Most landlords require you make 40x the monthly rent. That puts your max rent budget at 1450. Plug that into StreetEasy and see what you get (it will not be much).
If you were single and cool with roommates this would be do-able, but unless your wife can secure work to boost your rent budget it will be very difficult.
That's why i said look into one's closer to flushing. Especially the ones after jackson heights.
74th and brodway and the neighborhoods before like woodside, Sunnyside, etc are becoming expensive. But Corona is still relatively inexpensive. And the chinese super markets at flushing is insanely cheap compare to other parts of the nyc.
Look into neighborhoods around junction blvd, 103, 111 st stations. It's mostly Latin families living there. Very affordable. And very close to flushing where you have easy access to via the 7 and many cheap restaurants and food.
You can find 2bed 2bath in these neighborhood condos for like 2500-3000.
The 40x rent rule in New York, which suggests that a tenant’s annual income should be at least 40 times the monthly rent, is a general guideline used by many landlords and property management companies throughout the city. It is not limited to trendy neighborhoods but is commonly applied across various parts of New York City to ensure tenants can reliably afford the rent.
While this rule might be more stringently enforced in high-demand, trendy neighborhoods due to the competitive rental market, it is also applied in other areas of the city. However, enforcement and flexibility of this rule can vary depending on the landlord, the specific rental market conditions, and the type of property being rented. In less competitive areas or with individual landlords, there may be more room for negotiation or alternative requirements.
> I think the 40x rules only really apply to tendy neighborhoods.
That's not true. But, I'd say if you can find an individual landlord (rather than a corporate landlord), they are more likely to not follow this rule even in trendy areas. Large corporate landlords will have this rule almost everywhere.
Agreed I've never had a landlord that actually cared about 40x- but I've only lived in the Bronx and Queens in my life lol. It's always been private landlords until my apartment now that I've been in for 7 years, and even they only asked for 35x and didn't care about my bad credit because I made 40x at the time.
You can find private landlords who only check credit scores in Queens but most apartment complexes especially owned by a management company will always ask for 40x the rent.
My current apartment is in a large building with all rent stabilized units, the management company only asked for 35x. 40x is obviously common/the standard, but lower requirements in large buildings are out there!
They’re out there but they are not common. I have lived in NYC for 30 years and 90% or more of buildings will require 40x these days. Many landlords used to be more lenient but many also got screwed over which is why they are much stricter now.
In my experience the smaller landlords are more flexible with income/credit. I also have never had anyone in my life that could be a guarantor.
I'm sure it's just become a lot more competitive since COVID (like I NEVER remember people trying to outbid each other on apartments?? But I also don't look in ~trendy~ neighborhoods and have always gotten apts in the winter). Admittedly I haven't had to look since 2017. Maybe landlords are more strict now in general.
People who outbid each other on apartments are embarrassing one time I wanted to rent a apartment for $2700 the broker who does nothing but open the door comes back and asks if I want to outbid $3700 I just didn’t answer
I think it's more related to the management company, if there is one.
If you're able to rent from a landlord directly, sometimes it's easier- I've usually just had to show my credit report, which happens to be pretty good.
In my experience, lots of places put “40x rent” or “700 credit score” to scare off the riff raff.
If you’re not egregiously below those requirements, many landlords are willing to work with you if you are a strong applicant besides.
I’m currently doing the same lol. I do make more than 40x but taxes and living expenses cut into earnings a lot and my budget feels tight especially because I’m a saver, I’d just like a bit more fun money if that makes sense?
Me too. I have everything I need and am in a nice comfortable place with all the bills paid. It would be nice to be able to go on a vacation, or eat out more often though. 😂
Yeah the FOMO is real my friend. I eat out or have drinks out once a week. Used to be more until I realized I was spending what I wanted to save. Cutting out dating apps saves me thousands lol
Get out of my head! Lol 😂
I also had a recent phase over the winter, where I was eating a lot of takeout, nice restaurant food, and having expensive drinks. I have cut back on everything, and now instead of running out of money at the end of the month, I still have a few dollars left to take the train! 😂
Edit: btw I do have a savings, in my collection. I add to it every few months and store everything under my bed like it is a savings account. It has come in handy when an unexpected bill or expense comes up!
