Moving to San Francisco: Are my calculations correct?

[mdwstrnkid]

When I was grossing $78K a year, I was taking home about $3600/month when I took taxes, insurance, stock purchase and 401K into account (though that will depend of course on much you spend on your voluntary deductions). I think that you are really underestimating your food budget. If you go out to lunch every weekday with your colleagues, you'll spend most of that $300 unless you are eating at Subway/McD's/etc.

[SportyandMisty]

Originally Posted by caligirl2009

... Your food cost is too low. If you eat out, you'll be spending more than you think. Lunches aren't cheap. It's easy to spend at least $8-$10 per lunch...

^^^^ +1 ^^^^

Aside from eating off the dollar menu, it is difficult to spend LESS than 8-10/day for lunch.

[SunDevil1212]

Do you go out to the bars at all? If so, $5-$6 a pint is pretty standard here. It adds up quickly. A $100/month "entertainment" budget wouldn't be nearly enough if you went out a couple times a week.

And I really think you should reconsider your rent budget. Even if you could afford $2800/month, does it make sense?? If you can even get it down to $2k, that would add up to almost $10k per year (post-tax dollars, no less) you could put straight into savings. That is some serious money. How much do you want to sacrifice for your "high standard of living"??