DC on 35K/yr?? (Washington: real estate, apartment, for rent)

[v3ronika]

Looking at Craigslist, seems that it will be quite easy to find a sublet-situation. I guess I need to make clear that I am only picking DC because I see nowhere else with as many entry-level jobs in my field and I do want to start a career in govt. The other entry-level jobs I saw offered by the Feds in what I want to do were in places like Death Valley and Beatty NV - not somewhere I can afford to relocate to (distance-away-wise) even if I could deal with the desert. (I've actually lived out in the NV desert before and once was enough!)

After a year I'll be able to apply to jobs that right now the Feds all have marked non-public and that I'm not qualified for yet anyway. Then the location choices broaden (and the salary goes up.) I have nothing against then going for a position located elsewhere.

Thanks BTW to everyone's comments, they are all very helpful!

[juniperbleu]

If you're looking at a job you'll really like with growth potential, I'd go for it. Not gonna lie, it'll be a little rough for a bit. Where will you be working? Will you be driving or taking the metro? One thing to keep in mind is that if you're a little bit further from a metro station it can be a big difference in rent. There are still plenty of affordable places on bus lines that will get you to DC or a station without too much hassle. Just another option to keep in mind.

[v3ronika]

I'm expecting a very rough first year! I just wanted to know whether I'd flat-out starve or not.

I'm also doing a lot of research on where the Metro stops are and where the bus routes are.... I dont have any leanings towards any one area yet but I'll keep in mind the bit about living further away from a stop for cheaper rent. I do want to be walking-distance from a stop though (10 blocks away at most...)

[juniperbleu]

Originally Posted by v3ronika

I'm expecting a very rough first year! I just wanted to know whether I'd flat-out starve or not.

I'm also doing a lot of research on where the Metro stops are and where the bus routes are.... I dont have any leanings towards any one area yet but I'll keep in mind the bit about living further away from a stop for cheaper rent. I do want to be walking-distance from a stop though (10 blocks away at most...)

Someone else may have mentioned it, but maybe also try Silver Spring? It's cheaper there than similar places in VA. You could also try looking further out on the metro lines, like in Vienna, Springfield, or Rockville. It will be much more suburban and you'll need your car for errands and such, but the rent might be cheaper. In general, it seems like MD is cheaper than VA. There are also a good amount of group homes throughout the area, you can just rent a room on CraigsList. Not ideal, but better than living in a box.

Good luck! I survived on not much more than that ($37k) for my first year. You can also look forward to a slight raise (3-4%) in January when we get our COL increase. Not a lot, but at that point every little bit counts!

[dkf747]

You won't starve, but it will be awful hard to find an apartment for a rate you can afford. Try here: Kettler | Affordable Apartment Program | KETTLER - Apartments, Condos, Planned Communities, and Mixed-Use/Commercial Properties in the Greater Washington, DC-metro region

[v3ronika]

Thanks DFK - that is a great link and gives me the idea to search for other subsidized-housing.

[coldbliss]

I make $60,000 per year and I am barely, BARELY scraping by because the cost of living here is ridiculous. Oh and I have a roommate by the way.

Think real hard about this decision. There are more affordable cities in this country where you can find exciting job opportunities, vibrant arts and culture community, and a good night life vibe.

Originally Posted by v3ronika

Hi -

I'm contemplating moving to DC soon - problem is that my entry level salary and the cost of living in DC don't seem to match up very well. Is it possible to live on a $35,000 salary in DC? I'm not into shopping all that much but I do want my own place (too old to live with people anymore) and decent food (farmers market are perfect.) I also want to live in the city proper, not the suburbs cos I am well, still alive

[mettler]

you could just do some simple math to determine if you can make it..

35,000*.7(taxes etc) = 24500/year or $2041/month.

$1700/mo apt +$100utilities etc = $1800/mo (if you get a roommate $900 - better get a roommate)

assuming you have NO debt at all (no student loans, no automobile etc) should have around $1000 per month for food and living - it will be close.

[LIS123]

One can have a rent much less than $1700/month with a roommate (or two, three, etc.), so long as the building and location aren't the best. I'm not certain, but one should be able to pay less than $1400/month in a shared apt, though many 2BR apts are $3000+. At $35K, I'd look into two people in a 1BR.

Utilities can add up: each roommate (assuming two total) will be paying more than $100/month. Don't forget gym membership, etc though some of these things aren't needed.

I'm not sure how much employers provide for the Metro, but it adds up quick without a subsidy. Food is very high as are personal items. I think one would walk away with more than 70% of their pre-tax income if it's $35K, however.

[v3ronika]

met -

I see apts going for all sorts of prices on CL and seems I can avoid the $1700 apt if i can grab a studio (which i can; being from NYC i know all about living in shoeboxes.) I was also just now looking at a few 1bdrms in DC for $1100. I dont know enough about the neighborhoods yet to tell if thats why they are cheaper than you are averaging? They look close to the center of town to me?

Meanwhile, with a sh***y 35K salary I might be able to get into an apt bldg that offers affordable housing. Have no idea how long the waiting lists are but the places Ive looked at look nice (at least online), not too out of the way and at the cheapest they start at $600-$900. I know that where I live now, there are places like that and they are located in the heart of the city (desirable) and very *very* nice. (This being B'lo, the salary cap is 27K!)

But again, I plan on taking a sublease (which Ive also found many that dont go as high as $1700) with the plan to check out these "cheaper" neighborhoods. Who knows, I might just keep subletting and subletting... I've never really been able to settle down anyway - finding somewhere "perfect" and buying lots of stuff for that place has never really interested me. Ah, but alas, I do not want to starve.... Thanks for the math!!