Welcome, Guest: Register On Nairaland / LOGIN! / Trending / Recent / New
Stats: 3,148,810 members, 7,802,599 topics. Date: Friday, 19 April 2024 at 05:05 PM

Cost Of Living In US Cities - Travel - Nairaland

Nairaland Forum / Nairaland / General / Travel / Cost Of Living In US Cities (4709 Views)

The Advantages And Disadvantages Of Living In Lagos / Cost Of Living In Australia: 5 Things You Must Know As An International Student / Living In Canada/Life As A Canadian Immigrant (2) (3) (4)

(1) (Reply) (Go Down)

Cost Of Living In US Cities by LogicStatement: 10:07pm On Aug 17, 2017
Hello Nairalanders, I would like to get some info on the cost of living per person per month in some cities in the US. Pls can anyone give me on an average the cost of living in NY, Washington DC or any major city in the US that a person would need in a month?

This cost of living will comprise of house rent (shared apartment), feeding & basic need for one person in a month. Pls u can provide this info as an estimated average. Thanks

*pls I'm really in need of this info.

Seun
lalasticlala
Mind
Explorer
Re: Cost Of Living In US Cities by LogicStatement: 9:16am On Aug 18, 2017
Re: Cost Of Living In US Cities by ramalot(m): 1:40pm On Aug 18, 2017
LogicStatement:

A google search should've been your first option.
There's all kinds of statistical data on the cost of living in these places. Except you're trying to get first-hand info.

The rule of thumb is: The bigger the city, the higher the cost.

Living in NY could cost a fortune, or cost relatively little, depending on where you live.
Living in NYC (New York City) is significantly more expensive than living in other parts of New York State, for instance.
[New York City is in New York state, like Kano City is in Kano State].

NYC is made up of 5 Boroughs: Manhattan, Queens, The Bronx, Brooklyn, and Staten Island.

Average rent in Manhattan (most expensive borough) is $3,900/month for a 2-bedroom. With a roommate, that's $1,800 each in rent.
The cheapest borough in NYC is Staten Island. You can get an okay 1 BR apartment for only $1k/month.

New York is a sizable state, but most areas outside NYC aren't worth living in, as far as opportunities for a new immigrant.

Your true cost of living will depend on your lifestyle. However, you could survive with an income of $2k/month if you're really frugal.

My guess is you're looking for the cheapest option, so while looking, consider the following expenses:

- Rent - $1k
- Electric & Gas - $100 - 200 depending on the season (or if included in rent).
- Groceries (feeding) - $150 - $300, if you're not a glutton.
- Car insurance (or transport if you won't own a car) - $200
- Phone, cable & internet - $100 - $200

These are perhaps the most basic things you'll need for a start, for one person.

In general, the cheapest part of the US to live is the Mid-West (they're boring places).
The states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota, and Wisconsin.

Chicago in Illinois is the only real major city in the Mid-West, but you really don't want to live in Chicago. You'll be safer living in Iraq.

13 Likes 2 Shares

Re: Cost Of Living In US Cities by LogicStatement: 8:23pm On Aug 18, 2017
ramalot:


A google search should've been your first option.
There's all kinds of statistical data on the cost of living in these places. Except you're trying to get first-hand info.

The rule of thumb is: The bigger the city, the higher the cost.

Living in NY could cost a fortune, or cost relatively little, depending on where you live.
Living in NYC (New York City) is significantly more expensive than living in other parts of New York State, for instance.
[New York City is in New York state, like Kano City is in Kano State].

NYC is made up of 5 Boroughs: Manhattan, Queens, The Bronx, Brooklyn, and Staten Island.

Average rent in Manhattan (most expensive borough) is $3,900/month for a 2-bedroom. With a roommate, that's $1,800 each in rent.
The cheapest borough in NYC is Staten Island. You can get an okay 1 BR apartment for only $1k/month.

New York is a sizable state, but most areas outside NYC aren't worth living in, as far as opportunities for a new immigrant.

Your true cost of living will depend on your lifestyle. However, you could survive with an income of $2k/month if you're really frugal.

My guess is you're looking for the cheapest option, so while looking, consider the following expenses:

- Rent - $1k
- Electric & Gas - $100 - 200 depending on the season (or if included in rent).
- Groceries (feeding) - $150 - $300, if you're not a glutton.
- Car insurance (or transport if you won't own a car) - $200
- Phone, cable & internet - $100 - $200

These are perhaps the most basic things you'll need for a start, for one person.

