According to the calculator, the living wage in New York City for one adult with no children is $33.31 an hour. For two working adults with three children, it would be $46.57 an hour. By contrast, rural Nebraska's living wage for one adult without children would be $19.81 an hour. For two working adults with three children, the living wage would be $27.24.
Where is a living wage being used?
Although living wages haven't gained broad adoption in any major country, some places in the U.S. have begun using a living wage or a variation of one. The living wage laws often apply only to public spending, including businesses that receive public assistance or have contracts with local governments.
San Francisco, for example, passed a Minimum Compensation Ordinance in 2001. As of July 2024, the city's minimum wage was $20.25-$21.50, depending on whether the wage-earner works for a nonprofit, for-profit, or the government. San Francisco's minimum wage rate is also adjusted annually based on the Consumer Price Index.
Santa Fe, New Mexico, also adopted a living wage ordinance, which states that "the public welfare, health, safety, and prosperity of Santa Fe require wages and benefits sufficient to ensure a decent and healthy life for workers and their families." As of March 2023, the minimum wage based on the living wage ordinance was $14.60.
Washington, D.C., also has a minimum wage and living wage that increased to $17.50/hour in July 2024. Companies with a government contract valued at more than $100,000 or that receive government funding must pay the living wage.