Moving to WeHo, good plan or need more $? (for rent, car insurance)

[leighc91]

Ok so I am a nanny in Minnesota, I make decent money and am able to put away quite a bit of money. I have 1.5-2.5 years before I will no longer have my current job (that's just the nature of being a nanny, kids grow up =( ) But I believe this amount is totally feasible for me to save in about 2 years. Do my numbers sound right? I tried to get estimates on the internet and left myself 2000 for "miscellaneous" bills, but I would really appreciate some opinions here! This would give me 6 months to find a nanny job when I get there, and I will be looking before I get there so I have interviews already set up. I like to have plans, so even though the move won't happen for a while, I need to start saving pronto.

1200/month rent x 6 months = 7200
200/month food x 6 months = 1200
100/month gas/elec/water x 6 months = 600
45/month cell phone x 6 months = 270
100/month dog stuff x 6 months = 600 9870
1700/6month period for car insurance x 2= 3400
2000/6 month period for misc. = 2000
250/month for student loans x 6 = 1500

TOTAL: $16,770 to move to California

[PDF]

That's plenty enough. You sound to have a plan, so you'll be fine. I saved up 17 grand when I moved here a month ago, but I was extremely risk-averse and my living expenses were much lower than yours. But I found a job right away.

Go for it! Many times when people make a move like this they aren't prepared, people come on here asking if 5 grand will be enough, etc. But you are set up to succeed.

[disgruntled la native]

To LA in general it might be enough. WeHo is extra pricy. Consider Hollywood, or living with a roommate to keep rent costs down.

[leighc91]

Originally Posted by disgruntled la native

To LA in general it might be enough. WeHo is extra pricy. Consider Hollywood, or living with a roommate to keep rent costs down.

Yea Hollywood seems like a decent compromise. Although depending on how much I can get saved, 1500 a month for rent may be feasible.

Is LA dog friendly in terms of renting?

[disgruntled la native]

Cost of living is just higher in WeHo in general. It's one of the LA area's most expensive neighborhoods. But if you're giving yourself 6 months on that budget and beign fairly frugal I think it's doable. 1200 a month in rent would get you a studio in WeHo, and a shared 2 bedroom. 1500 would enable you to get a one bedroom for yourself. But keep in mind utilities (easy another 100-200 a month depending on what you get), security deposit (which is usually first months rent)..

Dog friendly, yes, many places are. LA is a dog lover's city. But it does limit your choices by at least 50%.