if I make $40,000 a yr. is that enough to live comfortably in NYC?

Question

I want to live in Manhattan, in a nice safe area - one bedroom or studio alone. Is a 40,000 per yr. salary enough to do this? What if I spend 1800 on rent a month? what are the nicest neighorhoods to live in, that I'm close to partying but not in the middle of it? Thanks.

Answer 1

Yes, but you need to make NYC contacts who will show you how to do it. Wired New York Forum has a huge, permanent topic called, "Moving to New York." You can browse it without becoming a member; but you may want to join and repost your question there:

http://www.wirednewyork.com/forum/showthread.php?t=5632

Answer 2

The usual formula was that your rent should not be more than 25% of your salary.

So $1,800 is kind of high for that salary. You might have trouble with living expenses if you are paying out half your salary in rent.

You can definitely live on $40K a year, but you have to scale down your spending to go with it. Take the subway, not cabs. Bring your lunch to work. Take advantage of sales and happy hours!

Answer 3

That's not enough to live within the city limits. NYC is the only city in the States where you can make $100K a year or more and still be considered poor. You're better off considering Bergen county, NJ or Westchester - you *MIGHT* be able to swing it then.

Answer 4

No my friend lives in the Bronx. works in Manhattan. makes 40000 plus with bens. that is considered poverty level there. she has to share a old apartment to survive.

Answer 5

40k isn't good for NYC.Move to the South Bronx.

Answer 6

Not even close.

Answer 7

mabye