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Are you thinking of moving to Manhattan? I see from your profile that you list a Bay Ridge zip code. If it was me, I'd stay in Brooklyn!
Oh no, not thinking about moving there. I'm just curious as to what everyone thinks is the minimum. I'm expecting many people to automatically say over 100k just because they read "manhattan" and "live" in the same sentence. But I agree that you could get away with a lower salary if you're good with finances and whatnot.
I think it depends on your housing situation. If you are paying market rate and want to live by yourself, maintain a professional wardrobe, eat out a couple times a week, have drinks with friends, and take a few vacations every year then you need to make at least 150K.
If you've lucked into some type of affordable housing arrangement and take on a roommate you can get by on less than 60K.
I think this is accurate - I live that lifestyle on 115K. The difference between that and 150K is having your own place I think.
I share a 2 bedroom and it helps out with the costs so that was the sacrafice I had to make. I'm paying 1800 right now.. so thats a savings of about 700-800 a month on rent If I had a one bedroom to my self...maybe some day..sigh
I live in a studio in a great building/neighborhood, by myself (11 blocks below 96th, to be exact). Between my 2 jobs, I make around $55k net. I have no trouble paying my bills, traveling, shopping and leading an enjoyable life (granted, I work several nights a week, so I go out less than the average person, but I also travel WAY more than the average person, so it evens out).
I don't have much in the way of savings but that's because I can't resist booking a flight anytime I have the opportunity. I plan on workig on that in the next year.
I don't lead an extravagant lifestyle, I would say I live nicely.
I live in a studio in a great building/neighborhood, by myself (11 blocks below 96th, to be exact). Between my 2 jobs, I make around $55k net. I have no trouble paying my bills, traveling, shopping and leading an enjoyable life (granted, I work several nights a week, so I go out less than the average person, but I also travel WAY more than the average person, so it evens out).
I don't have much in the way of savings but that's because I can't resist booking a flight anytime I have the opportunity. I plan on workig on that in the next year.
I don't lead an extravagant lifestyle, I would say I live nicely.
I need to find your secret!
How do you do this? I'm guessing your rent is cheap? I would imaginge your take home would be around 3K a month is that correct?
I imagine housing alone would eat up a huge percent of that.
I think this is accurate - I live that lifestyle on 115K. The difference between that and 150K is having your own place I think.
I share a 2 bedroom and it helps out with the costs so that was the sacrafice I had to make. I'm paying 1800 right now.. so thats a savings of about 700-800 a month on rent If I had a one bedroom to my self...maybe some day..sigh
Why in god's name do you live with a roommate at 115K/year? I guess some people like having roommates?
I think this is accurate - I live that lifestyle on 115K. The difference between that and 150K is having your own place I think.
I share a 2 bedroom and it helps out with the costs so that was the sacrafice I had to make. I'm paying 1800 right now.. so thats a savings of about 700-800 a month on rent If I had a one bedroom to my self...maybe some day..sigh
move to the boroughs and you can get a 1br to yourself for less than you're paying now! think smart!
How do you do this? I'm guessing your rent is cheap? I would imaginge your take home would be around 3K a month is that correct?
I imagine housing alone would eat up a huge percent of that.
My rent isn't cheap, I pay $1765 ($1790 starting in Nov). A large percentage of my take home (which is variable depending on night job, but definitely higher than $3k) does go to housing...
There's no secret. I don't go out to eat often (maybe once every 2 months?), I don't do takeout, I cook at home and pack my lunch (more for preference than for $$ reasons), I don't do a lot of shopping and when I do, it's sales/cheap brands (think Old Navy). I try to take the subway instead of cabs (only take cabs when I go out, which is not often). When I do go out, it's usually to places my friends work, so that's not all that expensive either.
My biggest vice is the traveling, and I am pretty savvy on getting good deals, etc.
I was born and raised in NYC, so I don't live the stereo-typical NYC "fabulous" lifestyle. I'm not judging if you do, but it just holds no interest for me. That's not "real" NYC to me.
I know many single people who live quite comfortably in Manhattan below 96th St on less than $60,000.Some manage to do it for under $50,000.
Comfotable is relative isn't it; or is it?
Relative to an average American middle class and upper middle lifestyle, can one be truly 'comfortable' in NYC with that income?
Wouldn't 'comfortable' entail a minimum of sacrafices and limited frugality? Wouldn't 'comfortable' include *some* luxury? Woudln't 'comfortable' include sans roommate? Wouldn't 'comfortable' include something more than a studio (perhaps even a doorman)?
Wouldn't 'comfortable' include taking a taxi to the office, rather than the dirty, crowded, hot, sweaty, subway? Wouldn't 'comfortable' include ordering lunch every day, drinks and dinner out 4 or 5 days a week? Wouldn't 'comfortable' include weekends of Brunch, Shows, Movies, Museums, Gallaries, shopping, parties, clubs, etc., all that is NYC?
Otherwise, what is the point of living in Manhattan---below 96th Street?
'Comfortable' requires a good deal more than $50/60K.
$150K is really truly 'comfortable', and more than half of Manhattan, below 96th St, earns a heck of a lot more than that!
Sure, if one doesn't DO much, or limits oneself to the 'free' stuff, you can do it with a lessor income and pouring most of it into rent; but, again, what's the point of living in Manhattan---below 96th Street?
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