Minimum Living Wage 2017 Calculator

This calculator helps you determine the 2017 minimum living wage for various countries. The minimum living wage represents the lowest amount of income needed to cover basic living expenses in a particular country.

What is Minimum Living Wage?

The minimum living wage is the lowest income level that allows a person to afford a basic standard of living in a specific country or region. It's typically calculated based on the cost of living, including essential expenses like housing, food, transportation, and healthcare.

The concept of minimum living wage differs from the minimum wage, which is the legally required pay for workers. The living wage is generally higher and designed to provide a decent standard of living.

Key Factors in Determining Minimum Living Wage

Housing costs (rent or mortgage payments)
Food expenses (groceries and eating out)
Transportation costs (public transit, fuel, vehicle maintenance)
Healthcare expenses (medical care, prescriptions)
Childcare costs (if applicable)
Utilities (electricity, water, gas, internet)
Clothing and personal care items

Purpose of Minimum Living Wage

The primary purpose of establishing a minimum living wage is to ensure that workers can meet their basic needs without relying on government assistance. It helps reduce poverty and provides a safety net for low-income workers.

How to Calculate

The calculation of minimum living wage typically involves surveying the cost of living in a particular area and determining the minimum income needed to cover essential expenses. The process usually includes:

Conducting a cost of living survey
Identifying essential expenses
Calculating the minimum income needed to cover these expenses
Adjusting for local economic conditions
Setting the minimum living wage

Formula: Minimum Living Wage = (Total Monthly Essential Expenses) / (Number of Working Days in a Month)

Example Calculation

Let's say the total monthly essential expenses for a single person in a particular city are $1,500, and there are 22 working days in a month. The minimum living wage would be:

Minimum Living Wage = $1,500 / 22 ≈ $68.18 per day

This means a worker would need to earn approximately $68.18 per day to cover their basic living expenses.

Comparison Table

The following table shows the 2017 minimum living wage for several countries:

Country	Minimum Living Wage (Monthly)	Currency
United States	$2,160	USD
United Kingdom	£1,250	GBP
Germany	€1,800	EUR
France	€1,650	EUR
Japan	¥250,000	JPY
Australia	A$2,200	AUD

Note: These figures are approximate and based on 2017 data. Actual minimum living wages may vary by city and region within each country.

FAQ

What is the difference between minimum wage and minimum living wage?: The minimum wage is the legally required pay for workers, while the minimum living wage is the income needed to cover basic living expenses. The living wage is generally higher than the minimum wage.
How often is the minimum living wage updated?: The minimum living wage is typically updated annually to reflect changes in the cost of living. Some countries adjust it more frequently based on economic conditions.
Is the minimum living wage the same for all cities in a country?: No, the minimum living wage can vary by city due to differences in the cost of living. Urban areas with higher living costs may have higher minimum living wages.
Can employers pay below the minimum living wage?: In most cases, employers are required to pay at least the minimum wage, but not necessarily the living wage. Some employers may choose to pay more to attract and retain employees.
How can I advocate for a higher minimum living wage in my area?: You can contact local government representatives, join advocacy groups, and participate in community discussions about fair wages and living standards.