Although there’s no sweeping answer for everyone out there dreaming of New York City (like I was), what I can offer are ways to help you answer that question for yourself. Only you know your circumstances and capabilities.
A little background: Though I didn’t have a job or an apartment when I moved, I *did* have savings. It took me 18 months to sock away the $3,000 or so I had in my hip pocket (not literally) when I arrived.
I hoped I wouldn’t have to — and didn’t — burn through all that money before finding a job, but what it bought me? Was TIME. Because hey, you don’t get something for nothing. You certainly don’t get New York City life for nothing. It takes WORK to save that money, but it takes more work to dig yourself out of debt. (And, might I add, it’s also work to stave off guilt while you’ve overspending on a life you know you can’t afford. There’s a reason you feel bad about that.)
As such, my honest take moving to NYC with “no money” (meaning no savings) is that you simply can’t. Yet people still ask me all the time if they can swing it. How much do you need to save? There is no catch-all answer, but I can tell you the answer is definitely not none or something close to none.
That said, there are obvious ways to put off a lot of the major expenses for a little while. Ask yourself:
• Can I bounce around at friends’ places for a time?
• How long am I comfortable staying there? How much could I chip in for rent and food?
• If I don’t know anyone in the city, should I research safe/cheap hostels? (As a comparison, a $900/month apartment equals $30 a night.)
• Am I willing to work almost anywhere, at least temporarily?
• Is there a good reason why going now is better than going after I’ve saved more?
If you’re bad with money and planning to move to NYC, I’d recommend getting good with money, and fast. Going into credit card debt in NYC is about as easy as going into a deli. (I’ve covered that before, so I’ll just do this.)
The cold, hard truth is that none of us are entitled to New York. It takes extra preparation for the extra expensiveness. But knowing you’ve earned your place in the city, even when you still can’t afford $14 cocktails — well, that is truly priceless.
I moved with twice as much money and after getting an apartment at less than a $1000 a month and purchasing very modest furniture it was still a very difficult start. Did have a crappy job to start and it took 2 months before I got a good job and I am just now (almost 5 months later) finally starting to hold my head above water. My advice would be to save much more than you expect you need and be very frugal when you first get to the city. As much as you may want to stand on your own two feet keeping your parents informed of your situation is vital and if you need their help they appreciate it a lot more if you give them time and information as to your financial situation.
While I agree that moving anywhere with a pad of savings is the best idea, I have to say I didn’t follow the same advice. I’m a bit headstrong, and when I have my mind set to something, I do it regardless. So, I actually moved to NYC with $300 emptied from my bank account and a friend in Washington Heights who let me crash on her couch.
The economy was much better then – almost 7 years ago – and I got a job working at a gym two weeks after moving here. I slept on my friend’s couch (while paying her a modest monthly rent) for 4 months before venturing out to get my own place. But a lot of everything working out was just plain luck. I happened to have a friend who was more than happy to share her small space to make a little cash in rent each month, and I found a job quickly – although it wasn’t something that paid a fantastic salary.
BTW – congrats on the engagement!
“…none of us are entitled to New York.”
Heh, gotta kick out of that one. I guess you haven’t met anyone with a rent stabilized apartment yet!
(Enjoy your blog, btw, keep it up!)
I moved to NYC in 1987 ( I was 18 and naive) with a friend and only 67 dollars… I had “small town Pennsylvania” written all over my forehead, and may I tell you that native New Yorkers (if there is such a thing) went out of their way to keep me safe and get me going financially.
For example: Complete strangers walked me home if I was alone in a bad area of the city, I was offered jobs, invited to events, given a place to live on the upper east side in good faith that I would pay within a month (and I did). Unbelievable! And I wasn’t beautiful or special in any way! That’s just the way New York City operates… it rises up to meet you, but you have to take the leap of faith first.
I’m going back the second my children are out of high school, but this time I’m bringing my teaching certificate and at least 100 dollars.
Thanks for the realistic advice. I have been wanting to move to NYC for a while now, but after moving to various parts of the country with little to nothing and having financial problems in those places, I am set on saving a lot before moving to NY. I’m going to read your linked article for more helpful advice.
