Key takeaway: Pick an island and a household to see three ways to measure the income you need: the state’s bare-bones budget, MIT’s living wage, and the 30% rent rule. Figures checked October 30, 2026; sources below.
How it works
The bare-bones budget is the state’s Self-Sufficiency Income Standard: housing, food, childcare, transportation, health care and taxes, with nothing saved. MIT’s living wage uses somewhat fuller budgets. The 30% rule is HUD’s line for a household being cost-burdened by housing, worked backward: monthly rent × 12 ÷ 0.30. See how much you need to make for more.