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We all know rent is somewhere between 1200 and 1500 for a studio apt, but what exactly is included in the rent? What do I have to pay for water, gas and electricity? Is internet-cable tv also included? If not, what do I pay for that?
Besides the utilities, what is the daily cost of living? I am talking about things like groceries, monthly subway pass, gym, etc. Isn't only rent the only thing that is expensive in manhattan? Or is everything in general more expensive?
We all know rent is somewhere between 1200 and 1500 for a studio apt............
You are kidding, right?
According to the latest( OCT/2011) Manhattan Monthly Rental Market Report,the average rent on a studio apartment in Manhattan is 2,222.00/mo in non doorman buildings and 2,707.00/mo in doorman buildings.
This is almost double what you think "we all know" rents to be.
Having just moved to Manhattan from a much cheaper region of the country a few months ago, I can tell you that you are in for a shock!
Agree with previous poster that 1200-1300 is laughable and will not happen. I managed to find a studio on the Upper East Side in the Yorkville area for a little over $1400 a month. Its TINY, but is actually in good condition and a pretty nice apartment. I would say that is the BARE minimum you will pay in Manhattan (unless you get a roommate and split something). Heat and hot water is included. We pay about $50/mo for electricity and $10 or so for gas. Cable is of course, not included (i've never heard of a building where it is really) and quite expensive.
While the rent is pretty crazy, the rest of life's necessities are not quite as drastically expensive, but will be an increase over what you are used to paying. I know my most recent shock was seeing Gilette replacement razors for their newer style razors at almost $20/4pack.
If you find a good grocery, you'll pay more than you are used to, but not a terrible amount. Subway pass is a great deal - unlimited monthly for $104. If you take it daily, its a must. Gyms range from (maybe) 50-120 a month on average - you'll have to look around to find something cheaper than that - maybe Ballys.
Hope this helps! Good luck, and be ready to be poor! I'm loving it though
That's the average rent. You are telling me rentals I see for 1300 $ are a joke?
Read the report.It is the most comprehensive analysis of rents going and is regarded as "the industry standard."
Might you be able to find a studio apartment in Manhattan for 1,300/mo ? Of course,but it will likely be a small 4th or 5th floor walk up crap hole, in a crappy building in Harlem,a hike from the subway.As you will see,even in Harlem,the average rent on a studio in a non doorman building is 1,562/mo.
You might find cheaper apartments, but it will likely be a shoebox, a terrible building, or a not so nice neighborhood as earlier posters said.
Let's make a monthly estimate of some expenses:
Rent: $2000
Monthly Subway pass: $104
Utilities (electric/gas): $80 (could be more depending on season, usage)
Groceries: $300-400 (depends on the individual)
Cable/Internet: $100 (depends on provider)
Cell Phone: $80
Laundry: usually around $2 per load, depends how often you do laundry
Fun activies?: $0- any amount (depends what you want)
Other incidentals?
Other potential start up costs - professional wardrobe, furniture, etc.
It always amazes me on the amount of people that are willing to pay 2200.00 for a studio, just to be in Manhattan.
You can definitely find a cheaper studio, just like you can find one more expensive. But on average, I think ~$2,000 is the market rate for a studio right now. I was amazed when some new hires out of college in my office told me what they were paying.
Hmm. I see. Thanks for the info. Can't believe a good studio goes for 2000... How much do the people in NYC make a month if rent is so expensive?
You will typically be required to show the landlord proof that you make 40x the rent in order to qualify for the apartment. If you don't make enough, you can have a guarantor or a roommate.
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You are kidding, right? 
