How much money should I save before moving to New York City?

Question

I will be moving from California to New York City when I'm 18. I've had no job experience. I’m not going to college but I will be attending Makeup Designory School (MUD). How much money should I save up? And How much do you think I’ll pay?

Here is what I have so far:
Rent - $900 for a one bedroom or $1500 for a 2 ($750 with a roommate) per month
School - $14,200 (not sure about payment yet)
Gas - $35
Electricity - $40-$100
Cable/Internet - $115
Phone - $100
Food/general household items - $250
Transportation - $76 30 - Day Unlimited Ride MetroCard
Furniture - $500-$1000 (basic stuff to start out with; bed, some kitchen appliances, desk/chair, etc)
Water –
Sewer –
Laundry –
Entertainment –

I’m not sure about other utilities such as water and sewer.
What else am I missing and approx how much are they?
Also when would be a good time to work? I can take either day classes (8am-5pm) or night classes (6pm – 10pm).

I’ll probably be working on minimum wage like at Starbucks or Barnes and Noble. I really want to work at MAC Cosmetics but I need something that is flexible.

Please give detailed answers!!
Thanks

There are no dorms. This is what I just figured on what people have told me. I'm not expecting to pay. I just want to know average on everything.

Answer 1

Your rent expectations are half of what they should be. You can't even get a studio (one room, no separate bedroom) for under 1200 in Manhattan. On top of that you need at least three month's rent up front (first, last, and security deposit) and you will likely need a cosigner or guarantor (like a parent) to get a place. Your best bet would be to find a roommate first to see how you like living here and getting on with life here. Your furniture budget is too low unless you are bringing stuff with you or are literally expecting a bare bones/milk crate type existence. Try to find a furnished room if you can or at least one with a bed, it will be easier, plus one less thing to move if you do move on to another space.

You need to budget more for you groceries/food or plan on eating ultra cheaply without going out to get by on that amount. You will have to live like or Monk or add at least 100 a week for entertainment like drinks, movies, lunch out, etc. and that is still relatively modest. You also didn't include anything for clothes which you will need. Remember there is a lot of walking here and you will go through shoes faster and need good, well made shoes. Also depending on where in California you are from you will also need to get a winter coat, hat, gloves, sweaters, boots, etc.

You won't be paying water/sewer/heat in an apartment, just electricity and phone/cable/internet. Most people in your situation just have a cell phone or sometimes the internet/cable/phone plan. Laundry will be at least $15 a week, more if you have to dry clean your clothes. A minimum wage job won't get you very far, you would likely need two which wouldn't leave you any time for school. You can't support the above expenses on a full time, minimum wage job, it can't be done. If you can't get a a higher paying job you wont be having cable or any other luxuries like eating out, school, clothes, air conditioning, or anything. You will need to plan on saving enough now to support your entire stay in school here.

Assuming you plan on being able to earn your own way each month you will need to bring with you at least three whole months worth of money in case you don't get a job right away aside from the money for your housing upfront.

Answer 2

If your school has dorms, I STRONGLY suggest you try to get in there. You're not far off on most things, but rent on a decent apartment can be double what you're figuring. Electric, figure closer to the $100. Laundry will easily run you $20 a week. Furniture, unless you're getting the stuff you put together yourself will probably be closer to $1500 at least.

Honestly - you should double what you're figuring so far - this way you don't have any ugly surprises....

Answer 3

My sister says to have an s**t load of money , so get a job now. Make sure you have a job here and a house instead of searching for one. Know someone that lives here before you get here, know a new yorker. My sister knows stuff about these things and shes 18.We live in New York.

P.S. THE PAGEANTS IN TWO DAYS!!!!!!!

Answer 4

Conquering New York in one visit is impossible since is a big town like you'll discover with Hotelbye . In New York you will see the Empire State Building, the Statue of Liberty, Central Park, the Metropolitan Museum of Art and much more. Empire State Building makes it worth braving the long lines, high ticket rates and dizzying heights to see the town from a top that storied building. Built-in 1931, the skyscraper may be the second-tallest developing in New York and is one of the very quick icons of Gotham, so significantly so that it's played a part in shows such as for instance King Kong, An Affair to Remember and Sleepless in Seattle.

Answer 5

Everyone is right! NYC is very expensive. My sister-in-law lived in NYC (she worked for the Muppet Co!) for a few years, and the price of her dingy 1 bedroom apt. was astronomical - and I think she shared it with 3 other girls! Maybe you can check the internet real estate groups and see who might be in need of roommates in NYC so you can split the costs. I wish you the best!!

Answer 6

You'll be signing a year lease. So times the rent by 12 plus all of the extras.

Answer 7

Double every one of your figures