“How does anyone live on even $12.50 an hour in DC?”
They don’t. It’s one of the most expensive places to live on Earth. If you can’t generate enough economic value to live there, don’t live there. Yes, moving IS an option.
You don’t live on 12.50. The two of you live on 25 or the three of you live on 32.50. you qualifiy for low cost housing food stamps and utility assistance.