MIT’s Living Wage Calculator estimated the minimum income necessary for a single person to cover living expenses and just get by without any additional help. To be honest these numbers seen kind of LOW, but these calculations do take into account: things like: the cost of food, healthcare, housing, transportation and other necessities (personal care, clothing & housekeeping supplies).
Here's what the calculator found for the DMV:
MARYLAND:
- Total required income before taxes: $35,879
- Estimated housing costs: $13,193
- Estimated food costs: $3,177
VIRGINIA:
- Total required income before taxes: $34,552
- Estimated housing costs: $12,162
- Estimated food costs: $3,177
WASHINGTON, D.C.
- Total required income before taxes: $41,850
- Estimated housing costs: $17,484
- Estimated food costs: $3,177