In general, the cheapest part of the US to live is the Mid-West (they're boring places).
The states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota, and Wisconsin.

Chicago in Illinois is the only real major city in the Mid-West, but you really don't want to live in Chicago. You'll be safer living in Iraq.
Thanks for this. Though, I've done some google search but I wanted a first hand info from people who live in these cities. I am basically wondering if one can live on $1000 per month in Washington DC or NY
Re: Cost Of Living In US Cities by bebe2(f): 8:57pm On Aug 18, 2017
ramalot:


A google search should've been your first option.
There's all kinds of statistical data on the cost of living in these places. Except you're trying to get first-hand info.

The rule of thumb is: The bigger the city, the higher the cost.

Living in NY could cost a fortune, or cost relatively little, depending on where you live.
Living in NYC (New York City) is significantly more expensive than living in other parts of New York State, for instance.
[New York City is in New York state, like Kano City is in Kano State].

NYC is made up of 5 Boroughs: Manhattan, Queens, The Bronx, Brooklyn, and Staten Island.

Average rent in Manhattan (most expensive borough) is $3,900/month for a 2-bedroom. With a roommate, that's $1,800 each in rent.
The cheapest borough in NYC is Staten Island. You can get an okay 1 BR apartment for only $1k/month.

New York is a sizable state, but most areas outside NYC aren't worth living in, as far as opportunities for a new immigrant.

Your true cost of living will depend on your lifestyle. However, you could survive with an income of $2k/month if you're really frugal.

My guess is you're looking for the cheapest option, so while looking, consider the following expenses:

- Rent - $1k
- Electric & Gas - $100 - 200 depending on the season (or if included in rent).
- Groceries (feeding) - $150 - $300, if you're not a glutton.
- Car insurance (or transport if you won't own a car) - $200
- Phone, cable & internet - $100 - $200

These are perhaps the most basic things you'll need for a start, for one person.

In general, the cheapest part of the US to live is the Mid-West (they're boring places).
The states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota, and Wisconsin.

Chicago in Illinois is the only real major city in the Mid-West, but you really don't want to live in Chicago. You'll be safer living in Iraq.

Why do pple judge a whole city based on a few events.

My aunty has lived in Chicago for over 20yrs and seem to have done right.

Nairalanders in Chicago should educate us on this issue.

1 Like 1 Share

Re: Cost Of Living In US Cities by Badgers14: 2:04am On Aug 19, 2017
bebe2:


Why do pple judge a whole city based on a few events.

My aunty has lived in Chicago for over 20yrs and seem to have done right.

Nairalanders in Chicago should educate us on this issue.

You are absolutely correct. I don't live in Chicago per se but I live in the Midwest and drive frequently to Chicago. Every city, state, country have both the good side and the bad side.

South side Chicago is generally regarded as a no go area. All those gang violence and all mostly happens in south side.

2 Likes 1 Share

Re: Cost Of Living In US Cities by Ranchhoddas: 11:51am On Aug 19, 2017
Badgers14:


You are absolutely correct. I don't live in Chicago per se but I live in the Midwest and drive frequently to Chicago. Every city, state, country have both the good side and the bad side.

South side Chicago is generally regarded as a no go area. All those gang violence and all mostly happens in south side.
I read Baltimore is worse.
Approximately one murder daily.
Re: Cost Of Living In US Cities by CAPSLOCKED: 11:53am On Aug 19, 2017
Ranchhoddas:
I read Baltimore is worse.
Approximately one murder daily.



LOL
HOW POSSIBLE?

IF 100,000 ADULTS RESIDE THERE CURRENTLY , FOR EXAMPLE...

AFTER 100,000 DAYS THERE WON'T BE ANY ONE LEFT SINCE ONE GETS KILLED PER DAY. cheesy

2 Likes 1 Share

Re: Cost Of Living In US Cities by Badgers14: 12:03pm On Aug 19, 2017
Ranchhoddas:
I read Baltimore is worse.
Approximately one murder daily.

When you are looking at those reports.. Always check crime per capita. St Louis Missouri and Memphis Tennessee are actually top 1 and 2 because they are fairly small cities compared to Chicago and Baltimore.

