Are these realistic NYC living costs breakdowns? (Hudson: apartments, rent)

[jameskoo87]

Hey guys

I'm a single guy in late 20s working in midtown manhattan (came here last year).
I'm planning to move out of my current apartment later this year and trying to adjust my lifestyle a bit.

Despite knowing that car is really a luxury item in NYC, I came up with some options with cost breakdown.
So I'm debating between these 3 options, but do you think below breakdown is even realistic?


1. Option A - NJ
Living in Jersey City
monthly net income - $4787 (since I do not pay city tax in NJ)
-1800 rent (parking included)
-200 utilities+internet+phone
-450 grocery+lunch
-200 eating out
-150 transporation (subway+taxi)
-500 car + insurance
-100 gas+maintenance+etc
monthly saving: 1387

2. Option B - NYC
Living in Astoria/Sunnyside
monthly net income - $4550
-1800 rent
-200 utitlies+internet+phone
-450 grocery+lunch
-200 eating out
-150 transporation (subway+taxi)
monthly saving: 1750

3. Option C - NYC
Live in Astoria/Sunnyside with roomate
monthly net income - $4550
-1200 rent
-100 utitlies+internet+phone
-450 grocery+lunch
-200 eating out
-150 transporation (subway+taxi)
monthly saving: 2450

[eddiep83]

yes and i'd take option B, and if you want to save more you could even look for 1200-1500 studios and you could also consider Jackson Heights.

[CollegiateSchoolNY]

I'd consider Option A if I were you.

[code_complete]

What about option Z ?

sleep in a shelter
eat in a church
no taxes
no rent

[Javawood]

I'd prefer option B, more fun. Option A would be if you're tired of NYC life and option C if you're REALLY okay with roommates. You could also find less than $1800/mo even in Astoria unless I'm that out of the loop with that part of Queens.

I second the Jackson Heights suggestion, especially by the E, M, F, R, 7 or in Woodside/Sunnyside. Easier to be cheaper in those areas.

[jameskoo87]

thanks for your inputs

Having a car would be nice but I'm not sure if it's worth additional +400/month cost, and I will be driving only on weekends as grocery shopping, going into the city (toll $$$), and going outside NY state few times a year

I'm a car enthusiast though, does anyone know how easy it is to find free street parking in jersey city?

[psychopompos]

Do you consume alcohol? Happy hours with your coworkers? Dating? Those can eat into your savings very quickly.

As far as keeping a car in Queens: a pain, and generally not a sound financial decision, but if you really, really want to have one - doable.

[livingsinglenyc]

Why the HECK would you choose roommates when you have that much money and can afford to live on your own?

[NYCLotteryGurl]

OP,

Option A saves you the most money, but you might have the longest commute. If you lived in Jersey City, the PATH train is the only thing that's gonna get you to Midtown. If you live in Hudson county, the only way to get to midtown is a bus through the port authority bus terminal which leaves you at 42nd and 8th. The perks is less taxes in NJ, but a longer commute, but you might enjoy the quietness and ability to drive around freely.

I like option B because I like having my own privacy, but that isn't cheap.

Option C is good as well cause it's great to have a friend you can split the bills with and go shopping with, but I haven't seen a 2 bedroom in those areas that aren't 2K and up. Plus, your friend has to be reliable. Money and friendship don't mix and God forbid the person is a total flake and can't pay anything on time.

Think about if you want the quickest commute. If so, I'd go with B and C. You save the most with A but have a longer commute and you can find a nice 1 bedroom in NJ for 1,100.00 a month.

[jameskoo87]

yeah I also think option B is the most reasonable choice... since I like my own privacy too.

Being a car enthuasiast, I really like to have a car though and living in NJ for driving.
But I thought about hidden costs of car ownership (gas, toll, occasional city parking), and it's surprisngly expensive..

I also forgot I had $300/month student loans to pay for..

Also I really hate that it's almost impossible to get a decent apartments in Astoria/Sunnyside without paying broker's fee.