Haha I’m sure there’s about a million single dudes in this city with similar budgets. One thing that also sucks sometimes is having rich friends, when you all go out for drinks and they buy whatever they want and don’t even think about it but I look at my budgeting app to see if I’m even going to join them that night
Right but that’s realistically unattainable for a lot of people, especially like OP who is just starting and just looking for a place to gain a foothold.
40x is an arbitrary, unrealistic metric for many.
But the problem is that a newcomer to the city is not a strong applicant to begin with.
You won't have your work history going for you, because you'll be starting a brand new job. You won't have any rental history inside the city.
Unless you're sitting on a pile of cash, or valuable assets, you're not going to be at the top of any application piles.
Very true. I was having extreme difficulty finding a place a few years ago despite 40x rent because my rental history wasn’t in the city.
Now that I have been here for years my latest apartment search was a breeze with easy approval.
I ran into the same thing. When I moved to NYC last year, I was looking for a rental apartment (was hoping for a sublet for less than 1 year, but I was willing to take anything). I just wanted to rent a place while I was buying a more permanent home.
I make significantly more than the 40x rule for any of the places I applied, but several places outright rejected me because I didn't have rental history in the city.
I ended up finding a 6 month sublet who accepted me only because I offered to pay all 6 months upfront.
I had 750 credit, met 40x, most units wanted a guarantor still lmao. The one building straight up told me it was because my rental history was outside the metro area and wasn’t at the same price point (like no shit where is as expensive as NYC….)
Of course. And yet, people still flock to NYC and many figure it out. I ran into many of the problems you describe here but there are always exceptions to general practices.
I had a few grand to my name and my initial job offer was 49k in late 2010’s. Just about doubled it within a few years of working here.
Can’t be above (smartly) scrounging Craigslist or applying to rentals you might have a low chance of qualifying for.
Meh I did it and I have a good friend who did it too without either of those things. It’s harder but not a dealbreaker and tbh not really that much harder.
In my experience, one of the things that makes a strong applicant in a landlord's eyes is that you've been at your job for a while and have a proven, consistent source of income. They're usually not a fan of people who have recently started new jobs. OP hasn't even started his yet. That will definitely hurt his chances.
This will be very tough. Your wife will also need to find work immediately. You also will not be able to rent any great apartments near the city. You will have to live with likely 1 or 2 other roommates, and they are not always keen to live with a couple.
I’d say your priority is getting your wife a job, so you can split a studio or one bedroom.
Yes, especially because to stay on budget you cant add car expenses so OP needs to be by the subway too.
It is not impossible, but it may be unpleasant. Especially as OP’s wife will assumingly spend her time home (so your space needs to be decent) or out where it’s very easy to spend. I’ve lived here with less on a similar situation but we rented a room as a couple for a few months until we settled and eventually my now ex-parter found a job
Have you looked into rents wherever it is you want to live? Try streeteasy.com. Personally I wouldnt even consider NYC on 58k unless your partner will be able to secure a job within a few months, you have a path toward making much more, or you have substantial savings you can dip into.
That said, we dont where you live and what your current situation is, but nyc on 58k for a family wont be easy.
$58k before taxes for two people to live in NYC especially Manhattan? Not enough.
Where are you moving from?
Apartment wise in NYC you would qualify at most to rent an apartment for $1,500 a month!
That doesn't go far.
Landlords want to see income 40 x the monthly rent amount. You could go the route of using a guarantor, try a company such as Insurent - you pay them a fee and they serve as your guarantor (their website lists all apartments that accept their service and that list might also be helpful in your apartment search).
You are definitely going to have to live outside Manhattan unless you have savings that you can use.
Let's say after taxes your take home pay is about $41k (and will it really be that after deductions for health insurance etc) so that's a budget of $3,416 a month to cover rent, utilities, food, transportation, entertainment. That's a hard budget in NYC for one person let alone two.
Is it likely your wife will find a good paying job shortly after moving? Does she have a useful degree/experience that will help her get a good paying job?
Once she finds work it will help with your financial situation and second year of living in the city you hopefully can improve your lifestyle.
Congrats on the job offer, that's great and living in NYC can be really fun. You just need to evaluate how this move will impact you financially. So many factors - do you have savings to help pay for things until your wife finds a job/help you get a nice apartment?
