2 bd, 1 ba apartment near Carroll Park!

Rent: $2,250/mo

Expected Utilities: $130/mo (electricity, heating, cooling, water, garbage)

Spectrum Internet/Wifi/Mobile Bundle (2 lines): $105/mo

Total Housing Cost per Month: $2,485

Total Student Loan Cost per Month: $400 (both parents)

Living on this income as a family of four can be quite challenging. While we were able to fit most of the essentials into our budget, our estimate is likely a large underestimate of the reality of living costs.

One category our group discussed and chose to omit was childcare. Browsing through various childcare programs, the cost for one child can be anywhere from $700 to thousands per month. This would cost us a significant amount of our monthly income. Since we cannot leave our children at home, we chose to get help from relatives to save money.

The income-to-cost ratio leaves little money to be saved. When emergencies happen such as visits to the doctor or car failure, this family may not have enough money to support themselves. They may rely on loans and sink further into debt. For this reason, it is hard to get out of poverty. There is not a lot of money left over for extra activities such as family outings. Family life and overall home living may be stressful.

Lunch Money: $30 adults, $20 children - depends if there is leftover dinner no money is spent.

Take out: $80-150 on Weekends either Saturday or Sunday.

Snack run (7/11 or liquor store) $30

Total $530

Expected Car Insurance: $350 ($175 for each car)

For a family of 4, owning a car is fundamental in order to transport to school, work, and other necessary locations. Assuming the mother and father each own a car, gas and car insurance are expected to range from $300-$400 per month for both vehicles. Thus, the cost of transportation sums up to be $700-$800 per month.

Total Cost of Transportation per Month: $750

Total Cost of Healthcare Plan:

Month: $375