Hi my name is tyree and i currently live in milwaukee wi and all i have is 500 Saved up. Do you think being 18 will i make it movin to a different state? Also able findin a place to stay? Etc i am desperate tryin to move but scared i whould be living on the streets.. Also where whould be the best state to move to?
I’m in AZ right now, with my mom, and I’ve made the decision to move as soon as I save up $22000. I’m going to try to secure a cheap appt. and pay the 12 months rent up-front so I can find a job. What do you think?
I also want to move to NYC. Have been scared for too long that I might end up on the street, but I think it’s time to just go for it. I have some money saved up but need to secure a good work place for steady income before actually going there. It is difficult to compete for a job from so far away, but I don’t think I’m comfortable just going there and not knowing when I will get a position…but what are your ideas? Should I just go for it, job or no job? Take a chance…
Glad I found your site, this is helpful.
The new FAQ should answer some of those questions for you. We just put up the most popular reader questions of the year!
I lived out there for almost two years… Got stressed financially and moved back to the south.. biggest mistake I ever made… NYC is worth the fight.
Hey, when did you live in New York (recently or a while back)? Was New York the biggest mistake you ever made or moving back to the south?
Hello Everyone:
I am serioulsy considering a move to New York in no more than two years. I am aboslutely addicted to the diversity and feel of NYC. I am a certified English Teacher who recently had to file for bankruptcy after I lost my business. What potential road blocks will I face? Is it easy to secure a teaching job in the city? Are there any decently priced/nice neighborhoods that I should look into for my move?
I am on the verge of moving to NY – as a US citizen abroad. I have a place to stay potentially but am trying to line a job up before I go,….should I just make the leap?? I have great transferable skills after having worked in the legal sphere for years, but no-one seems interested. Any advice happily taken!
When are you moving to NYC? I think since you have a place to stay and you are sure of your career move then you should take the leap. It is so hard to compete from abroad. I’m moving up there fairly soon, just found an internship and am seeking out potential places to apply to and work once up there. I don’t know what level you are seeking, but maybe starting of with an internship could result in employment down the line?
Good luck and stay in touch.
Hello, I have lived in NYC for 2 years going to college and it sucked my finances dry! I had to go back home, take a year off to save money and this year I’m taking online classes with my college in NYC (almost fished with the semester). I’m planning to take my final year of school back in NYC.
Do you have any tips on finding and securing an apartment from where I am (Washington State)? Would I need to contact a real estate broker and how much would they generally cost if they were to find me an apartment?
Any ideas would be greatly appreciated.
Take care and have a great day
I’m moving in August–finally. I say finally because I’m doing so after having constantly thought about it for the past 20-25 years. I’m moving with substantial savings, so I’ll be OK. I know the city very well–just in the most recent three years for instance, I’ve been there practically every month. But what I’m worried abous is whether I’m now too old (I’m 45).
Hopefully, 45 isn’t too old and neither is 58!
@urban, No you`re not too old! NEVER let age or other things deter you from doing anything! Go for what you want and let nothing stop you. NYC isn`t for everone though but it is better you try it out now than never trying at all. Give it a try. Good luck, I hope you make it.
I have been a deep romantic lover of New York City ever since I was ten years old. (I am 20 yrs of age now) Although I was striving all throughout High School to attend college in the city I am very glad I did not. The city is still in open reach for me, and I will certainly love to call it home in a few years after I graduate. I have $14,000 currently saved just for my eventual move here and will only add onto that number throughout the next few years. I still hope I can comfortably make it in New York after college given the current economy (as well as student loans) and any other circumstances that may stand in my way. But as a lover of NY I will make it happen. Who knows maybe I can be in a nice penthouse on Park Avenue?! Hehe) Anyway I enjoyed reading this blog very much. Thank you
i desperately want to move to NYC from upstate NY i know several people there and one friend who i know i could stay with, i have a decent amount of $$$ saved…but need help finding a job any suggestions on where to look. And yes I’m willing to work a crappy job until i find a good one. Thanks i enjoy reading your blog.
im 18 and iv always wanted to live in new york iv got £3,500 in uk money but dont knw what that is in new york anyone know? should i risk moving to new york and find myself an appartment and job?
