Most livable big cities/metros for a $45-50k salary? (apartment, college)

[NSX1990]

... other than the west coast. I'd like to stay in the east or midwest.

I'm soon to be out of college, single, no kids. That's the typical starting salary if I accept a job in my field, maybe a little more $ up north.

I know a lot of this depends on lifestyle and spending habits. Let's put it this way... I don't care for expensive material things (fancy car, trendy apartment, expensive clothes, etc), but I would like to go out 1-2 times a week and spend money on travel and cultural/sports experiences. So I suppose it kind of balances out to a moderate amount of spending.

Thanks for any input.

[Steve-o]

Originally Posted by NSX1990

... other than the west coast. I'd like to stay in the east or midwest.

I'm soon to be out of college, single, no kids. That's the typical starting salary if I accept a job in my field, maybe a little more $ up north.

I know a lot of this depends on lifestyle and spending habits. Let's put it this way... I don't care for expensive material things (fancy car, trendy apartment, expensive clothes, etc), but I would like to go out 1-2 times a week and spend money on travel and cultural/sports experiences. So I suppose it kind of balances out to a moderate amount of spending.

Thanks for any input.

You can get by in Chicago on that salary. If you like culture and loads of sports, look no further, amigo. Look into Wicker Park, Bucktown, Old Town, River North, etc.

[Minnehahapolitan]

That salary does you just fine if you are living in any midwestern city. Take your pick from Chicago, Minneapolis, Milwaukee, Detroit, Saint Louis, Cleveland, Cincinnati, Pittsburgh or Kansas City. In the east, you are more confined (comfortably) to cities like Phila. and Baltimore. You could also do well in Denver.

[Ben Around]

Originally Posted by Minnehahapolitan

That salary does you just fine if you are living in any midwestern city. Take your pick from Chicago, Minneapolis, Milwaukee, Detroit, Saint Louis, Cleveland, Cincinnati, Pittsburgh or Kansas City. In the east, you are more confined (comfortably) to cities like Phila. and Baltimore. You could also do well in Denver.

I agree, except for the part about Pittsburgh being a Midwestern city!

[londonbarcelona]

Originally Posted by Minnehahapolitan

That salary does you just fine if you are living in any midwestern city. Take your pick from Chicago, Minneapolis, Milwaukee, Detroit, Saint Louis, Cleveland, Cincinnati, Pittsburgh or Kansas City. In the east, you are more confined (comfortably) to cities like Phila. and Baltimore. You could also do well in Denver.

I'd go with Pittsburgh or Cincinatti