The Real Cost Measure

It Takes Three Full-Time Jobs to Survive in California

New data from United Ways of California reveals a troubling truth: more than 1 in 3 households across the state can’t afford a basic standard of living—even with one or more working adults. The 2025 Real Cost Measure paints a clear and urgent picture of the financial pressures facing working families.

31%

of SLO County households do not earn sufficient income to meet basic needs

$98,312

Average annual budget for a four-person household to make ends meet in SLO County

41%

of SLO County households spend more than 30% of their income on housing

Does your household fall below the Real Cost Measure in San Luis Obispo County?

Click button, then scroll to “Interactive Household Budgets Calculator”

REAL COST CALCULATOR

Key Statewide Findings

35% of California households (3.8 million) live below the Real Cost Measure.
Three full-time minimum wage jobs are needed to meet basic living expenses for a typical family.
97% of struggling households include at least one working adult.
54% of families with children under 6 fall below the Real Cost Measure.
Racial disparities are stark:
- 51% of Latino and 43% of Black households fall below the line
- Compared to 30% of Asian-American and 23% of white households

“If we want families to succeed, we must invest in policies that support working people—things like expanded tax credits, better access to support programs, and stronger renter protections.”

Pete Manzo, President and CEO of United Ways of California

Spotlight on San Luis Obispo County

Here in San Luis Obispo County, the data mirrors the broader trend:

31% of households fall below the Real Cost Measure
48% of Latino households are unable to afford basic needs, compared to 28% of white households
41% of all households spend more than 30% of income on housing, a level considered cost-burdened

What Does It Really Cost to Live in SLO County?

2 adults + 2 kids (1 preschooler, 1 school-aged):
Need: $107,098/year • Median Income: $94,713 → $12,385 shortfall
2 adults + 2 young kids (1 infant, 1 preschooler):
Need: $112,139/year • Median Income: $98,312 → $13,827 shortfall
2 adults (no children):
Need: $61,271/year
Add 2 kids → +$50,868 (a 45% increase in expenses)

“People are working multiple jobs and still can’t afford rent, child care, or health care. Families are being forced to choose between food and bills, or medicine and rent. That’s not the California Dream—it’s a crisis.”

Elizabeth Summer, Executive Director of United Way of San Luis Obispo County

Why This Matters Now

These findings come just ahead of California’s May Budget Revision, a key moment when state leaders consider funding for:

Medi-Cal and CalFresh
Housing and homelessness prevention
Child care subsidies and tax credits

This is more than a policy discussion—it’s about making sure families can afford to live where they work, raise healthy kids, and plan for the future.

Explore the Real Cost in Your Community

Visit the full Real Cost Measure 2025 report to access:

✅ County-by-county data
✅ Interactive budget calculators
✅ Policy recommendations for local and state leaders

👉 unitedwaysca.org/realcost

About United Ways of California

United Ways of California brings together local United Ways across the state to advance health, education, and financial stability. Through research, policy advocacy, and community partnerships, we work to ensure that every Californian has the opportunity to thrive. Learn more: unitedwaysca.org