Here is an experiment you can try on your own or with other members of your household. Then, please share your ideas on what we can do to help families — as a city government, school district, and community of residents. The examples below for a family of four are simplified, but not too far off the income and expenses of many families in Somerville. Try to balance their monthly budget by making some tough choices.
About 37% of households make less than $50,000. And 1,920 households (with about 2,304 children) make less than $23,550/year) Among students enrolled in the Somerville Public Schools, 66% of students qualify for free and reduced lunch, which requires that a family of four makes $50,000 or less.
Source: Census ACS 2015 and 2013-2014 DESE.
The median rent in Somerville is $2,384 for apartments of all sizes. A look at Craiglist shows the least expensive three-bedroom currently listed is $2,100/month — and the competition for those places is fierce. Often landlords prefer to rent to people without children and require a high credit score.
The average cost of childcare in the Boston area is $17,062 for infants and $12,781 for a four-year-old, according to a report from the Economic Policy Institute. The YMCA (at $55/day) and the Somerville High School (at $45/day) are among Somerville's more affordable options.
Source: Economic Policy Institute
The average cost of care ownership is $2,168 for insurance, repair, and gas, or $180/month. The cost of an MBTA pass for bus and subway is $84.50/month, while the Zone 8 (for Fitchburg) pass is $363.00/month.
Source: Bankrate
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