US-based Nigerian entrepreneur and real estate developer Femi Rogers has said life in the United States is financially difficult for many residents, with most people living from hand to mouth due to high living costs and limited financial support.
Rogers made the remarks during the latest episode of the Frankly Business Podcast, where he spoke about the economic realities of living in the US and compared them with the situation in Nigeria.
According to him, housing costs in the US are high, noting that even a modest apartment can cost between $1,500 and $1,800 monthly. He said the pressure of rent, taxes, utility bills and grocery expenses leaves many workers with little or nothing at the end of the month.
“He said, “Things are tough in the US, seriously tough in the US. A bad house in the US is about $1,500 to $1,800, not a very good house. Per month.
“They live from hand to mouth. It’s very difficult to explain to Nigerians who have not stayed abroad.”
He explained that despite the minimum wage being around $12 per hour in some places, workers still struggle to keep up with the cost of living. He said a large portion of monthly earnings goes to rent, while taxes also take a significant share of income and everyday purchases.
Rogers added that utility bills such as electricity and water further stretch residents, especially during summer in places like Texas, where electricity bills can rise to between $200 and $300.
He said by the time workers settle rent, taxes, groceries and other household expenses, most of their income is already exhausted, leaving them with little room to save or support others financially.
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The entrepreneur also said the idea of easy financial help abroad is unrealistic, arguing that many people in the US are too financially burdened to lend even small amounts of money to friends or relatives.
Drawing a comparison with Nigeria, Rogers said there are many people back home who have money despite not holding formal jobs, a situation he said is uncommon abroad, where earnings are closely tied to work and expenses quickly consume income.
“There are too many people in Nigeria that don’t work and earn money.
“Whichever way it happens, they are not working but they have money. There are too many people in Nigeria. It doesn’t happen like that abroad.”
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