$36,000 yr in nyc?

Question

can one survive on $33,000-$40,000 a year salary? entry level new grad trying to move to the city?

Answer 1

Yeah, it's definitely possible. You'll have to live with roommates, but it's not that bad.

I made around $33,000/year when I first moved here two years ago from the Midwest right out of college. People told me I wouldn't make it--but most of those people were people that had only been to NYC on vacation and lived like a tourist here.

Don't expect to live in Manhattan, but once you get here you'll discover your own little neighborhood. I live in Brooklyn, and even though I make enough to move to Manhattan now, I'm in love with Brooklyn.

You can definitely live here for 36k/year. You save so much money by using the subway. I don't even know how much gas costs these days... it's great.

Answer 2

If you plan to live by yourself on this income, stay away from manhattan. Otherwise, you can survive on this income in Brooklyn, Queens and other boroughs. Maybe you should get a roommate as suggested before because this is a low salary if you ask me. I'm an entry level grad too but I get paid much more than that and my cost of living is as high as new york and I think it would be best if you try to share the costs with somebody else especially if you have student loans like me. Try to get co-worker or a friend you trust. Make your life easier. As I said before, living on this salary is doable if you stay clear of manhattan (of course, you can hang out there but don't live there). Good luck!

Answer 3

Thats right in the ball park for starting salaries in NYC. You can do it but you'll need a roommate or 2. Brooklyn is probably you're best bet. Park Slope is alot of fun an a nice neighborhood. Plenty of bars and still fairly inexpensive by BYC standards. You can still find rents in the low 1000's for a 1 bedroom. Just make sure you're within walking distance to the train or a bus stop. Commute is everything in NY.

Answer 4

If you have at least 2 or 3 roommates, you *might* be able to live on that, providing you don't have extravgant tastes. NYC is one of the few places in the world where you can make over $100K a year and still be considered "poor".

Answer 5

It's doable with a roomie. I live in the Newport area of Jersey City. It's 3 miles from NYC across the Hudson and half the price, easily. I have 2 roomies and we each pay about 700 and it's a really nice place.

I just moved here as well, so welcome!

Answer 6

i make the same amount and was in the same boat as you about a year ago. You can live in Manhattan on that salary, the most northern neighborhood called Inwood...but others are just as right saying getting roommates and look in Brooklyn

Answer 7

sure. $3K before taxes, probably $2300 after? You get a roommate, pay $1200 for all of your bills and you have $1100 for food and fun for the month. You won't be buying $15 drinks at the hotel bars, but you can live off of $2 PBR's in the village. You will have the time of your life!!!

Answer 8

I did, you need to apartment hunt like a madman. Then you need to find the places off the beaten path that you can afford. A slice is usually $1.50. Drink at happy hours and dive bars. It won't be easy but it'll sure be fun.

Answer 9

If you are willing to live in a tenement with a bunch of roommates or commute from Pennsylvania you can probably swing it, but I wouldn't. Entry-level secretaries make about $50,000 in NYC last I checked. Unless you have some special housing arrangements, I would keep looking. You should be able to do better than $36,000.

Answer 10

it's possible, especially if you have nice roomates. Don't expect an extravagant lifestyle, you'll be living frugally. If the position is with a good company with chance for advancement and something you would love to do. I say go for it.