The highest living wage in the United States is found in the District of Columbia, estimated at $67,867 annually for a single adult with no children.
Understanding Living Wage Data
A living wage is generally defined as the minimum income necessary for an individual to meet their basic needs without relying on public assistance. These needs typically include housing, food, transportation, and healthcare. The required living wage varies significantly by location due to differences in the cost of living.
Top Locations by Living Wage
Based on recent data, the locations with the highest living wages are:
| Rank | State/District | Annual Living Wage |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | District of Columbia | $67,867 |
| 2 | Hawaii | $60,700 |
| 3 | Massachusetts | $59,560 |
| 4 | Connecticut | $59,502 |
| 5 | New York | $59,128 |
| 6 | Maryland | $58,178 |
| 7 | California | $57,315 |
| 8 | New Jersey | $56,109 |
Data sourced from analyses on living wage requirements, which you can explore further on resources like Zippia.
These figures highlight the economic disparities across different regions, with urban centers and popular states often requiring higher incomes to maintain a comfortable standard of living.
