Possible to live off...

[ironmike9110]

$1,500 a month??? You guys know the story. Im trying to figure out how much in loans ill have to take out for apartment (im going to put it in as student loans) when i go to school. Ill still be under my parents insurance untill i graduate college so i would only need rent, ultilities, cable, internet, food, and transportation. Then im going to work part time for spending money. Can someone give me an estimate on what the above things usually cost a month? Thanks.

*im looking at bensonhurst, brooklyn or other cheaper yet still safe areas.

[MrSpice]

$1,500 a month??? You guys know the story. Im trying to figure out how much in loans ill have to take out for apartment (im going to put it in as student loans) when i go to school. Ill still be under my parents insurance untill i graduate college so i would only need rent, ultilities, cable, internet, food, and transportation. Then im going to work part time for spending money. Can someone give me an estimate on what the above things usually cost a month? Thanks.

*im looking at bensonhurst, brooklyn or other cheaper yet still safe areas.

It depends on how much you will be spending for food and other necessities. Clothing and food will probably cost as much as where you are right now. 86th street in Bensonhurst, has lots of grocery stores and lots of fuit/vegetables stores where you can buy fresh produce for prices way below those found in Manhattan. In most cases, you will have to pay for electricity (50-70/month), phone/DSL - 40-60/month, gas - 35-50/month, cell phone - 40-50/month, etc. If you rent one bedroom, it will cost you around 1100-1200 in Bensonhurst, I think. If you rent a studio, it will be 200-300 less. Your monthly unlimited metro card for the subway will cost $78. Unless you plan to always bring your food with you, plan on eating out at least ocassionally (pizza, burgers, etc.) New York is full of all kinds of choices and you have to decide how economic you're going to be.

[Schadenfrau]

You should get a roommate.

[ryan]

I know quite a few people with monthly expenses waay less than $1500 (I've never figured it out, but I'm sure I could get by on less thank $1k if I had to) If I were going to take it in loans I would try to find some bargains (and forget about cable). Student loans add up. I have a friend with nearly $200K - if you ever want to buy a home, think a bit more long-term. Think roommates.

[Ninjahedge]

If you are looking for cheap eats and the like, Chinatown an definitely be your friend!

[milleniumcab]

When you come out of college, you don't want to owe too much money.. Those are the years to start building your future, brick by brick. The more money you owe, less bricks you have.;)

So think about sharing an apartment and the utilities..

[MartinVienna]

I don't live in New York, not even in America (and have not visited for a while), so it's a bit difficult for me to comment on prices and cost of living. But beware, once you borrow money you have to repay more over the years. Interests are going up now. :)

[Ninjahedge]

i should have added the gym...but im a healthy eater....i eat i dont eat alot of pizza, burgers, soda, etc. Thats why i figured about 100 a week for food would be good. Plus, like i said, a part time job making lets say 150-200 a week would be my spending money, and i am also saving up right now while still trying to have fun where i currently live, so lets say $2000 to play with extra. And i would be back home in the summer (maybe) to work and rebuild my bank account for the next school year!

Again, you will find it hard to find everything you need.

Example, Gyms are rather expensive here in the city, ranging from 70 to 130 a month. There are some basement and attic sweatshops that might be less expensive, but yuo get what you pay for.

If you are looking to LIVE in NYC off of that amount, you may need to start finding "at home" exercise routines that will keep all the bases covered.

[ironmike9110]

70 for the gym bad, i used to pay 70 where i live now until i found a cheaper one for 55.

[antinimby]

i should have added the gym...but im a healthy eater....i eat i dont eat alot of pizza, burgers, soda, etc.Wow, I'm really impressed. Most people your age don't eat very healthy, just a lot of junk food.

[ironmike9110]

Wow, I'm really impressed. Most people your age don't eat very healthy, just a lot of junk food.

yea, and the funny part is that i get made fun of for it. Kids think its weird...yet then they start a routine and ask me what to do and stop after 2 weeks. Quitters.

[antinimby]

Let them laugh. Those are the same people getting diabetes, cancer, heart disease and strokes.