Big-city kids earn more later in life
Those born in large cities enjoy greater earning power later on in life, according to a new study published in the Journal of Urban Economics. The study, which tracked 7,500 British people over 18 years, found that someone born in London in 1971 would earn 6.6% more than their Manchester counterpart and 9.3% more than a person born in Liverpool. What gives big city kids the upper hand? More educational options, perhaps. Having larger social networks also helps, writes CityLab’s Richard Florida. It also may have to do with the influence of big city parents, who are more likely to have higher levels of education and work in professional fields.
Senior Human Resources Business Partner, ER & Talent Development Lead | Optimistic Pessimist
“What gives big city kids the upper hand? More educational options, perhaps...social networks...” I think you’re overthinking it. Jobs in cities pay more on average than jobs elsewhere. Jobs in big cities pay more than jobs in other cities. Jobs in London pay more than anywhere on average. If you’re born there, you don’t need to relocate to earn the higher salary. If you’re born on a farm miles away from even a town, you’re likely going to have to move to earn. Besides, whilst big cities pay more, they arguably cost more to live in. This is a non-story.