Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) Living Wage Calculator

The MIT Living Wage Calculator estimates the minimum income a person or family needs in a specific area to meet basic expenses such as housing, food, healthcare, transportation, and other essentials, without financial hardship. It considers local costs of living to provide a realistic income target for different household sizes. The tool helps individuals, policymakers, and organizations understand what it truly costs to live decently in a given location, supporting informed decisions about wages, economic development, and social programs. It does not reflect ideal wages but rather what is necessary for a modest, self-sufficient standard of living.