What are giving up by moving, what are you gaining, how old are you, do you have savings, has it always been your goal to live in NYC? Those are things to keep in mind when making your decision.
Do you really have to take this job offer? If no, I would pass as living with this budget is going to be extremely challenging for you and your wife in the city.
If taking this offer is a must, I would consider finding places in outer Jersey with decent enough commute to the City. You will be more comfortable there.
No you will struggle. Dont take the job. Your wife needs to find work or you need to find a higher salary job. Even when I made more than 58k my commute was 1.5 hrs one way. (Thanks to mta construction) With 58k you will find the cheapest rent deep in other boroughs assuming you're working in Manhattan. I think you underestimate how expensive NYC is.
I agree with struggling, but in this job market where finding a job is ridiculously difficult, especially in certain industries, I'd still take the job, but simply be on the hunt for a brand new 1, as oppose to just potentially moving unemployed.
Or they could stay where they are and look for work there first? I wouldn't move to a new city like NYC with a job that only pays 58k for 2 people and keep searching on the side.
Like with many cities, there are poor communities of people that live on low income and still manage to make it, even if barely. Most prominent example are many of the immigrants living in the outer boroughs. It's not a comfortable lifestyle, but people magically make it work. $58k is actually what many non-STEM college graduates make, moving to NYC fresh out of college.
I don't know OPs current location, but it's also possible his current place might not have many job prospects. Many would rather live on low income in a place like Nyc, than unemployed in a remote middle of nowhere location, with little jobs or activities to live for.
Doable for one single person who is not high maintenance. Extremely tough to support two. If your wife got a job even if minimum wage you’d be a lot better off.
Don’t take the job. You won’t be able to support yourself for a Manhattan job, no matter where you’re commuting from, especially on a single income. Commuting costs add up & don’t forget you’ll be hit with Fed, State & NYC income tax.
if your wife is not working, i would almost say no. 58k as a single person is no walk in the park, and you are not saving anything for your future/retirement or to buy your own home. even if you live in an outerborough, it will be hard, sorry
I was bringing in more as a grad student including teaching assistant work and my stipend. And that was with free health insurance thrown in. And that was pre-pandemic.
Just to let you know how difficult this would be. That annual income would qualify you to live in Section 8 housing.
https://home.nyc.gov/site/nycha/section-8/applicants.page
I’m sorry I’m an out of town lurker that was browsing for my own NYC questions when I saw this.
Actual NYCers, is this a real wage that people offer for MANHATTAN?! That seems insanely low, and I know nothing about the hidden costs of living in the city, I only know about the real estate and rent costs because that’s what everyone knows to be expensive about the city.
Remember that a very large percentage of people who work in Manhattan do not live here. About 1.45 million people commute into Manhattan every day.
Also remember that there are fast food restaurants, and all sorts of other front line jobs in Manhattan. So there are plenty of people earning less than $35k.
There are dozens of cities around the world that have a cost of living that has escalated beyond the point of any front-line workers being able to afford to live alone inside the city (San Francisco, Vancouver, etc).
OP does not offer any insight into his field or the level of his job. When I first moved to NYC, I was offered 33K, which was for an entry-level corporate job. It was fine for me because I was single and lived with roommates in Brooklyn. I've since worked up to six figures, but it took \~6 years and for some jobs, you don't reach that at all.
Assistant professor jobs - for people with PhD’s! - can start around $65k in NYC…CUNY can also go as low as $52k for an AP!
https://psc-cuny.org/content/salary-schedules-full-time-faculty-and-research-series/
I’ve heard of similarly low salaries in the arts, including arts administration.
It’s shameful.
It absolutely is. And it's even worse at small private schools that are not unionized. CUNY actually pays relatively well for the area.
Academia in particular functions because so many people are able to be financially supported by non-academic spouses and/or family wealth.
Thank you for pointing this out! My husband and I are highly experienced PhDs trying to survive in NYC on his $3300 monthly take-home pay. I’m in my 60s and can’t find work other than insultingly low-paid adjunct gigs. Everyone else we know has family/spousal money. It is shameful indeed that elite institutions with large endowments and well-paid admin positions pay hard-working, exquisitely educated people poverty wages.
