Can I afford the move to Portland? (for rent, health insurance)

[Tukotuko]

I have about $8,000 saved up. I am 18 and have no degree or job lined up. I currently work min. wage on the east coast and will not be supported by my parents at all. I know what you are thinking..."one of those idiotic hipster kids". I'm a rather realistic person, so that's why I have come here. I have crafted a budget working off the assumption that I get a minimum wage job in Portland ($9.10) Working 40 hours I would receive $720 biweekly or $1440 per month before taxes. After taxes I estimate my takeaway would be $565 biweekly or $1130 per month. I subtract $250 for health insurance and $200 for food, which leaves me with $680 per month left. I pay $100 per YEAR for my prepaid cell phone and don't desire cable or a landline, so no subtractions there. I also don't want to use a car at all (avid cyclist). So $680 for rent/utilities/misc. As far as "misc." goes, I'm not a big spender (I hardly ever buy anything non-necessity). So, would around $650 be doable for rent/utilities in an area in Portland where I could bike to work? As for finding a job, since I have $8000 saved I could live a few months without a job. It is worth noting that I am very open to having (a) roommate(s) and that is what I would most likely do.

Thank you for your time and input.

*As for the future, I eventually plan on getting a degree in Computer Science at PSU, while continuing with my music career.

[oldtintype]

Yes, with a roommate you could definitely do that.

[EnricoV]

Agreed. As long as you're willing to go into a roommate situation, you should do fine. Scanning Craigslist listings for roommate situations, they seem to run between 300-600. So its well within your budget.

[urbanlife78]

$8,000 saved, 18 yrs old, want to bike instead of drive. Yep, you will do just fine in Portland especially if you do a roommate situation and find yourself some form of work to pay your bills. Just keep your bills as low as possible and you will do just fine.

[VTHokieFan]

Originally Posted by Tukotuko

I have about $8,000 saved up. I am 18 and have no degree or job lined up. I currently work min. wage on the east coast and will not be supported by my parents at all. I know what you are thinking..."one of those idiotic hipster kids". I'm a rather realistic person, so that's why I have come here. I have crafted a budget working off the assumption that I get a minimum wage job in Portland ($9.10) Working 40 hours I would receive $720 biweekly or $1440 per month before taxes. After taxes I estimate my takeaway would be $565 biweekly or $1130 per month. I subtract $250 for health insurance and $200 for food, which leaves me with $680 per month left. I pay $100 per YEAR for my prepaid cell phone and don't desire cable or a landline, so no subtractions there. I also don't want to use a car at all (avid cyclist). So $680 for rent/utilities/misc. As far as "misc." goes, I'm not a big spender (I hardly ever buy anything non-necessity). So, would around $650 be doable for rent/utilities in an area in Portland where I could bike to work? As for finding a job, since I have $8000 saved I could live a few months without a job. It is worth noting that I am very open to having (a) roommate(s) and that is what I would most likely do.

Thank you for your time and input.

*As for the future, I eventually plan on getting a degree in Computer Science at PSU, while continuing with my music career.

Based on your expense budget, $8,000 will give you about 7 months in Portland. Also, don't forget to include moving expenses.

[Tukotuko]

Thanks for all the feedback guys...very much appreciated.

As for moving costs, they have really cheap flights from my airport to PDX (all of the major airlines run a $169 one way flight). I'm packing lightly...I estimate I can ship my stuff with UPS for $300 to $400.

[OHW]

Originally Posted by Tukotuko

Thanks for all the feedback guys...very much appreciated.

As for moving costs, they have really cheap flights from my airport to PDX (all of the major airlines run a $169 one way flight). I'm packing lightly...I estimate I can ship my stuff with UPS for $300 to $400.

That would be a really cheap move. If you can find a roommate situation, it's likely that their place will be largely furnished. That'll save you some money for sure.

[VTHokieFan]

Originally Posted by Tukotuko

Thanks for all the feedback guys...very much appreciated.

As for moving costs, they have really cheap flights from my airport to PDX (all of the major airlines run a $169 one way flight). I'm packing lightly...I estimate I can ship my stuff with UPS for $300 to $400.

I'd also recommend $1,000 escape hatch fund if it doesn't work out. Sorry to have to bring it up, but always better to be safe than sorry...

[Yankeemama]

You enough saved and sound like a very pragmatic person. Hell, we NEED more young people like you in Portland!

[classicanne]

Best of luck to you; you do indeed sound like you'll do just fine here!