cost of living (Albuquerque: apartment complex, rentals, student loans)

[selfinfliction]

does anyone have any links to compare the cost of living expenses between ABQ and kentucky? i was thinking of taking a job out there starting off at $45k first year, then it's bumped up to $57k next year, then about a $3k raise every year after that.

i figured the first year i would have to skimp a little, but i'm single w/o kids so that's no issue. i do on the other hand have plenty of student loans and a hefty car payment

[JimCarey]

is Google "cost of living", "compare cities"-type stuff and you'll get something.

[jrod2828]

Good post Jim. I loved you in Dumb and Dumber by the way.

[EnjoyEP]

Originally Posted by selfinfliction

i was thinking of taking a job out there starting off at $45k first year, then it's bumped up to $57k next year, then about a $3k raise every year after that.
i figured the first year i would have to skimp a little,

Geeeeeee, whiz, self!

You will really have to live in the lap of poverty that first year, but after that, hey, you might even be able to afford some mac n' cheese!

Seriously now...wow, self, I think even in your first year, in your situation, you will be absolutely more than fine in ABQ. That salary structure in a place like ABQ will take you more than far. (This coming from not a single fellow but a married guy with 2 kids!).

[Talus]

I'm going to be in about the same bracket, and I am amazed at what I can afford Albuquerque. Even coming from WY, the cost of living is less.

[selfinfliction]

thanks for the replies everyone. i've been looking around at apartments and such, and i really like the low secrity deposits they require. when i was going to colleg ein cincinnati, almost every apartment i checked required a month's rent or pretty close equivelant for a security deposit.

if i take this job it will be with the US forest service's service center at 3900 masthead st NE, here's a link to the map:

3900 masthead st ne albuquerque nm - Google Maps

which area being north south east west etc... should i consider more for living arrangements? i don't mind to have a 20-30 minute drive in the morning to that place if it will put me in a nicer, semi-affordable area

[abqsunport]

This is in the Journal Center part of town. The Far North East Heights would be great to live in (check out Pinnacle Apartments on Wyoming and Paseo, Broadstone Appartments on Barstow and Paseo, there is a decent apartment complex on Louisiana and San Antonio.

Pinnacle Directory Assistance Plus Business Search

Broadstone Broadstone loc: Albuquerque, NM - Google Maps

Telegraph Hill Apartments (great reviews)
Telegraph Hill Apartments in Albuquerque, NM
Telegraph Hill Apartments Ratings, Reviews, Map, Rents, and other Albuquerque apartments for rent from ApartmentRatings.com


Vista Del Sol Apartments (Louisiana and San Antonio)
Vista Del Sol Apartments, Albuquerque, NM : reviews

Close to where you work, decent part of town: Directory Assistance Plus Business Search

Look at apartments on either the NW Side or NE Heights, just search google maps for apartments.

[selfinfliction]

thanks alot man

i won't ever make the mistake of moving without being fully aware of the neighborhood again