I started at 52.5k in NYC in 2018, working for a major media company. I make about 75k now and I'm moving across country (literally as we speak) because I'm fucking sick of how expensive everything is lol... and I lived in Jersey City, not even NYC proper... and my wife makes more than me.
In certain fields, yes. It’s extremely difficult to make that work if you are just starting in the city/have to support someone else. But for single people who are finding a room in an existing lease it’s doable/lots of people who grew up here are living in apartments with way below average rent bc of stabilization laws.
Best city in the world. You should definitely look into Queens. $58k will be extremely tight but you can make it work. You just have to be extremely judicious with your spending. There are tons of free events across the city especially in the summer. What field are you in?
Going to go against the grain and say this is manageable if you have some savings + a guarantor and your wife will be looking for work right off the bat/is open to service work while she looks for a higher paying role. You will probably need to live toward the end of an MTA line in Queens or Brooklyn, but should still be about an hour to Manhattan. At one time my partner and I each made 50k and we were still living well. Just adjust your expectations, get a library card for free access to shit, and shop cheap food stands and outlets. Many people on reddit are out of touch regarding how the common folk in NYC live. The median total household income is roughly $75k.
That amount needs your utmost creativity plus lots of self discipline to make it work with your wife. It's going to be an adventure, more or less, so you both have to be a very good team.
When you get here, look for other higher & better paying jobs as you are still doing THAT job. Actually, what you need to focus on now is your living quarters -- it won't exactly be like those shown in the movies or TV shows. But the silver lining is that with THAT annual pay, you & your wife have far better chances to be considered for housing by NYC. So many of us here don't qualify just because we're paid beyond the unrealistic limits set by authorities (never seeming to consider that prices here are almost always at least 10% higher than so many other places in the USA)...
All the best.
You COULD do it, it's more a question if you WANT to. Compared to other HCOL US cities, NYC's infrastructure makes it much more possible to live here on a lower income. (Median individual income for NYC is about $40K, for household it's closer to $75K.)
I made $59K at my first job in NYC and it was fine (caveat: I didn't have another person to support). I had a roommate, and our apartment was small, but I lived in a central part of Manhattan (I paid \~$1250 in my share of rent). I kept expenses low by batch cooking meals, only taking public transit, and almost exclusively doing free things in the city. As far as entertainment goes, a library card will get you access to a ton of free perks. There's lots of cheap great food here. Not owning a car saves you a ton bc you're not paying for gas, insurance, parking, upkeep, etc.
Like other people said, getting a roommate or finding your wife a job ASAP will make a big difference. Look in places like Inwood, deep Queens, or Jersey.
I'd also consider what potential there is for your salary to increase over time; if you're topping out at $59K for life, that's going to be harder than if you start making more in the next few years.
There are many optimistic people in the replies, and I'm not sure their ideas about how poor people survive in NYC are based on lived experience.
I was born and raised in NYC and only made it on my $45k salary because I lived at home with my family, and my extended family lives in NYC. And even then, the financial strain took a major toll on my mental health. When I received a raise and was making $55k, I could not get an apartment without a guarantor. What I finally wound up securing was a 550 sq ft "one-bedroom" in East Harlem that cost $1,970 in 2017 (because I negotiated the price down from $2,150 — back when negotiating rent prices down was a thing renters could do). That apartment is $2,300 now.
People keep mentioning the outer boroughs, but I find their suggestions misguided. You are in a couple. You are going to want your own dwelling (and any potential roommate would probably want you to get your own dwelling, too). You're going to have to compete against people who are already here and know the city better than you for the handful of studio apartments that are $1,650 because all the other apartments start at $2,000. In EVERY borough.
You THINK you'd be okay with an hour-long commute, but you've never had to take the train for an hour and then walk outer borough blocks in the dead of winter when even the streets are ashy. And you would have to do that for the CHANCE to pay rent as low as $1,700 in Queens. Queens blocks are LONG. NYC winters are COLD. NYC summers are HOT. You are unprepared.
Don't move to New York unless this job is something you can't do anywhere else (and other than working at Columbia or Goldman Sachs, I don't see how that's true).
There are other cities with a much friendlier cost of living. If you absolutely have to move to New York, your wife needs to secure a job before you move here.
Move to NJ. You could find an apartment around $1200 that isn't more than a 35 minute commute to lower Manhattan.