One interesting fact which is actually funny is that Detroit used to have the baddest city in the U.S title by itself but the thugs and all mostly moved to California, New york, Chicago and all. You rarely hear of violence in Detroit unlike the likes of Chicago, St Louis and all.
Re: Cost Of Living In US Cities by ttmacoy: 12:10pm On Aug 19, 2017
I saw his comment and couldn't be bothered to reply. For some reason the media have blown up the Chicago violence.

Yes Chicago has some problem areas far south side and far west side, but most of the city is safe and it is a great city with good opportunities given its balanced economy.

Same as every major city you avoid the bad areas and that applies to NYC as well.



bebe2:


Why do pple judge a whole city based on a few events.

My aunty has lived in Chicago for over 20yrs and seem to have done right.

Nairalanders in Chicago should educate us on this issue.

1 Like 1 Share

Re: Cost Of Living In US Cities by Ranchhoddas: 12:12pm On Aug 19, 2017
CAPSLOCKED:




LOL
HOW POSSIBLE?

IF 100,000 ADULTS RESIDE THERE CURRENTLY , FOR EXAMPLE...

AFTER 100,000 DAYS THERE WON'T BE ANY ONE LEFT SINCE ONE GETS KILLED PER DAY. cheesy
100,000 days is around 300 years.

8 Likes

Re: Cost Of Living In US Cities by CAPSLOCKED: 1:19pm On Aug 19, 2017
Ranchhoddas:
100,000 days is around 300 years.






LOL!
I'VE BEEN THOROUGHLY AND SHAMEFULLY DEFEATED. grin

5 Likes

Re: Cost Of Living In US Cities by ramalot(m): 9:53pm On Aug 19, 2017
bebe2:


Why do pple judge a whole city based on a few events.

My aunty has lived in Chicago for over 20yrs and seem to have done right.

Nairalanders in Chicago should educate us on this issue.

"A few events"? It appears you haven't actually looked into the level of violence in Chicago (mostly in the South side).
Chicago isn't nicknamed Chiraq for the fun of it.

Think of the most dangerous places on earth, and there are people who've been there for generations.
Does this fact negate the level of violence in these places? Nope!

Since I made my original post yesterday at 1:40 pm Eastern Time, till now (27 hours later), THIRTEEN people have been shot in Chicago.
Not in one isolated incident, but as a daily occurrence. EVERY day.

186 people have been shot so far this month. In Chicago, a person is shot approximately every 2 hours and 19 minutes.

Numbers don't lie, but if you truly feel this level of violence is just "a few events," then that's your prerogative.

Does this mean people don't live in Chicago without issues?
Absolutely not. However, as human beings, we make decisions based on probability.


Source of infograph, with a lot more Chicago violence stats: heyjackass . com.
While they're presented in satirical fashion (from official sources), there's really nothing funny about the situation.

3 Likes 1 Share

Re: Cost Of Living In US Cities by ramalot(m): 11:57pm On Aug 19, 2017
LogicStatement:

Thanks for this. Though, I've done some google search but I wanted a first hand info from people who live in these cities. I am basically wondering if one can live on $1000 per month in Washington DC or NY

You can certainly live on $1k/month. Millions of American adults don't make $1k/month, however, you'll most likely be living in poverty.

Best case scenario: You find a room in a shared apartment to rent at around $250 - $400 (hard to get).
If it comes with electric, heat and internet included, then great. The remaining $600 can go toward your other expenses.

A good place to check available rent prices is Craigslist.
Go on craigslist . org. Find the city you want to check out, then visit the "housing" section.

For a shortcut to it, copy/paste this into Google: "Washington DC rooms for rent craigslist"
Click the first result, and use the drop-down to sort by price, so it shows the cheapest ones first.

2 Likes

Re: Cost Of Living In US Cities by Nutase: 3:44am On Aug 20, 2017
Try yaba its very cheap.

1 Like

Re: Cost Of Living In US Cities by daamazing(m): 8:41am On Aug 20, 2017
Nutase:
Try yaba its very cheap.
This your comment will soon cause you to be slam dunked by a 10k dollar fine. For that reason,
I'm watching you

1 Like

Re: Cost Of Living In US Cities by LogicStatement: 1:27pm On Aug 20, 2017
ramalot:


You can certainly live on $1k/month. Millions of American adults don't make $1k/month, however, you'll most likely be living in poverty.

Best case scenario: You find a room in a shared apartment to rent at around $250 - $400 (hard to get).
If it comes with electric, heat and internet included, then great. The remaining $600 can go toward your other expenses.

