Can SD be done on a 35-40K salary?

[LookingtoLeave]

Originally Posted by BSL63087

Thanks for everyone's responses. I'm in the process of figuring out what I want to do and while I hope to someday make a lot more than that, I was just wondering if it would be possible to get by on 35-40K or so. I often hear people talking about how California is soooo expensive and wanting to move somewhere else for cheaper cost of living, but I think it's pretty much expensive to live in any city in the United States if you ask me. I know some places cost more than others, but then again, I'm also a believer that you get what you pay for.

All you really have to do is spend some time researching this issue. It's very easy. Just go to ForRent.com, Rent.com, or even Craigslist. This will paint a much more accurate picture for rents at least. Other bills not so much, but it's still a good start.

[DaveArrrrr]

Originally Posted by boi2socal

As long as you have minimal credit card payments and a reasonable car payment I think you would be ok, but tight, on your own. You'd be much more comfortable splitting rent.

If that was for me, say I have 0 debt (no student loans, no CC bills, no car pyaments). I own an 02 WRX that I'd more than likely sell before the move... and buy a Honda Civic/Accord for under 5 grand here to take. Seems logical to me.

[SanAntoQT]

Originally Posted by LookingtoLeave

Am I reading this right or did you say you now have a 3 bd downtown near the water for $1150? That seems awfully low.

I took his post to mean that his and his girlfriend's share of the rent was $1150, since they live with roommates.

[LookingtoLeave]

Originally Posted by SanAntoQT

I took his post to mean that his and his girlfriend's share of the rent was $1150, since they live with roommates.

Ahh that makes more sense.

[sdurbanite]

While salaries in San Diego don't come close to matching the cost of living standards, things are getting better. Last year San Diego ranked third among all metros where paychecks are growing fastest.

Contrary to popular belief, LA has a much lower per capita income than San Diego. Here's a link to the complete list that might surprise some.

Main story
bizjournals: Where paychecks are growing fastest -- bizjournals.com

Ranking list
bizjournals: Income growth for 100 largest metros 1

[NorthernCalifornia]

you can definitely live in SD for 35k. You're not rich by any means but you can live no problem. Most gripes regarding how "expensive' california is are from people who want to buy property. If you do not need to buy property and can work a real job all of the cities in california are within reach.

35k is going to be just over 2k take home. Spend less than $800 on rent and $300 on car plus maybe another $100 for gas and you've got $900 cash each month left over. Any 20 year old can live on that just fine.

I'd advise getting roommates at first just to have some people around in your new city. Once you get the lay of the land, decide what and who you like in your new home and find a job that pays you a few more dollars you'll be in a position to get your own place, etc.