KC one of the worst in Midwest for entry-level jobs with livable wage, report says
Only about 65% of entry-level jobs in the Kansas City metro offer livable wages, one of the lowest percentages of over one hundred metros in the Midwest, according to an analysis conducted by NetCredit, an online lender that provides lines of credit and personal installment loans.
In a report from February, NetCredit shows the consumer prices for goods and food remained 22% above what they were prior to the COVID-19 pandemic. The analysis, which took into account the cost of living for adults without children, determined the percentage of entry-level jobs that paid a livable wage.
Using the Massachusetts Institute of Technology Living Wage Calculator, the report found that 65.7% of entry-level jobs in KC pay a living wage of $22.75 an hour or $47,320 annually.
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, with 21.7% of renters spending half of their earnings on rent, the challenge of affording a house is becoming an increasing issue for Americans.
At the start of the summer, the median cost for a home in the Kansas City metro was $310,000, a $100,000 increase from the 2019 pre-pandemic price, according to the Kansas City Regional Association of Realtors.
Budgeting your home
With consumer food and goods prices seemingly continuing to increase in 2025, NetCredit offers customers various tips on how to budget their home.
Create your budget
The first recommended step is creating a budget in order to keep track of your expenses. By following the Federal Trade Commission’s guidelines, individuals can view how much they make, how much they spend and be able to plan ahead.
Prioritize debts
The next step is to prioritize the debts you have in place. By prioritizing high-interest debt payments, individuals can avoid interest costs and late-payment fees.
Downsizing homes
If an individual is able to, they should consider downsizing their living arrangements in order to keep up with the cost of rent, utilities and other bills. Alternative options include renting out extra rooms in your home or allowing it to be used as an Airbnb.
Extra income
Finding a profitable job on the side can increase monthly household incomes. NetCredit offers a list of some of the most profitable side hustles online.
