Residents struggle with cost of living

(WWLP) - It's no secret that costs in Massachusetts are going up, meanwhile family incomes are sinking. The Bay State is one of the most expensive to live in and a new study proves that.

According to a statewide study by the Crittenton Women's Union , the average family of four in Massachusetts must make $68,000 dollars to stay afloat. Norfolk County is the most expensive to live at $75,000 and Franklin County is the least at nearly $55,000.

People told 22News that child care is one of the biggest burdens weighing their family down.

“It’s extremely hard because if we were both working, one salary would go to child care. So it’s better for him to stay home [with the kids] for now,” mother Melissa St. Marie told 22News.

Social worker Glenda Morales told 22News that food and housing resources are limited these days.

“We direct them to housing agencies but there’s a huge wait list,” she said.

One way to increase income is through higher education. The better paying jobs are in the computer, health care, administrative and sales professions.

“I would like to go back to school, but you have to find the time and the money,” single mother Yashira Cruz said.