Hi Leigh, to found out how much your is worth in America look at the current exchange rate. Yahoo has an exchange rate calculator. I think you have about $5,000-$6,000 in the USA. Secondly, you’d need a work visa or visitors visa maybe. Check the US department of immigration for info on visiting and establishing residence. As far as I know even people from England cannot just jump on a plane come to America and stay and work legally. There is a process with paperwork involved. You want to do EVERYTHING legally so you can stay. Also, are you prepared to work in retail, restaurants and low paying jobs till you find some work you want? Decide what it is your ultimate goal is in NYC and get more skills and experience at home first. The bottom-line is don’t risk anything till you clearly define what your goals are that you want accomplish in NYC. And save save save every penny you get to put toward going to NYC. Good luck.
After watching all the BreakingNYC videos online I won’t be happy unless I am in NYC. What do you guys think about roommates?Like the ones you get off the internet. It seemed to work out for ray on YouTube but did he just get lucky? Are most of them weirdos and stuff?
Hi Jared, There are many posts here on NewNewYorkers about Craigslist roommates and finding an apartment. Living with “strangers” worked out great, twice, for me, and I would recommend it over living with a BFF any day.
Craigslist is good for roommates–you’re a plenty good judge of character and will know if they’re weird!
Try this when you go to open houses: http://newnyers.com/2010/09/26/how-to-get-the-apartment-you-want/
Hello, my name is Jeser and I have been wanting to move to New York since I was a little kid. When I graduated high school, I told myself that I’m gonna try to achieve my dream of living there, but I’m scared. I’ve only $35 to my name and I don’t know anyone there. I need some feedback.
The best and only feedback we can give at this point is to SAVE, SAVE, SAVE! You’ll need savings if you’re going to take a smart leap into NYC life. That’s just a fact. Saving money is rough when you’re young, but it’s completely worth it: It may buy you the best years of your life in NYC!
im moving up there with 3k-3.5k in cash – and charging some expenses related to CHEAP furniture (bed), subway pass, initial food, and getting a free plane ticket…i am getting a 3k reimbursement from the company so this will cover my cost for an apartment….
it will be gone fast considering a studio apartment will run me 1k in sunset park or bay ridge – and it wont be the nicest place i have lived (im 28) (1k first months rent, 1k apartment broker fee, and 1k security deposit/last month rent)
staying in a hostel for 4 nights to secure an apartment in sunset park or bay ridge brooklyn – throwing an air mattress in my apartment and building up from there
i have a professional job lined up with 40K + bonus (should work out to 80-100k)
a little nervous because i am only giving myself a week before i start work to get situated, but my boss told me the first 2 weeks i don’t need to be in the office that much until i pass my series 7 licensing
even with a job and savings i am still scared of how i will survive before my first bonus
i calculated everything and i am still in the RED 300 bucks a month i have 400$ per month for food and 400$ per month for leisure money – i am considering dropping my leisure money down to 100$ or roughly 3$ a damn day for 3 MONTHS!
I plan on just exercising at the gym until i pass out hahaha – in the beginning it will be rough once my quarterly bonus’ start to kick in. My first good bonus will be used to pay down the initial credit charges of roughly 1-1.5k… i will be ok but until then i will be living in POVERTY for the first time in my life
I am from houston texas and used to make 65K a year – i am going to take this opportunity by the horns –
this is the last time i will be able to have a chance to work professionally in NYC and see if i can survive in NYC – gotta do it and can’t know how it would of worked out – and it isnt all excitement trust and believe i definitely fear failing in NYC and coming back to Houston in 2 years being 30 and telling myself i should have taken a 50k-60k job and stayed at home saved up like 50K and buy a house in Houston – median house prices are like 150K
but life is an adventure – but don’t rush into something it has taken me a long time to prepare by getting college degrees related work experience – i worked in austin for 2 years after college in my mid 20s and those were awesome years – i could lose 20 extra pounds and i am looking at this as a chance to cut out drinking and get into killer shape before my first bonus! and i don’t expect my first bonus to be that great
its crazy but you definitely need savings to survive or a place to stay – if i knew somebody it would make this move SO much easier for instance
Helllo, my name is Brittani. I have dreamed of moving to NYC since I was a little girl and this blog has been most helpful of all my research in the past couple of years of planning. I am currently a senior undergraduate, scheduled to graduate 2012 with a degree in Public Relations. (I plan to move early 2013 Jan-Feb. I have a savings, currently building more credit and paying off debts so financially I will be fine.
