WHAT IS A LIVING WAGE IN NORTHSHORE?
A living wage is a wage that enables one adult and one teenage child to be able to survive on one
salary without having to rely on spouses, roommates, parents, friends, multiple jobs, or government
assistance.
NESPA and NEOPA leaders met with our counterparts in Shoreline and with WEA Research staff in
December 2008 to investigate living costs in our area. Here’s what we learned:
A living wage was approximately $48,540 per year in Northshore in Dec 2008. With inflation, it’s a
bit higher now. Working 40 hours per week a full year, that’s about $24.50 per hour.
We looked at the following components and came up with these costs:
ITEM MONTHLY COST
School fees $80
Rent/Mortgage $1100
Utilities $110
Internet/Cable $55
Cell phones (2) $130
Computer $50
Insurance (car, home, health, life) $220
Other medical & dental costs $250
Clothing $150
Food $400
Transportation (car payment) $325
Car maintenance & Gas $160
Pet costs $25
College savings $0
Extracurricular & School fees $100
Retirement $180
Entertainment $30
Personal services & supplies $100
Vacation costs $60
Charity & fundraisers $20
Work-related expenses $20
Union dues/fees $45
Licensing fees $10
Taxes $250
Gifts/Birthdays/Holidays $50
Home staples (cleaning, household) $50
Furnishings $50
Debt $25
Elder care/child care $0
TOTAL COSTS: $4,045 per month X 12 = $48,540 per year
HOW DO THESE COSTS COMPARE TO YOUR CURRENT LIVING
EXPENSES? If you’d like to help NESPA refine and update these numbers
for one adult and a teen child, please complete and return this
ITEM MONTHLY COST
School fees ________________
Rent/Mortgage ________________
Utilities ________________
Internet/Cable ________________
Cell phones (2) ________________
Computer ________________
Insurance (car, home, health, life) ________________
Other medical & dental costs ________________
Clothing ________________
Food ________________
Transportation (car payment) ________________
Car maintenance & Gas ________________
Pet costs ________________
College savings ________________
Extracurricular & School fees ________________
Retirement ________________
Entertainment ________________
Personal services & supplies ________________
Vacation costs ________________
Charity & fundraisers ________________
Work-related expenses ________________
Union dues/fees ________________
Licensing fees ________________
Taxes ________________
Gifts/Birthdays/Holidays ________________
Home staples (cleaning, household) ________________
Furnishings ________________
Debt ________________
Elder care/child care ________________
NESPA is working with another ESP local in Shoreline, SESPA, to work towards a living wage over
the next several years. We want to make sure that our research is accurate and up-to-date. Thank you
for your help.
Optional: Name____________________________________School________________________
Return to NESPA by Tuesday, March 30 via school mail or to 18704 Bothell Way NE, Bothell
98011. Questions? 425 486 7101 ext 103