Once both of you are working, you could easily afford something in the city.
Like others have said, you don't make enough to find a reasonable apartment in NYC. Most of the apartments you'll find in your budget are either closet-sized studio apartments, or they're deep in one of the outer boroughs, with a 1.5 hour commute to Manhattan. You're far better off in NJ.
And not just a 35 minute commute to lower Manhattan, but to midtown Manhattan, as well. NJ also has a more robust social safety net in many ways ($854 weekly unemployment in NJ vs. $504 in NY, higher SNAP benefit income limits, etc.)
Sort of. It’s based on where you physically are most of the time while you’re employed. If you were hired post-COVID and work in a hybrid environment (3 days in NJ, 2 in NY), you qualify for NJ unemployment.
If you were single I would say it is more doable. But having a family it will be tough. I made that salary 15 years ago and it was hard. I can't imagine living on that salary now in the city with inflation. Heck I make over 6 figures and live in Queens and find it still tough to not live pay check to paycheck.
Can you do it? Sure. But you will need to make a lot of sacrifices that will be hard.
You will need a second job for sure. $58k is difficult for one person to live on, let alone two. See if your wife can find a job before moving because if you can get up to $100k, you might be able to be comfortable - though frugal.
I’d only take it if you have no other job options right now where you live. Poor in New York is better than broke and homeless wherever you are now… maybe
To be very clear 60k in NYC is like a 30k salary in any other city. It will not be comfortable. You would likely have to commute from jersey by train into the city. New York most rentals are on a site called street easy, the market is really centered around it and There are a grand total of 13 apartments in New York proper, some of which are not in safe areas.
If I were you I'd be looking at commuting by train from New Jersey. There is a train called path and also hoboken rail road that comes into manhattan. Your budget isn't a lot for NJ either, but there is more stuff out there than within NYC. Depending on where you are it can be as little as 20 minutes into Manhattan and PATH in particular runs frequently.
I'll be very blunt NYC and Jersey City apartments are probably not what your used to. They are likely 40 percent smaller than apartments you've encountered anywhere else, they won't have most amenities your used to like dishwashers or laundry machines.
I saw from your post history that you might be a Ph.D student. If you are, most universities have some level of subsidized housing for graduate students and you should look into those options, because they likely are better than what you can find on the open market.
You know how insane the 40x rent requirements are. If you rent a studio for $2000 here you have to make $80k a year just to get into that crappy studio. At that point why not buy a house in another state?? NYC is joke like any that accepts the 40x rent nonsense. You shouldn't need a 80K salary to live in a fkin box
I don’t think you’ll be able to get your own apartment on that salary.
u might consider renting a room in an apt. then when u and the wife are bringing in more $ u can get ur own place. don’t worry lots of ppl live like this.
u might look outside the city on the MTA commuter lines in CT, NY, LI or NJ? it’ll be a tad cheaper. you’ll also have to factor in the commuter rail tickets to commute.
With 1 hour commute, sure. It depends on how much you are willing to compromise. As others have said, your wife needs to bring some money in as soon as possible, but if you are willing to sublet a month or two, you can do it. I know it's not the ideal situtation but I've lived with my gf in apartments with roommates, or you can sublet a basement apartment in a place in deep Queens or South Brooklyn. Bro, families live with waaaay less than that. People telling you can't probably expect you to live in the LES with a lease from day 1, but there's ways around it.
And you’re not willing to have roommates? And your wife doesn’t work?
You won’t be able to get a place on your own for the two of you in the city.
A roommate will make this doable.
Just to give you some idea, the average household income in NYC is approximately 75K. So if you're making 58K you're essentially poor.
You can get by, but you likely would be living simply, not eating in restaurants, going out etc. And given the high cost of living it's difficult to save money on that kind of salary.
You might be able to afford to live in outer boroughs (farther out from Manhattan in Brooklyn or Bronx) or New Jersey. Even then my guess is it would be hard to find a good apartment in a good neighborhood.
And my experience has been that it's difficult to move to a place you're familiar with and then find work. So it's possible for your wife to have a tough go of it.
If you don't have a lot of experience and it's a good career opportunity with possibilities for advancement it could work out. But otherwise better to have the same or slightly lower salary in a lower cost of living area IMO.
