Oddbean

Some people don't have access to opportunities to change it unfortunately, especially when it comes to housing in the modern economy. Now yes I understand the whole individual responsibility, take action, etc. argument but initiative only goes so far if there aren't opportunities to help.

The average rent in The U.S. is $1,740(*1), let's say The Average McDonald's, or Walmart employee, and somehow has a full time position (unlikely), they're earning $13.05 (*2) to $14.68 (*3). At $13.05 × 40 = $522 × 52 = $27,144 (Annual Pay) $1,740 x 12 = 20,880 (Annual Rent costs) $27,144 - $20,880 = $6,264 left over ÷ 12 = $522 / month to cover everything else. Average grocery costs per month is about $300. So $222 left over to pay taxes, gas, electricity, water, phone bills, college debt, credit cards, car payments, etc. And that's being generous, the reality is more grim for a lot of people. Source 1 (*1): https://www.rentcafe.com/average-rent-market-trends/us/ Source 2 (*2): https://www.indeed.com/cmp/McDonald%27s/salaries Source 3 (*3): https://www.payscale.com/research/US/Employer=Walmart.com/Hourly_Rate