My concern is, with my degree in Public Relations (a highly compettive field) how can I begin to build a network prior to moving there? I currently reside in Dallas,TX and I only have 1 friend who lives in NYC. I am looking at MBA programs at NYU, Columbia, etc but I don’t want to wait until I move to meet people. Any advice would be greatly appreciated:-)
honestly the best way to meet people in NYC seems to visit the city. i have been here since 9/26/2011 and i feel i have met a lot of people from staying in the hostel to going out to festivals in bay ridge (3rd avenue festival last weekend)
I meet people everyday here from all over the world. it is almost a common occurrence since you walk everywhere and there is a lot to do…I would recommend visiting the city, but also trying to figure out conferences or seminars in your area of interest. go to them and visit the city for the same week. maybe you develop relationships with people in your field, and see the city all at the same time.
shoot me an e-mail if you like to chat more joe.k.nasser@gmail.com
Brittani, You will be fine moving without knowing anyone, ESPECIALLY as a student. You’ll be amazed how fast things will happen for you — jobs, friends, clubs, activities, favorite places. You’ll find it all in a very short time if you are proactive. My rule was Never Say No. When people invite you out, when you hear about a cool event, when there’s a job fair…say yes!
Great post!
I will have a place to stay free of rent,
my only problem is finding the job. I am a recently new RN with a bit short of having a one year experience in the public health sector. I have a art degree as well…
Ill be bringing what i have saved but its not much, any idea where i might be able to meet any recruiters?
go to new york with a interview lined up or..just go for it?! hope idont starve..
if you can go with interviews lined up that is the best way. there are a lot of opportunities in NYC but having a NYC address on your resume is necessary as most jobs don’t want you to relocate
i would keep applying to NYC jobs with a NYC address if possible then move over here when you have your 1st interview
rather then move here with no interviews lined up – if you are going to move at least have a job or an interview
i knew somebody that moved from Houston that had a place to live until she had a job so her situation was a little bit different.
its just really xpensive in NYC – money can go fast
When you say apply before you move with an NYC address do you mean lie about your address?
if you have a friend or family use there address is what i am saying
i dont think setting up a PO Box would be worth setting up to have it listed on the resume would look weird…
Joseph What if they ask for an interview thinking you are in NYC? Wouldn’t that be a bit awkward?
I too want to move to nyc preferably before im 30. i have a federal job and think that the best thing to do would be to transfer. I cant wait
i just have to start saving some money lol
One thing to consider is doing work-exchange at a hostel. Some hostels in NYC will give you free lodging in exchange for working shifts, usually 3 a week. Duties could include: front desk work, housekeeping, working the coffee bar (if they have one) or security. They are usually pretty good about working around your schedule and assigning you work that fits your personality. With housekeeping, you are usually free to go once the work is done, rather than a full 8 hr shift like the other jobs. Security is over night, which frees up your days to look for a job/apt. Some people work a regular job in addition to the work exchange at the hostel to save for a decent apt.
Tips on getting work-exchange: Jazz Hostels usually have work-exchange. If you really want to do it, book a room and quietly ask around about work-exchange once you’ve settled in. They usually like to keep it a secret. Don’t go into long, crazy stories when interviewing–they don’t want potential crackheads. If you’re fun, laid back, reasonably sane, speak minimum English and they have a few spots open, you’re in. Also, be open to whatever they offer you in terms of work. Beggars can’t be choosers here, but usually they’ll ask where you think you’d fit best.
Also, if you can store your things at parents or a storage unit in the city you are moving from, you could sublet a shared apt for $400-$800/month, get an inflatable mattress or find a furnished room. These are abundant in NYC–pretty much every neighborhood.
There are tons of free or almost-free things to do in NYC, take advantage of the NYC.gov website and be sure to Google, “free+nyc.” For decent/inexpensive clothing try Uniqlo. Don’t wait around for sales in NYC–it will be gone and they will never have your size, especially if you are small or medium.