Surviving in SD on less than 30,000 a year (San Diego, El Cajon: sale, apartments)

[Encinitan]

The biggest problem people of every income level make is trying to live beyond their means. If you only make X per year, you cannot spend more than X. It's that simple.
That may mean renting a room, having roommates, or living with family rather than having your own place and cutting back in other areas. I lived in SD on $25,000 (of course, this was in 1992, so with inflation and all) but still, you theoretically can live here on any income if you are prepared to live within your means. That will never change, whether you make $30K or $3 million.

[moved]

I'm with Sassberto. I moved to SD with $300, worked a minimum wage job, and lived in a $400 per month room, which was downtown and I had no car.

[nmnita]

Originally Posted by Encinitan

The biggest problem people of every income level make is trying to live beyond their means. If you only make X per year, you cannot spend more than X. It's that simple.
That may mean renting a room, having roommates, or living with family rather than having your own place and cutting back in other areas. I lived in SD on $25,000 (of course, this was in 1992, so with inflation and all) but still, you theoretically can live here on any income if you are prepared to live within your means. That will never change, whether you make $30K or $3 million.

$25,000 in 1992, do you have a clue how much that would be today? Of course living within your means is important, but the Op wants to know if it is possible to live on less than $30,000 in San Diego today and the answer is, sure anything is possible, but it would leave absolutely no extra money for entertainment of emergancies.

Nita

[NYSD1995]

Originally Posted by nmnita

$25,000 in 1992, do you have a clue how much that would be today? Of course living within your means is important, but the Op wants to know if it is possible to live on less than $30,000 in San Diego today and the answer is, sure anything is possible, but it would leave absolutely no extra money for entertainment of emergancies.

Nita

My brother lives in a 400/mo studio apartment in a pretty lousy neighborhood.
It can be done. You'll be broke, but it's not that bad, especially in your 20's.

[nmnita]

Originally Posted by Sassberto

My brother lives in a 400/mo studio apartment in a pretty lousy neighborhood.
It can be done. You'll be broke, but it's not that bad, especially in your 20's.

I guess lots of things are possible in your 20s, I still think under $30,000 which is what the OP mentioned would be a stretch. If my figures are right, $12 an hour is less than $25,000 per year and that is before taxes. I guess if you don't want to have any life it can be done.

Nita

[Just1Lion]

Originally Posted by evolve

With many entry level jobs not paying much more than 12 an hour, do you feel that an individual can live in SD on that type of salary?

there are plenty of people surviving as waiters/waitresses/dishwashers/barkeeps. roomates are an option if needed. so unbelievable how everyone has the same answer of how much $ you need to live in SD. you can make it happen. dare i say "live within your means" without being an online cliche?

[moved]

You can always get a second job.

[loveautumn]

It can be done I guess but why??? Most people in SD pay about 50% of their income in housing. If you are making minimum wage in your 20's, at this period of time, will you really be making alot more than that 5 years from now. If I were in my 20's I wouldn't be messing around, wasting time...live someone where you can afford it, and get ahead. 10 or 20 years ago, a young person could afford to screw around for 5 years, but I don't think that a wise decision in today's world.

[sdkid31]

Originally Posted by evolve

With many entry level jobs not paying much more than 12 an hour, do you feel that an individual can live in SD on that type of salary?

If you wanted to be able to do anything youd either have to get a studio apt. or live in the ghetto. may i recommend logan heights and city heights for some places with cheap rent .lol

[sarahkate_m]

Originally Posted by evolve

With many entry level jobs not paying much more than 12 an hour, do you feel that an individual can live in SD on that type of salary?

$12/hrly is around $24k a year. You'd have to live in a commune. How would you afford a car, insurance & gas? Food? I wouldn't want to live in CA, super expensive environment, for that kind of $.