How much to earn in dollars to live well?

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jameen

Senior Member
Feb 5, 2018
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I am wondering how much should an American earn in the US in order to sustain his family?

For example if you have 1-3 children as a blue collar worker

Another is an individual with 1-3 children as a professional (teacher, engineer, lawyer etc.)
 
It depends on location and lifestyle.
That's a very hard question to answer for any country btw.

You can probably find a cost-of-living index for different cities.
 
I am wondering how much should an American earn in the US in order to sustain his family?

For example if you have 1-3 children as a blue collar worker

Another is an individual with 1-3 children as a professional (teacher, engineer, lawyer etc.)
The US is a really big country. And each part of the country is a little different from any other part of the country. Making $120,000 and living in NYC will net you a tiny one-bedroom apartment. The same income in sparingly-populated states would net you a five bedroom house with lots of acreage.

Each state helps (or doesn't) its people based on income. If you make less than X amount of dollars, the state will pay for your children's health needs. Now, I haven't checked into this for a few years, but last I heard the state of Pennsylvania will help any family making less than $45,000 by giving their kids free healthcare.

$45,000? Dang! 30 years ago, that was comfortable wages for a family. Now it's poor. I wouldn't mind being that "poor" still. lol
 
What about in California? anyone who lives there can say what is the amount that an American should earn if you want to raise at least 1 child?
 
What about in California? anyone who lives there can say what is the amount that an American should earn if you want to raise at least 1 child?

California is a large state. The cost of living varies greatly. Much of the southern half tends to be most costly. I lived in South Orange County for 10 years, the expensive area. Among the most expensive in the US. 15 years ago a 1 bedroom apartment in a bad part of town was $1000 a month there.
My friend got into a "low income" apartment in a nicer area and was still paying $1300 a month for a 3 bedroom. As low income. I believe it's gone up to over $1400 last I heard a few years ago.
Further north it was much cheaper. Really it comes down to specific areas. But CA is predicted to fall into the ocean as well. So I'll pass living there.
 
The US is a really big country. And each part of the country is a little different from any other part of the country. Making $120,000 and living in NYC will net you a tiny one-bedroom apartment. The same income in sparingly-populated states would net you a five bedroom house with lots of acreage.

Each state helps (or doesn't) its people based on income. If you make less than X amount of dollars, the state will pay for your children's health needs. Now, I haven't checked into this for a few years, but last I heard the state of Pennsylvania will help any family making less than $45,000 by giving their kids free healthcare.

$45,000? Dang! 30 years ago, that was comfortable wages for a family. Now it's poor. I wouldn't mind being that "poor" still. lol

$45,000? I wish I was that poor! The most I ever made was $35,000, and I was able to raise my two oldest daughters on that just fine.
 
Another is an individual with 1-3 children as a professional (teacher, engineer, lawyer etc.)

lol teachers are generally not at all in the same income bracket as engineers or lawyers in this country!

 
$45,000? I wish I was that poor! The most I ever made was $35,000, and I was able to raise my two oldest daughters on that just fine.

Are your daughters able to finish college degree with $35,000?

What are the job/s that you need to work to to get that amount?
 
If you do not live on welfare more than 5k a month. We spend 800-1,000 in food a month (family of four) pay close to 2,500 a month in bills and save if lucky 1000 a month for my autistic son. He will never make money so we have little when we die for him. Oh did I mention that is 3 incomes in my home. My dad, my son's' ssi and my income. If you don't have to save money for your son son he can live when you are dead well by all means come to America.... Our government loves foreigners I'm sure we will throw money at you!!!! Instead of taking care of our own!!!!!! My dad is in his 80's our income will decrease 1400 as soon as he dies.!!! Not sure other than G-d how we will live than!!!!