$16 an hour in Suffolk vs $20 an hour in Manhattan? (car insurance, student loans)

[MemoryMaker]

Which would end up being cheaper in the long run for somebody who would have to commutes via LIRR to Manhattan from southwestern Suffolk.

Assuming Full-Time.

BTW: lol, please don't make fun of this income range; i'm "entry level".

[S.I.B.]

I'll take what's behind door #3.

[30to66at55]

Stay at $16.

If you have to take the LIRR and the subway, you are looking at around $400/month. You only will earn $640 a month more at $20 and that is before taxes.

[ANM1982]

Originally Posted by 30to66at55

Stay at $16.

If you have to take the LIRR and the subway, you are looking at around $400/month. You only will earn $640 a month more at $20 and that is before taxes.

More than that, if you factor in a monthly Metrocard—Zone 10 to City Zone is easily $5,700 a year. Plus the allure of the city (drinks after work, etc) is going to have an impact on your finances too.

[Elke Mariotti]

Nothing to be ashamed of - I know plenty of people who'd love that pay!

1. Compare computing costs:

• LIRR and possibly Metrocard for Subway --- vs.
• increased gasoline consumption for driving plus wear and tear and possible increase in car insurance with additional mileage (if applicable)

2. More time spent commuting

3. Career opportunity differences


Good luck!!

[marigold69]

Quality of life plus $...stay in Suffolk. Factor in the 3+ unpaid commuting hours per day ($60 per day) and it's a no brainer. Time is money.

[10-23]

Also, commuting equals aggravation. I'd go with Suffolk with no hesitation.

[30to66at55]

Elke...there is no NYC non-resident income tax...hasn't been one for many years.

[Elke Mariotti]

Originally Posted by 30to66at55

Elke...there is no NYC non-resident income tax...hasn't been one for many years.

Ooops - you're right of course. Senior moment, sorry

Corrected it...

[jadidonato]

It really depends on the opportunity and how you live.
Other than the length of the commute - the extra $4/hr essentially covers transportation to/from the city.

If you bring lunch everyday to both jobs than the extra cost of food doesn't matter. Going out after work is probably going to be close to the same price depending on where you go. You probably would end up with better happy hour specials in the city.

You need to decide on how you will feel about the commute. It can be brutal on some people. If you can't deal with at MIN 1.5 hrs door to door then scratch that right away. If you can - then figure out what the company is and what they have to offer. Base your decision on that - what opportunity is out there BEYOND entry-level.

I was in the same boat as you starting off - I took $15/hr as a temp on Long Island and it was very tight to live with rent, expenses and student loans. Eventually it worked out and I was making double within a few years.

Good luck -