First: Go to the Texas Workforce Commission website and look for a job in the city you plan to reside/
attend school.
Secondly: Add up how much you would make a month if you worked part-time (20-30 hours a week/ 5-6
hours a day) full-time (40+ hours a week/ 8+ hours a day). Don’t forget to deduct Social Security,
Federal and State Taxes, Medicare, etc. Total a month $___________
Thirdly: Figure out the cost of living ask your parent (family member, friend, or look it up) about how
much is spent on living expenses a month.
Rent/ Mortgage:
Utilities:
Water:
Gas:
Electric:
$________
Extras:
$_______
$_______
$_______
Cable/Dish etc.: $_______
Tele/cell phone: $_______
Internet/Wi-Fi: $_______
Food:
Groceries:
Eating out:
Transportation:
Car payment:
Gas:
Maintenance:
Registration*:
Inspection*:
Insurance:
$_______
$_______
$_______
$_______
$_______
$_______
$_______
$_______
Toiletries:
Toilet paper: $_______
Tooth paste+: $_______
Shampoo+:
$_______
Soaps:
$_______
Plunger*:
$_______
Showercurtain*:$_______
Apparel & maintenance:
Detergent+:
$_______
Launder mat: $_______
Bus fare:
Transfer:
$____ x trips = $______ (Monthly pass)
$____ x trips = $______
Payment for washing machine & dryer $_______
Medical expenses:
$_______
Add up the total of monthly expenses: TOTAL a month $_________
Finally: Subtract the monthly income by the cost of living and find out what you are left with.
You may also want to use the Living wage calculator found http://livingwage.mit.edu/
However, it is somewhat inaccurate.