where does the money go?
For a single adult with no children

According to the self-sufficiency standard created by the University of Washington Center for Women's Welfare, Mecklenburg County requires the highest monthly wage to cover the cost of living at $2,602 whereas Cleveland County requires the least at $1,677. The typical monthly wage required is $1,890.

Single Adult-No children   Two Adults-No children   Single Adult-Two children   Two Adults-Two children  

Data as of 2022. Figures for family types with children include child tax credits but are not shown. Methodology and sources used can be found here
Chart: David Raynor Source: University of Washington, Center for Women's Welfare Get the data