Do you know when we think about working in the US and there's that doubt: how much is the minimum wage in the US anyway? Well, I found out that it works quite differently there from Brazil. While we have a single national value, in the United States it's not like that.

The federal minimum is $7.25 per hour since 2009, but each state sets its own rules. Some states pay $16, $17, and there are places that stick to the federal minimum. Washington DC is at the top with $17.50 per hour, while states like Georgia and Wyoming are much lower.

So the question is: how much is a minimum wage in the US per month? It depends a lot on the state, but if we calculate based on the federal rate (7.25 x 40 hours x 4 weeks), it’s about $1,160 per month. Now, in DC, that rises to around $2,800. The difference is huge.

What I found interesting is that some people receive tips, so the base salary can be lower. And there are professions that get the minimum outright: fast-food workers, supermarket cashiers, stockers, those more operational roles.

But here’s the point: can you live on a minimum wage in the US? Honestly, most people can’t get by on just that. The average rent is already around $1,626, and you spend another $1,185 on other expenses. In other words, the federal minimum wage doesn’t cover the costs.

For those thinking about moving, it’s worth researching exactly what the minimum wage is in the specific state where you want to live. Because the reality in New York is completely different from that of a smaller state. And then you can get a better idea if it’s worth it or not.