Boston vs. New York - Cost of Living (Somerville, Malden: health insurance, apartment)

[veritas29]

I am a soon-to be college grad, and am trying to decide between living in NYC or Boston. Particuarily, I was wondering about cost of living. What can I expect to pay for a 1-2 bedroom apartment in each city? Are utlities, groceries, insurance, etc. that much different? I would really like to save some money starting out, but I have heard this is near impossible in New York on around 50-55K. Suggestions?

[cottonwood2420]

New York is more expensive than Boston but might be safer.

[smarty]

Insurance? Car insurance? You want a car in the city?

I think the cost of parking in Boston is about $250-350 a month. It will probably be 2X in NYC.

1-2 bed starts around $1000 in Boston. The price depends on size, condition and neighborhood. Price in Mid-town Manhattan is very different than in Harlem.

Good luck

[Viralmd]

As I said in the other thread that you posted, I don't think there's much difference in expenses between NY and Boston...

[EvaRB]

It depends where you are in each city.

In NYC: My best friend lives in Queens, and there is free on-street parking. I go visit all the time even though I'm from Massachusetts, don't even need a NY tag to park there. She pays $900 a month including heat for a one bedroom that's pretty nice for NYC (but not that nice in general!)... She does not have a car, but I'm sure insurance would be pricey. She makes about $60k and has plenty left over in the end. Her apartment is much less expensive than that of anyone she knows, and she lucked into it, it seems. You do have state and local tax to pay on your income. Also, Manhattan means no car or TONS of money for parking and even higher insurance.

In Boston: I lived in the North End, had a car, parking was free but a nightmare. I spent $1200 a month for a very nice, classy one-bedroom apartment that was clean and modern. This is average there. You could also live in Somerville outside of or in Davis Square for about $600 for a room in a shared apartment or about $1000+ for a small single apartment (free on-street parking that's easier to find). There is also Porter Square, and all sorts of different spots like Davis that are right on a train line. Avoid the Green B line at all costs if you intend to use the train close to where you live. Anywhere off of the red line is cake. If I had the money, I would have paid the $150-$200 for a parking spot at one of the garages, or nixed the car. The state tax is high.

Health insurance is another matter. If you'll be working for someone with benefits, thank your lucky stars. It's about $300+ for crappy insurance in both places. In Massachusetts, they now legally require that everyone has insurance, which I think is absurd.

Good luck, I like both places even though they do not inspire me to relax!

[Luke9686]

Boston is going to be a little cheaper rent wise. Like others have posted, a car is more of a pain in the a$$ and a liability in Boston. It is not needed. Parking is expensive, driving is a nightmare, and other drivers can be a bit over the top.

I lived in Malden, a suburb of Boston and paid around $1600 for a two bedroom apartment, in 2003. It was about 1200 sq ft though. I took the T (subway) to and from work. Public transportation in Boston is very good. Plus in Massachusetts your car insurance is going to be INSANE. A lot of the big companies don't insure Mass drivers.

When I first moved to Boston, I called Progressive to change my insurance from my previous state. This is literally what happened: "Press 1 to cancel or change your policy (I pressed 1), press 1 if you live in Massachusetts (i pressed 1), I'm sorry we do not insure Massachusetts drivers at this time." CLICK. I had to go to a local insurance firm and got charged $250 a month for insurance. On top of a $300 car payment. Trust me, take that extra $500 a month and use it for something usefull.