • Annual income on the minimum wage: $18,720

  • Monthly rent one person can afford on minimum wage: $403.87

  • Average studio rent: $604

  • Average one-bedroom rent: $650

  • Average two-bedroom rent: $802

  • Average three-bedroom rent: $1,093

A minimum-wage worker can’t afford a studio or one-bedroom apartment in New Mexico. But the good news is that two or three minimum-wage workers will be able to rent a two- or three-bedroom apartment together.

Long Island City, Famous Place, River, Skyscraper, USA.
Long Island City, Famous Place, River, Skyscraper, USA.

New York

  • Minimum hourly wage: $11.80

  • Annual income on the minimum wage: $24,544

  • Monthly rent one person can afford on minimum wage: $529.52

  • Average studio rent: $806

  • Average one-bedroom rent: $886

  • Average two-bedroom rent: $1076

  • Average three-bedroom rent: $1,378

A minimum-wage worker can’t afford a studio or one-bedroom apartment in New York. Neither can two minimum-wage workers renting a two-bedroom apartment together. However, three minimum-wage workers will be able to rent a three-bedroom apartment together.

Downtown Greensboro, North Carolina.
Downtown Greensboro, North Carolina.

North Carolina

  • Minimum hourly wage: $7.25

  • Annual income on the minimum wage: $15,080

  • Monthly rent one person can afford on minimum wage: $325.34

  • Average studio rent: $633

  • Average one-bedroom rent: $652

  • Average two-bedroom rent: $799

  • Average three-bedroom rent: $1,063

A minimum-wage worker can’t afford a studio or one-bedroom apartment in North Carolina, nor will two or three minimum-wage workers be able to rent a two- or three-bedroom apartment together.

Fargo, North Dakota, USA - June 12, 2017: Daytime view of Fargo's historic Front Street now Main Street in the heart of the downtown district.
Fargo, North Dakota, USA - June 12, 2017: Daytime view of Fargo's historic Front Street now Main Street in the heart of the downtown district.

North Dakota

  • Minimum hourly wage: $7.25

  • Annual income on the minimum wage: $15,080

  • Monthly rent one person can afford on minimum wage: $325.34

  • Average studio rent: $596

  • Average one-bedroom rent: $614

  • Average two-bedroom rent: $766

  • Average three-bedroom rent: $1,053

A minimum-wage worker can’t afford a studio or one-bedroom apartment in North Dakota. Two or three minimum-wage workers also will fall short of being able to rent a two- or three-bedroom apartment together.

Glimpse of city life with traffic on Walnut Street with office buildings in the background in downtown Cincinnati, Ohio, USA illuminated at twilight.
Glimpse of city life with traffic on Walnut Street with office buildings in the background in downtown Cincinnati, Ohio, USA illuminated at twilight.

Ohio

  • Minimum hourly wage: $8.70

  • Annual income on the minimum wage: $18,096

  • Monthly rent one person can afford on minimum wage: $390.41

  • Average studio rent: $540

  • Average one-bedroom rent: $604

  • Average two-bedroom rent: $761

  • Average three-bedroom rent: $992

A minimum-wage worker can’t afford a studio or one-bedroom apartment in Ohio. However, two or three minimum-wage workers will be able to rent a two- or three-bedroom apartment together.

Muskogee is a town in and the county seat of Muskogee County, Oklahoma, United States.
Muskogee is a town in and the county seat of Muskogee County, Oklahoma, United States.

Oklahoma

  • Minimum hourly wage: $7.25

  • Annual income on the minimum wage: $15,080

  • Monthly rent one person can afford on minimum wage: $325.34

  • Average studio rent: $531

  • Average one-bedroom rent: $576

  • Average two-bedroom rent: $728

  • Average three-bedroom rent: $965

A minimum-wage worker can’t afford a studio or one-bedroom apartment in Oklahoma. Neither can two minimum-wage workers sharing a two-bedroom apartment. However, three minimum-wage workers will be able to rent a three-bedroom apartment together.

