How expensive is living in NYC area?

**shoiji** · 09-12-2011, 06:54 PM

Am curious to know how expensive it is to live in the NYC area. Everyone automatically says oh it is expensive to live there. I have comparison priced stores in the area compared to where I live now. The prices are the same. Also do not own a car. So I am wondering how much more expensive it would be. Sure apartment size would be smaller but am interested to know what more expensive living things someone would come across in the NYC area.

**AmyBoz** · 09-12-2011, 09:40 PM

Everything is more expensive in the city. From apartments to groceries. Two of my 3 best friends live in the city and we talk about this all the time. Teeny-tiny one bedroom apartment for $850,000. Can of generic green beans for $2.50. Craziness.

**Spirit Deer** · 09-12-2011, 10:33 PM

I used to pen pal with someone who lived on Long Island and then later in Westchester county. It amazed me what she paid for things. They made half again as much money as we did, but couldn't come close to our standard of living. They paid a small fortune for a small condo they hated, while we paid half of what they spent for seven acres on a 2,500 acre lake and the four-bedroom house with three-room cabin and oversized double garage we built.

We live in a high-tax state, but they had us beat by ten miles, plus all the fees they paid that we don't even have. They had a lot more cash flow, but not nearly as much disposable income as we did.

It was hilarious comparing notes with her sometimes, a real country mouse/city mouse scenario. She was afraid to be in an unpopulated area without people around, I'm uncomfortable in an urban setting with loads of strangers around. She needed to be entertained, while I participated in community activities and became part of the entertainment. It's amazing we were friends for ten years, when I think about it.

**sinopa27** · 09-12-2011, 11:19 PM

since you live in NJ, it may be just a little more expensive. You will have to pay some $$$ to make sure you live in a decent neighborhood.

**grneyegrl** · 09-13-2011, 07:40 PM

you need a car..if you plan on living out side of urban areas

**chriskarma** · 09-19-2011, 03:09 AM

& SF is to darn expensive

**sarahboyd** · 03-15-2012, 02:10 PM

I am a local from Manhattan and have been living there for 15 years. It is expensive, but after living there for a while, you begin to learn a bunch of ways to save money. It really isn't as expensive as you think! In more urban areas, there is more competition which means that prices are pretty low. Also, if you are living in NYC, you don't really need a car. Without that expense, you can save on insurance, gas, etc. It is possible to live there on a budget!