A good place to check available rent prices is Craigslist.
Go on craigslist . org. Find the city you want to check out, then visit the "housing" section.

For a shortcut to it, copy/paste this into Google: "Washington DC rooms for rent craigslist"
Click the first result, and use the drop-down to sort by price, so it shows the cheapest ones first.
Thanks. It's only a visit for a short stay by a single person
Re: Cost Of Living In US Cities by Afam4eva(m): 3:06pm On Aug 20, 2017
@OP
I heard houses in Texas are cheap and big plus there are loads of opportunities in places like Austin, Dallas ad Houston more than many cities in the US.

As per the issue of crime, i guess you should stay away from any city with dominant black american population except Atlanta.

2 Likes 1 Share

Re: Cost Of Living In US Cities by Mcslize: 4:11pm On Aug 20, 2017
LogicStatement:

Thanks for this. Though, I've done some google search but I wanted a first hand info from people who live in these cities. I am basically wondering if one can live on $1000 per month in Washington DC or NY

Why not go for a cheaper State? People are even relocating from New York to smaller affordable states. I believe every US states are developed. If I were you ,I will go for either Los Angelos, California, West Virginia or any other cheaper city.

1 Like

Re: Cost Of Living In US Cities by Afam4eva(m): 4:13pm On Aug 20, 2017
Mcslize:


Why not go for a cheaper State? People are even relocating from New York to smaller affordable states. I believe every US states are developed. If I were you ,I will go for either Los Angelos, California, West Virginia or any other cheaper city.
Is Los Angeles cheap?

3 Likes 1 Share

Re: Cost Of Living In US Cities by Ranchhoddas: 8:29am On Aug 21, 2017
ramalot:


You can certainly live on $1k/month. Millions of American adults don't make $1k/month, however, you'll most likely be living in poverty.

Best case scenario: You find a room in a shared apartment to rent at around $250 - $400 (hard to get).
If it comes with electric, heat and internet included, then great. The remaining $600 can go toward your other expenses.

A good place to check available rent prices is Craigslist.
Go on craigslist . org. Find the city you want to check out, then visit the "housing" section.

For a shortcut to it, copy/paste this into Google: "Washington DC rooms for rent craigslist"
Click the first result, and use the drop-down to sort by price, so it shows the cheapest ones first.
Really?
$1,000 per month.
How and why?

What could be the reason for this?

I know it's not a lack of opportunity.
Re: Cost Of Living In US Cities by ramalot(m): 11:49am On Aug 22, 2017
Ranchhoddas:
Really?
$1,000 per month.
How and why?

What could be the reason for this?

I know it's not a lack of opportunity.

Laziness.

You can offer people all the ingredients for a meal, but if they don't make the effort to cook it, they'll still starve.
Re: Cost Of Living In US Cities by JoeRobertson: 3:27pm On Sep 04, 2018
The most expensive cities in US are San Francisco, New York, Los Angeles and Chicago. Average cost of living for 1 person in this cities is about 3500-4000$ (including rent, food, transport). In other cities monthly budget can be lower on 30-40%. If you need more info, you can compare cost of living between 2 cities on this page - https://voyagestic.com/, if you have some questions, ask me please.

1 Like

Re: Cost Of Living In US Cities by Homeyfav: 6:45am On Nov 30, 2019
...,
Re: Cost Of Living In US Cities by stonemasonn: 7:44pm On Nov 30, 2019
Mcslize:


Why not go for a cheaper State? People are even relocating from New York to smaller affordable states. I believe every US states are developed. If I were you ,I will go for either Los Angelos, California, West Virginia or any other cheaper city.
Los Angeles is in California, California is not known to be cheap, except you want to stay in remote areas like Palmdale, Lancaster, Bakersfield, Elcentro etc.

1 Like

(1) (Reply)

The Next Place (sao Tomé Principe; One Of The Lowest Gdp In Africa) / Discover Ijebu-Ode : Food, Festival And More... / Canadian Student Visa Proof Of Funds

(Go Up)

Sections: politics (1) business autos (1) jobs (1) career education (1) romance computers phones travel sports fashion health
religion celebs tv-movies music-radio literature webmasters programming techmarket

Links: (1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6) (7) (8) (9) (10)

Nairaland - Copyright © 2005 - 2024 Oluwaseun Osewa. All rights reserved. See How To Advertise. 92
Disclaimer: Every Nairaland member is solely responsible for anything that he/she posts or uploads on Nairaland.