How much does a single person need to live alone?

Asked by: Prof. Jacinthe Waelchi  |  Last update: March 24, 2025
Score: 4.6/5 (64 votes)

To live "comfortably" as a single person in 99 of the largest U.S. metro areas, you'll need a median income of $93,933, according to a recent SmartAsset analysis.

How much money is enough for a single person to live on?

An individual needs $96,500, on average, to live comfortably in a major U.S. city. That figure is even higher for families, who need to earn an average combined income of about $235,000 to support two adults and two children.

How much money do I need to live alone?

The average monthly expenses for a single person will depend quite a bit on where you live, and if you're living alone for the first time, you might be surprised that most things cost more, not just your rent. The national average expenses for a single person living alone are around $3,500 per month.

Is $15 an hour good for a single person?

$15/hour is more than likely not going to be enough to rent your own apartment, pay bills (especially if you have a car payment or other debt), and save. You might be able to make it paycheck to paycheck, but won't have lots of time to pursue other skills or means of income.

What is a stable income for a single person?

Hourly wage needed for a single adult: $57.10. Annual salary needed for a single adult to live comfortably: $118,768. Combined salaries for two working adults with two children needed: $316,243.

15 Tips For Living Alone | Things I Wish I Knew Before Living On My Own For the First Time

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Can a single person afford to live alone?

Housing costs shouldn't exceed 30% of your gross monthly income, said Salahi. For example, if you earn $5,000 monthly, your rent should ideally be $1,500 or less. “Remember, this includes rent and utilities. You might need to stretch this to 35% in high-cost areas, but be cautious about going higher,” he warned.

How much is $30 an hour annually?

Frequently Asked Questions. $30 an hour is how much a year? If you make $30 an hour, your yearly salary would be $62,400.

How much money do I need to live without working?

Using the 4% rule to estimate how much money you need to never work again involves knowing how much you plan on spending that first year or retirement. For example, if you want to spend $200,000, the math is $200,000/. 04 = $5,000,000. Another way to calculate this is that you would need 25x your annual spending rate.

How to grocery shop when you live alone?

These are some of my favorite tips when grocery shopping for one.
  1. Buy according to price per ounce instead of by package size. ...
  2. Buy pantry staples in bulk. ...
  3. Stop buying milk. ...
  4. Make your own bread and tortillas. ...
  5. Buy lots of root vegetables. ...
  6. Buy vegetables that you know you'll eat.

How much money should you have saved to live on your own?

Allocate how each dollar will be spent before moving out. There's no one-size-fits-all rule for how much money to spend or save, but a common formula looks like this: Put 50% of take-home pay toward necessary living expenses, such as rent, utility bills, debt payments, car loans, and medical expenses.

What is the minimum income for a single person?

Here is a look at five states where single individuals need to earn the most to cover basic expenses: Massachusetts: $58,009. Hawaii: $56,841. California: $56,825.

What is a good budget for single person?

The average monthly expenses for one person can vary, but the average single person spends about $3,405 per month. Housing tends to consume the highest portion of monthly income, with the average annual spending on housing at $1,885 per month per person.

What is the 50 30 20 rule?

Those will become part of your budget. The 50-30-20 rule recommends putting 50% of your money toward needs, 30% toward wants, and 20% toward savings. The savings category also includes money you will need to realize your future goals.

What is $70,000 a year hourly?

If you make $70,000 a year, your hourly salary would be $33.65.

Can you live off 30 an hour?

Is $30 An Hour Good Pay? Making $30 an hour puts you well above the national average, allowing for a comfortable lifestyle and some extra spending money, especially if you're working full-time. With this wage, you're less likely to struggle with finances and can avoid living paycheck to paycheck.

What salary is enough to live alone?

To live "comfortably" as a single person in 99 of the largest U.S. metro areas, you'll need a median income of $93,933, according to a recent SmartAsset analysis.

What is the best state to live in financially?

  • Arkansas. #1 in Cost of Living. #47 in Best States Overall. ...
  • Mississippi. #2 in Cost of Living. #48 in Best States Overall. ...
  • Alabama. #3 in Cost of Living. ...
  • South Dakota. #4 in Cost of Living. ...
  • Iowa. #5 in Cost of Living. ...
  • North Dakota. #6 in Cost of Living. ...
  • Oklahoma. #7 in Cost of Living. ...
  • West Virginia. #8 in Cost of Living.

What is the cheapest city to live alone?

Witchita, Kansas, is the nation's most affordable city for single renters. The housing burden there is only 17.65 percent while the median rent for a studio apartment is $565.

What is a decent income for a single person?

A good monthly income in California is $5,002, based on what the Bureau of Economic Analysis estimates that Californians pay for their cost of living. A good monthly income for you will depend on what your expenses are and how much you typically spend per month.