Gresham Oregon
Gresham Oregon

Oregon

  • Minimum hourly wage: $12

  • Annual income on the minimum wage: $24,960

  • Monthly rent one person can afford on minimum wage: $538.50

  • Average studio rent: $719

  • Average one-bedroom rent: $820

  • Average two-bedroom rent: $1,022

  • Average three-bedroom rent: $1,451

A minimum-wage worker can’t afford a studio or one-bedroom apartment in Oregon. However, two or three minimum-wage workers can afford to rent a two- or three-bedroom apartment together.

Pedestrians relax on John F.
Pedestrians relax on John F.

Pennsylvania

  • Minimum hourly wage: $7.25

  • Annual income on the minimum wage: $15,080

  • Monthly rent one person can afford on minimum wage: $325.34

  • Average studio rent: $616

  • Average one-bedroom rent: $684

  • Average two-bedroom rent: $850

  • Average three-bedroom rent: $1,099

A minimum-wage worker can’t afford a studio or one-bedroom apartment in Pennsylvania. Two or three minimum-wage workers can’t afford to rent a two- or three-bedroom apartment together, either.

Providence, Rhode Island, USA park and skyline.
Providence, Rhode Island, USA park and skyline.

Rhode Island

  • Minimum hourly wage: $10.50

  • Annual income on the minimum wage: $21,840

  • Monthly rent one person can afford on minimum wage: $471.19

  • Average studio rent: $812

  • Average one-bedroom rent: $911

  • Average two-bedroom rent: $1,108

  • Average three-bedroom rent: $1,415

A minimum-wage worker can’t afford a studio or one-bedroom apartment in Rhode Island. Neither can two or three minimum-wage workers sharing a two- or three-bedroom apartment in The Ocean State.

Charleston, South Carolina, USA - November 23, 2016: Historic downtown Charleston at the busy intersection of Market and Meeting Streets.
Charleston, South Carolina, USA - November 23, 2016: Historic downtown Charleston at the busy intersection of Market and Meeting Streets.

South Carolina

  • Minimum hourly wage: $7.25

  • Annual income on the minimum wage: $15,080

  • Monthly rent one person can afford on minimum wage: $325.34

  • Average studio rent: $610

  • Average one-bedroom rent: $657

  • Average two-bedroom rent: $788

  • Average three-bedroom rent: $1,044

A minimum-wage worker can’t afford a studio or one-bedroom apartment in South Carolina. Neither can two or three minimum-wage workers sharing a two- or three-bedroom apartment.

SIOUX FALLS, SOUTH DAKOTA - JUNE 21, 2017: Riverwalk along the Big Sioux River.
SIOUX FALLS, SOUTH DAKOTA - JUNE 21, 2017: Riverwalk along the Big Sioux River.

South Dakota

  • Minimum hourly wage: $9.30

  • Annual income on the minimum wage: $19,344

  • Monthly rent one person can afford on minimum wage: $417.34

  • Average studio rent: $513

  • Average one-bedroom rent: $584

  • Average two-bedroom rent: $749

  • Average three-bedroom rent: $993

A minimum-wage worker can’t afford a studio or one-bedroom apartment in South Dakota. However, two or three minimum-wage workers can afford to share a two- or three-bedroom apartment.

People enjoy a pleasant evening in the Broadway pub district, downtown Nashville, Tennessee, USA at twilight.
People enjoy a pleasant evening in the Broadway pub district, downtown Nashville, Tennessee, USA at twilight.

Tennessee

  • Minimum hourly wage: $7.25

  • Annual income on the minimum wage: $15,080

  • Monthly rent one person can afford on minimum wage: $325.34

  • Average studio rent: $565

  • Average one-bedroom rent: $611

  • Average two-bedroom rent: $757

  • Average three-bedroom rent: $1,002

A minimum-wage worker can’t afford a studio or one-bedroom apartment in Tennessee. Neither can two or three minimum-wage workers afford to rent a two- or three-bedroom apartment together.

Wichita Falls is a city in and the county seat of Wichita County, Texas, United States.
Wichita Falls is a city in and the county seat of Wichita County, Texas, United States.

