What can I expect the cost of living to be in NYC?

Question

I'm planning to attend school in Manhattan next year and was curious what I can expect the cost of living to be, and tips to cut costs. I'm probably going to try and find someone to share an apartment with, or just get a studio apt., what could I expect rent to be, with utilities and such? Also, just general things that I'll need for living in the city (i.e., subway passes) Are there any websites that would be helpful?

Would a commute from the Bronx be bad to the Upper West Side?

Answer 1

Even a studio is very expensive in Manhattan. Just look at the prices in NYC on www.craigslist.com. See if you can get into student housing for your school. It will probably be the cheapest thing you can get.

Everything in NYC is expensive, but there are also tons of deals (just not on housing, lol). There is a magazine called Time-Out New York that has lots of bargains listed in it. You can also pick up the Village Voice for free to look at the cheap eats section.

Metrocards can be purchased as a monthly unlimited card, weekly, etc with a savings over an individual ride (currently $2).

Utilities (if you have your own place) really aren't all that bad and you can use common sense in conserving electric and/or gas use.

Tons of places in the city have free wireless access.

What is available to you also depends on where you live. Each neighborhood has it's own hidden gems and bargains.

Entertainment options are literally endless, and there are many free events and low or no cost things to do. They list an assortment of events on a weekly basis in most papers and you can google websites and message boards for these events also.

There are two tv shows on public access or NY1 channel that can give you great ideas. One is "Secrets of New York" (hokey presentation but a great show) and the other is "$9.99". Secrets gives you cool ideas of places to explore and $9.99 shows you how to have a blast for 10 bucks or less.

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Bronx to the UWS is no problem as long as both locations are along the same subway line or have an easy connection. Pinpoint both places on a subway map and check.

Answer 2

As a native New Yorker here is some advice. First rent is really expensive at least 2000-3500 depending on what you want. The cost of living is very expensive. It is definetely cheaper to live outside the city in Brooklyn , The Bronk or Queens. The Bronx is a short subway ride away to upper Manhattan. Brooklyn is a short subway ride to lower Manhattan. Queens depending on what location is close to midtown or upptown. You should be looking for apartments in these areas much cheaper!!! A metro card is the way to go; for 70 bucks you can go anywhere for the month plus, the cost of living in the other boroughs are cheaper.

Answer 3

If you're going to live in Manhattan, expect a studio or 1 bedroom to cost betweek $1500-$3000 per month. (I just moved into a $2400 1 bedroom.)

Subway passes are $76 for an unlimited monthly pass, so that's not too bad. However, you will probably eat out a lot, and places kind be on the expensive side compared to other cities, about $10 a meal. (You'll have to eat out because most apartments barely have a kitchen.)

Also, you will most likely have to go to a laundry mat to do laundry. Very few places have a washer and dryer in the apartment. Expect $8 or so for 2 loads.

Answer 4

depnds it costed 2,000 in 1989 probley about 15,000 now for a
ok place but it is a very highend area from Austin in Avon and try apartments.com

Answer 5

Get a "Places Rated Almanac" available at most any bookshop...