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can a single person live off 20,000 a year?

I'm 20 and trying to plan how much it will cost to live. My parents want me out of the house, so my plan is to move out into a cheap apartment, work two jobs maybe and save money so I can eventually go to college. I don't know what my salary will be, but I am guessing 20,000. I don't have many luxury needs but will probably have to buy my own health insurance.

Public Comments

1. No, you need 20,001 sorry
2. yes, easily
3. In this economy that is probably good enough for food and rent. But I don't think you will be able to survive "completely" on that for ex. clothes, bills, gas, entertainment etc.
4. that should be plenty. that is over 1,500 a month.. for one person that should be plenty
5. join the military !
6. You can, but there will not be a lot of money for extras. I have lived off of that much. Have you thought about a roommate? That is a huge help. Learn to clip coupons and catch as many sales as you can on food. Insurance will be expensive. It would be good if you could find a job that has health benefits. Good luck!
7. At 40 hours a week, you need to earn $9.60 an hour to gross 20K.
8. Yes, 1 person doesnt need as much food as a family does. 1 person doesnt need a ton of fruniture, 1 person doesnt need 4 tvs or more. You may need 1 tv, a room, some couches, some food. stuff like that.
9. you could live off that even though you would be beneath the federal poverty line which means you could possibly get food stamps or something to cover medical expenses. with $20,000 a year you would live but not comfortably
10. Yes, many people are forced to live on 20,000 a year or less. You can do it if you live a simple life in a reasonably priced apartment and don't overindulge. If you are planning to make 20,000/year from one job, that means that it would have to pay approximately $10.00/hour and be a full time job. I am not sure of which state you live in, but many states offer free or reduced health insurance programs for people who make a certain amount of income each year. Also, if you make less than a certain amount of money and live on your own, you will more than likely be offered some educational grants. If I were you I'd look in to education and health insurance assistance offered in your state.