What's The Difference Between Minimum Wage and Living Wage in Kansas City?

In Kansas City, Missouri, the minimum wage went up in 2015 but sits at just 35 cents above the federal benchmark of $7.25.

The state joined 28 other states that set a base that outpaces the government's hourly figure, the Kansas City Star reported.

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Those living in Kansas City and making minimum wage will earn $7.65 hourly for 2015, according to the U.S Department of Labor.

By contrast, the living wage for one adult in Missouri tracks at $9.64 hourly, according to data compiled by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. One adult with one child should receive $20.06 to meet living-wage requirements, while two children living with one adult pushes that figure to $23.79 hourly.

Minimum wage marks the lowest pay or compensation an employee in a certain state or municipality can receive by law. Living wage calculates what funds are needed for someone's everyday needs, based on a number of factors including marriage, children, debt, and cost-of-living.

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While Kansas City residents got a minimum wage hike in 2015, that figure still is far below real value when compared to the consumer price index, the Star noted, adding that federal minimum wage peaked in 1968. To keep pace with buying power, 2014 minimum wage should have hit $10.69 hourly, citing data from the Congressional Research Office.

Median household income for Kansas City, Missouri, was $56,082 while the median home price was $152,500, Forbes reported. City cost of living was 3.1 percent below the national average.

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