Texas

  • Minimum hourly wage: $7.25

  • Annual income on the minimum wage: $15,080

  • Monthly rent one person can afford on minimum wage: $325.34

  • Average studio rent: $608

  • Average one-bedroom rent: $669

  • Average two-bedroom rent: $829

  • Average three-bedroom rent: $1,106

A minimum-wage worker can’t afford a studio or one-bedroom apartment in Texas. Roommates won’t help. Two or three minimum-wage workers can’t afford to rent a two- or three-bedroom apartment together, either.

Diminishing perspective on a high-angle view of towers and streets in the centre of Utah's State Capital, Salt Lake City.
Diminishing perspective on a high-angle view of towers and streets in the centre of Utah's State Capital, Salt Lake City.

Utah

  • Minimum hourly wage: $7.25

  • Annual income on the minimum wage: $15,080

  • Monthly rent one person can afford on minimum wage: $325.34

  • Average studio rent: $592

  • Average one-bedroom rent: $684

  • Average two-bedroom rent: $850

  • Average three-bedroom rent: $1,164

A minimum-wage worker can’t afford a studio or one-bedroom apartment in Utah. Neither can two or three minimum-wage workers team to rent a two- or three-bedroom apartment.

Montpelier, Vermont, USA autumn town skyline.
Montpelier, Vermont, USA autumn town skyline.

Vermont

  • Minimum hourly wage: $10.96

  • Annual income on the minimum wage: $22,796.80

  • Monthly rent one person can afford on minimum wage: $491.83

  • Average studio rent: $764

  • Average one-bedroom rent: $851

  • Average two-bedroom rent: $1,050

  • Average three-bedroom rent: $1,354

A minimum-wage worker can’t afford a studio or one-bedroom apartment in Vermont. Neither can two minimum-wage workers who pool their resources for a two-bedroom apartment. However, three minimum-wage workers can just afford to rent a three-bedroom apartment together.

An office highrise building (left) and a highrise residential building (right) in Alexandria’s Carlyle neighborhood, with dramatic clouds in the background.
An office highrise building (left) and a highrise residential building (right) in Alexandria’s Carlyle neighborhood, with dramatic clouds in the background.

Virginia

  • Minimum hourly wage: $7.25

  • Annual income on the minimum wage: $15,080

  • Monthly rent one person can afford on minimum wage: $325.34

  • Average studio rent: $760

  • Average one-bedroom rent: $829

  • Average two-bedroom rent: $992

  • Average three-bedroom rent: $1,323

A minimum-wage worker can’t afford a studio or one-bedroom apartment in Virginia. Neither can two or three minimum-wage workers afford to rent a two- or three-bedroom apartment together.

Sundown over Olympia Washington with Mt.
Sundown over Olympia Washington with Mt.

Washington

  • Minimum hourly wage: $13.50

  • Annual income on the minimum wage: $28,080

  • Monthly rent one person can afford on minimum wage: $605.81

  • Average studio rent: $745

  • Average one-bedroom rent: $845

  • Average two-bedroom rent: $1,069

  • Average three-bedroom rent: $1,502

A minimum-wage worker can’t afford a studio or one-bedroom apartment in Washington. However, two or three minimum-wage workers can afford to rent a two- or three-bedroom apartment together, thanks to the highest state minimum wage on the list.

Harper's Ferry, West Virginia, USA - October 7, 2018 - View of High Street and Lower Town.
Harper's Ferry, West Virginia, USA - October 7, 2018 - View of High Street and Lower Town.

West Virginia

  • Minimum hourly wage: $8.75

  • Annual income on the minimum wage: $18,200

  • Monthly rent one person can afford on minimum wage: $392.65

  • Average studio rent: $560

  • Average one-bedroom rent: $597

  • Average two-bedroom rent: $726

  • Average three-bedroom rent: $959

A minimum-wage worker can’t afford a studio or one-bedroom apartment in West Virginia. However, two or three minimum-wage workers can afford to rent a two- or three-bedroom place together.

