PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — Oregon is one of the worst states to make a living according to a new report from money-rates.com.
The same report also claims Washington is one of the best states to do so. The report examined average wages, state tax rate, cost of living, the unemployment rate and the number of workplace injuries and death in order to come up with their list.
Oregon placed 49th on the list of best states to make a living, while Washington placed 2nd.
Washington fared so well because of its $9.47 minimum wage. The minimum wage in Oregon is $9.25.
Many people think raising the minimum wage in Oregon would help, saying the few extra dollars would make a huge difference.
But what is holding Oregon back, according to the report, is the high cost of living. Researchers say Oregon’s cost of living is almost 29% higher than the national average.
When it comes to rent, especially, Oregonians feel the difference.
“Even with the wages I make, like a little bit over minimum wage, I can’t really seem to find a place that fits for me,” Rye Weston says. He is looking for a bigger apartment in the city but right now is getting priced out of the market.
“Quality of life goes down because I’m paying more rent, so it makes me want to stay with studios which is also a lower quality of life,” Weston says.
The good news is, however, that the study says both Oregon and Washington are positioned to improve their rankings.