NYC vs LA: Which city is least expensive?

[tpk-nyc]

Originally Posted by Bootstrap Bill

I've heard stories about Manhattan studio apartments that aren't much bigger than closets renting for more than $2,000.

So where do all those people live who make minimum wage or not much more?

They do have Walmarts and McDonald's in NYC, right? Do they live ten to a bedroom?

People making minimum wage don't live in Manhattan (unless it's a project or a rent stabilized building). The other boroughs, like Queens or the Bronx, are cheaper.

[AZLiam]

Originally Posted by bizchick86

Yes, yes, and yes. Or the street and on benches in Central Park :-).

You will not believe the kinds of things people rent in NYC. You will literally see ads to rent out large closets. Some places will have 6-7 people sharing an apartment.

That's just ridiculous.

[Bootstrap Bill]

Originally Posted by uptown_urbanist

LA is cheaper by far.

What about places like Beverly Hills, Balboa Island or Huntington Harbor? Do they come close to the rents charged in Manhattan?

[Bootstrap Bill]

Originally Posted by tpk-nyc

People making minimum wage don't live in Manhattan (unless it's a project or a rent stabilized building). The other boroughs, like Queens or the Bronx, are cheaper.

Are they within the budget of an average burger flipper?

[l'actrice]

Oh, I'm so glad someone asked the question about how people working minimum-wage type jobs survive in Manhattan, as I have often wondered that myself. Do they just live in the really bad areas of NYC to which most people are advised not to move? I think it would be hard for anyone to have a job, if they were completely homeless, since a shower is a prerequisite for most jobs. Also, commuting from Jersey everyday can't be cheap.

Also, thanks so much for all the replies to my original question! I just checked the boards today, and I totally appreciate your responses. LA is starting to seem that much more attractive, though NYC definitely seems like a cool place to visit and even live for a couple of years.

So, a closet-size apt in Manhattan starts at $2000 (also, can someone define "closet-size" in terms of square feet?). A closet size apt in Burbank in runs for ______, and a $2000 apt in Burbank would be the size of_____?

[BigCityGuy]

LA is Least Expensive

This should give people an idea

Top 10 Most Expensive Cities To Own a Luxury Home in 2009 : The Real Estate Bloggers
Most expensive cities in 2008

Now before people say something most people rent in NYC.

[Bootstrap Bill]

Originally Posted by l'actrice

Oh, I'm so glad someone asked the question about how people working minimum-wage type jobs survive in Manhattan, as I have often wondered that myself. Do they just live in the really bad areas of NYC to which most people are advised not to move? I think it would be hard for anyone to have a job, if they were completely homeless, since a shower is a prerequisite for most jobs. Also, commuting from Jersey everyday can't be cheap.

Also, thanks so much for all the replies to my original question! I just checked the boards today, and I totally appreciate your responses. LA is starting to seem that much more attractive, though NYC definitely seems like a cool place to visit and even live for a couple of years.

So, a closet-size apt in Manhattan starts at $2000 (also, can someone define "closet-size" in terms of square feet?). A closet size apt in Burbank in runs for ______, and a $2000 apt in Burbank would be the size of_____?

If you're in L.A. and are homeless, you can go to the department of public social services (DPSS) and get a hotel voucher. This will get you a room at one of the SRO (single room occupancy) hotels in the city. I did this about 20 years ago. The hotels are barely livable, but they will get you off the street so you can get a job.

Perhaps something like this is doable in NYC. I doubt they exist in Manhattan though.

I heard the PATH train to NJ is quite expensive, probably more than a minimum wage worker can afford to pay for daily commuting to work. If you live in NJ, it would probably be better to get a minimum wage job there.

L.A. does have a few advantages (weather is the biggest), but you really do need a car.