Green Bay--Wisconsin
Green Bay--Wisconsin

Wisconsin

  • Minimum hourly wage: $7.25

  • Annual income on the minimum wage: $15,080

  • Monthly rent one person can afford on minimum wage: $325.34

  • Average studio rent: $554

  • Average one-bedroom rent: $624

  • Average two-bedroom rent: $800

  • Average three-bedroom rent: $1,057

A minimum-wage worker can’t afford a studio or one-bedroom apartment in Wisconsin. Two or three minimum-wage workers can’t afford to rent a two- or three-bedroom apartment together, either.

Sheridan, WY / USA - 09-01-2014: Western heritage on display at shop and museum showcasing saddles and other leather goods illustrating horse and cowboy culture.
Sheridan, WY / USA - 09-01-2014: Western heritage on display at shop and museum showcasing saddles and other leather goods illustrating horse and cowboy culture.

Wyoming

  • Minimum hourly wage: $5.15

  • Annual income on the minimum wage: $10,712

  • Monthly rent one person can afford on minimum wage: $231.11

  • Average studio rent: $621

  • Average one-bedroom rent: $679

  • Average two-bedroom rent: $846

  • Average three-bedroom rent: $1,138

A minimum-wage worker can’t afford a studio or one-bedroom apartment in Wyoming. Neither can two or three minimum-wage workers afford to go in together to rent a two- or three-bedroom apartment.

Two girls moving in a new house
Two girls moving in a new house

How To Survive on a Minimum Wage Salary

Here are some options that could help minimum wage earners get by:

  • Get more roommates. One of the easiest ways to share expenses is to find additional roommates. When you can divide rent, utilities and even transportation costs among more people, the per-person cost will drop. Sharing living quarters might not be ideal for everyone, but it will help to stretch your budget.

  • Take on an additional job. Minimum-wage jobs may not pay much, but they are often available. If you have the time and energy, taking on additional work can increase your net income and help to cover your living expenses. If that’s not an option, ask your manager if there are any career paths toward jobs with a bigger income, such as a management training program. You also can look outside of your current job and apply for higher-paying positions, which would allow you to earn more money while working the same number of hours.

  • Lower your expenses. If you manage to find better deals or cut certain non-necessities, you might be able to cover more of your overall costs. For example, utility costs include cable bills. If you can switch providers to secure a lower rate or drop cable altogether, your utility costs will drop. Similarly, switching to a lower-cost supermarket or substituting free community events for expensive nights out can help to trim your expenses.

There’s no easy answer to the struggle that comes from surviving on the minimum wage. However, you might be able to balance out the scales — and achieve a living wage — by finding some combination of increased income and reduced expenses.

More From GOBankingRates

John Csiszar contributed to the reporting for this article.

To find out what you can rent on a minimum wage salary in every state, GOBankingRates first looked at each state’s (1) minimum wage as sourced from the United States Department of Labor, which was then multiplied out by 2,080 (40 hours a week for 52 weeks) to give the (2) annual income for a worker earning minimum wage in each state. GOBankingRates then found the percentage of annual income the average American spends on “Gross Rent” (shelter plus utilities) for a single person, based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ 2019 Consumer Expenditure Survey, which then was adjusted to each state’s annual income earning minimum wage to give (3) annual/monthly rent you can afford on minimum wage as well as living with one or two roommates who also make minimum wage. GOBankingRates then found the (4) average gross rent by state for a studio, one-bedroom, two-bedroom and three-bedroom apartment from 2020 data from RentData.org, which pulls data directly from the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development. With these averages sourced, GOBankingRates then cross-referenced factors (3) and (4) to see which apartment was affordable living on minimum wage. Note: We made the assumption that a studio and one-bedroom apartment would have only one occupant, a two-bedroom would have two occupants, and a three-bedroom would have three occupants. If more people were assumed to be sharing the smaller two apartment sizes, they night appear more affordable. All data was collected on and up to date as of Oct. 2, 2020.

Photos are for illustrative purposes only. As a result, the images may not reflect living spaces with the number of bedrooms listed in this article.

This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: What You Can Rent on a Minimum-Wage Salary in Every State