United Way and You Partnering for Shared Community Support What does it cost to live in the Tulsa MSA? Monthly Expenses for 4-person Family Earning Living Wage of $98,800 ($8,233/month)
Living Wage by Family Type and Size 1 adult + 0 children
$40,643
1 adult + 2 children
$87,714
2 adults (1 working) + 1 child
$67,413
2 adults (both working) + 2 children
$98,800
($20/hour)
$927 11%
($42/hour) $1,019 12%
($32/hour)
$463 6% $664 8%
($24/hour each)
Source: Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 2024 update.
Living wage is the income necessary for a particular family size and type living in a particular place to meet basic standards of living without depending on public or private assistance. The average family living wage in the Tulsa MSA equals $81,528.
$1,122 14% $1,567 19%
$1,447 18%
Housing Food Medical Other
$1,023 12%
Child Care Transportation Civic Taxes
Source: Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 2024 update.
How does Living Wage compare to other wage levels? Living Wage for Family of 2 Adults & 2 Kids Compared to Other Key Wage Levels Minimum wage
100% FPL
200% FPL
300% FPL
$31,200
$62,400
$93,600
$15,000
MFI
Wage Levels
$15/hour
Below 100% of 15% Poverty
$75,583
31,000 $30/hour
$62,000
Below 200% of Poverty
Living Wage (1 earner)
$77,000
Below Below 300%ofof 300% Poverty Poverty
Living Wage (2 earners)
$99,000 $0
$20,000
$40,000
$60,000
% of Population Living Below Levels 0% of Poverty
$80,000
$100,000
33% 51%
Source: Census Bureau, 2022 ACS.
Definitions: FPL = Federal Poverty Level; MFI = Median Family Income (for families with children). Source: Massachusetts Institute of Technology 2024 Update; Federal Register, “Annual Update of the HHS Poverty Guidelines,” 01/17/2024.
Prepared by Tulsa Area United Way (April 2024) For more information contact Melanie Poulter, TAUW Research and Data Director mpoulter@tauw.org