New York City on $39,000 a year, can i do it? (Harrison: apartments, for rent)

[thunderfan1251]

I've received a job offer from a human rights organization that I've always wanted to work for. This is a dream entry level job for me and it will give me the experience needed to progress in the field of international relations.

However the only problem I have with the position is the low salary, I'm from Oklahoma and not used to the high cost of living in NYC and I've heard its ridiculous. Will I be able to survive there wit a $39,000 first year salary? The position is located near the southern tip of Manhattan, would I be able to find a place to stay?

[njnyckid]

Can you survive in NYC with almost $40,000? Absolutely. However, that depends on what kind of living experience you're going for. Where in NYC do you ideally see yourself living? If it's more than a few stops away from Manhattan or in, your view, sub-par neighborhoods, are you willing to settle for that? Are you willing to live with roommates if it comes down to that? What kind of lifestyle do you expect to live? These are questions to answer for yourself to truly gauge whether you should go for it or not. In short, it's definitely possible if you're willing to sacrifice something. Good luck!

[Chava61]

Originally Posted by njnyckid

Can you survive in NYC with almost $40,000? Absolutely. However, that depends on what kind of living experience you're going for. Where in NYC do you ideally see yourself living? If it's more than a few stops away from Manhattan or in, your view, sub-par neighborhoods, are you willing to settle for that? Are you willing to live with roommates if it comes down to that? What kind of lifestyle do you expect to live? These are questions to answer for yourself to truly gauge whether you should go for it or not. In short, it's definitely possible if you're willing to sacrifice something. Good luck!

One can definitely survive in NYC on that salary as already posted. If one is willing to live outside of Manhattan in Queens (or even Brooklyn) one can find a studio apt. without roommates in a good neighborhood with good amenities & good transportation to Manhattan.

[BillyMW]

It's pretty easy at that income.

[dalebx28]

Yes just live in one of the outside borough like the Bronx. And u can even afford a maid. Good luck.

[Kefir King]

A salary of $39K translates to a take-home of about $30,000 at best. That's $2500 per month.

The rub is finding HOUSING on that kind of money. You can always cut back on food and entertainment but you need a roof.

I recommend looking into Newport Jersey City for a share. Go visit and ask the doormen if you can see the bulletin boards. There are always 3 bedroom apartments looking for a share and your own bedroom. Commute will be almost instantaneous via PATH train.

Figure 900-$1000 with some luck, maybe a LITTLE cheaper with the converted den.

IF you can find housing for $1000/month you can survive, If not, NOT.

[nycangel]

I survive on less and pay market rent for a studio. You will be fine! Though I would try to go the roommate route since you will be new to the city, that way you can save more money and spend more on enjoying the city since it will be a new experience for you. Also once you live alone you never want to stop and go back to having roommates so don't experience it and you won't miss it!

[Nexis4Jersey]

Originally Posted by Kefir King

A salary of $39K translates to a take-home of about $30,000 at best. That's $2500 per month.

The rub is finding HOUSING on that kind of money. You can always cut back on food and entertainment but you need a roof.

I recommend looking into Newport Jersey City for a share. Go visit and ask the doormen if you can see the bulletin boards. There are always 3 bedroom apartments looking for a share and your own bedroom. Commute will be almost instantaneous via PATH train.

Figure 900-$1000 with some luck, maybe a LITTLE cheaper with the converted den.

IF you can find housing for $1000/month you can survive, If not, NOT.

The Average rent in Newport and Downtown Jersey City is 1800$ a month , in Journal SQ its 1000 or less a month....and down in Bayonne or Harrison its 1000$ in the older sections.

[skilldeadly]

I say find a roommate situation. Most likely you would want about 600-1000 for rent. If you watch how much you eat and with no debt you will be fine. The idea of getting your own 1 bedroom though is pretty impossible. Most decent area's are around 1100 to 1300. If you are in the southern tip of Manhattan you would want Jersey or Brooklyn most likely. If you can stand it, live in a so so area. You might be able to grab a really cheap studio somewhere not as desirable (longer commute, maybe a sketchy area)

[Henna]

Housing is the largest cost. I agree with some others who have suggested that you find a roommate situation to start. Perhaps try looking in Bay Ridge, Brooklyn. I believe the commute to lower Manhattan is about 40 minutes, and it's a nice neighborhood. You should be able to get a bedroom in a shared apartment for $650-$850 per month, plus utilities.

new york rooms & shares classifieds "bay ridge" - craigslist

Do a search on this forum for the word "budget" to read some threads and think through what some of your other expenses might be. I think it's definitely doable, and the job sounds like a great start.