Half of New Yorkers are unable to make ends meet, according to United Way of New York City’s 2023 True Cost of Living Report. When measuring the cost of living, the report takes into account geographic location and a variety of household expenses beyond food, in contrast to the federal policy measure.
In partnership with Fund for the City of New York, United Way of New York City hosted a press conference at City Hall on March 19th to announce the release of the NYC True Cost of Living Policy Brief.
The brief is a follow-up to the full report released last year. According to the findings, half of working-age New Yorkers are unable to make ends meet. When measuring the comprehensive cost of living, the report takes into account geographic location and a variety of household expenses beyond food, in contrast to the federal poverty measure.
Our policy brief uses findings from the report to recommend specific strategies and policies for local, state, and federal governments that will increase incomes and reduce expenses so all New Yorkers can thrive.