Price of settling in USA (apartment, for rent, condo)

[anjb06]

I was wondering how much I should save if ever I want to work in the US. Like how much is needed for me to be able to catch up just fine until settled. I was thinking somewhere around CA or NY.
And one more, how much would it be if in Canada? I am from the Philippines.

[joe from dayton]

What makes you eligible for automatic immigration?

[jribe]

wow - you do know that CA and NY are some of the most expensive places to live in the US right? Also, you could live in "California" and be in a rural town with nothing around or be surrounded by city with huge expenses? California is most of the west coast of the US..If you have the right attitude and education you could work about anywhere in the US- what is it that you are looking for specifically? CA and NY have VERY different weather and economies.

[anjb06]

Originally Posted by jribe

wow - you do know that CA and NY are some of the most expensive places to live in the US right? Also, you could live in "California" and be in a rural town with nothing around or be surrounded by city with huge expenses? California is most of the west coast of the US..If you have the right attitude and education you could work about anywhere in the US- what is it that you are looking for specifically? CA and NY have VERY different weather and economies.

That's why I'm asking because before working there I was planning on saving enough money first. With an engineering degree. Saving money would take maybe 1 to 2 years, but it isn't impossible. So back to the question, how much do you think would it be?

[anjb06]

Originally Posted by joe from dayton

What makes you eligible for automatic immigration?

I'm not saying I'll be automatically eligible for immigration. Maybe I will be having a working permit first. But I can't go immediately and work there without money for the expenses right? Insights for the expenses is what I want to know.

[jambo101]

Budget about $4000 to $5000 a month for rent and living expenses.

[jribe]

Originally Posted by anjb06

That's why I'm asking because before working there I was planning on saving enough money first. With an engineering degree. Saving money would take maybe 1 to 2 years, but it isn't impossible. So back to the question, how much do you think would it be?

this will largely depend on which metro area you would want to live in California - they are vastly different. I will talk to the areas i'm familiar with.. In general though, there are much cheaper states to live

San Francisco/Bay Area - wages will be higher here, but so are the housing prices. For a safe(er) area you would need to budget from 3,000-4,500 a month for a small apartment; if you're looking for a house then change that to $5,500+++. If you're looking to buy you would need to have mostly cash and a minimum budget of $800,000 - this will be for a very small condo. If renting, plan for a minimum of 20% rent increase each year (but some people get much higher increases).

Sacramento Metro - safer areas for renting an apartment would be around $1200; houses budget for $1800-2,500. Buying expect to pay around $400,000

Rural areas will be much cheaper - but good paying jobs will be difficult to find.


best of luck