Why does the cost of living outpace the minimum wage?

I live in Portland, Oregon and it's become a little bit insane the cost of living in the city. Taxes are to death, housing is out of reach for a lot of people to live in their hometown, the cost of food and transportation are expensive.<br><br>Minimum wage in Portland is $14.75, but it's hard to get an entry level job for $15-16 an hour. The cost of living is increasing way more than the minimum wage. I don't think it's right for people to earn minimum wage and live in their car, or live on the streets, and have to rely on food stamps.<br><br>&#x200B;<br><br>I think we should be able to afford to live based on a 40 hour work week, but it seems impossible to live in a big city to live. I live with roommates just to be able to afford everything, and to be able to live in the city.