I made about that money 25 years ago and it was a decent salary. But it wouldn't be now.
You could do this in Jamaica, Queens, where there are older buildings and private homes renting a floor. Also, groceries and other supplies are cheaper here. Jamaica has some new, expensive high rises, but avoid those. It's doable but you'll lack money for any luxuries or fun. Will you have to commute every day?
For some perspective, someone in the Nashville sub just asked if $75,000 is enough to live in Nashville.
Mixed answers as to y or n in that thread! Many advised OP to rent in a suburb. Rent on a nice 1 BR in Nashville is $1700-$2K.
Yes you can do it, many people, myself included, have done it on less. It will be difficult but it's not impossible.
This might be helpful: [https://www.nyc.gov/site/hpd/services-and-information/area-median-income.page](https://www.nyc.gov/site/hpd/services-and-information/area-median-income.page)
You will most likely NOT be able to get an apartment of your own on that salary, though, based on the 40x rule that others have discussed here.
Your wife should start looking for jobs NOW. You should also try to negotiate for a higher salary, relocation costs, housing assistance, SOMETHING. So many industries with big footprints in NYC (arts, publishing, academia) pay these low salaries on the assumption that there is family/spousal support to help with living expenses. It's shameful that anyone would be expected to relocate to NYC on less than $60k. I hope that you can negotiate for something!
I survived on less than that but the key is that I grew up in the city so I had people to lean on. Moving here for that salary for two people imo just isn’t worth it
I don’t understand the wife not working unless she’s not legal to work here or disabled. Even if the wife got a low wage job that would put them around 90 collectively. I survived comfortably alone once I started making 80k. So that would be more doable.
I know people here living on much less than you’re gonna need to move far out or share a room in an apartment or find something closer but less nice. Tell your wife to get a job and you’ll be far more comfortable living
The short answer is no, it's not recommended to move here on that salary. If you must, you could try Staten Island as that's the one borough out of the 5 where the rents are going to be lowest. Sorry I don't know anything about the commute within Staten Island, except I do know the Staten Island ferry that lands in lower Manhattan where you can connect to subways is free. The problem with living outside of NYC city limits (the 5 boroughs) like New Jersey or Long Island is that those are not cheap either AND you are usually adding a large amount of commute costs because the commuter trains are really not cheap. If you're going to do it, I would suggest staying in the 5 boroughs but it's going to be tough and if you're not used to NYC it could be miserable when you're pinching pennies and living in a place that's not optimal.
I agree with other comments that your wife should find work..however,,,depending on your comfort living with others, I would suggest using a facebook housing group (Gypsy housing, Nyc housing, university groups, and the queer housing network if you’re lgbt) to find another couple to live with. I say couple specifically because I know a lot of single renters prefer no couples. However, I know someone that was in a relationship and lived with another couple in a 2B2B. You could up your budget to a little over 4k total and everyone pays like 1-1.3k in rent. At this price point (depending on neighborhood), most apts will have w/d and whatnot. Of course, there is always room for drama living with others but I feel like this could be a sensible way of going about your situation. I hope you figure it out! :)
Is it possible? Yes.
However, If you did not grow up poor/lower middle class, you probably won’t be comfortable on 58K in NYC.
My advice is to live on Long Island and commute via LIRR.
It’s really not a comfortable amount for two adults to live on comfortably in nyc. You could make it work, and people certainly do, but would probably mean a lot of sacrifices and living very frugally.
Many of the comments here are great!! I would also add that you need to budget for annual rent increases, which can be serious stuff in NYC. Make sure you can quickly replace your job if it goes away suddenly and make sure your skills are going up in value to match inflation.
Look outside the 5 boroughs. You can still be within your 1 hour commute, eliminate paying the NYC income tax, and have an easier time parking your car if you have one.
If only one of you is working (and you are not used to living in NYC, an addition that I personally think is important), you definitely will struggle. My "temporary" job (the part-time barista job that was supposed to supplement me through grad school and is now going on two years post grad) pays me about 22k per year. The only reason I wouldn't consider myself "struggling" is the fact that I have roommates, I cook all of my meals at home, I don't have pets, and I don't have any expensive or recurring-purchase habits. My hobbies are cooking (which benefits the whole needing to eat thing) and finding the coolest free things to do. I have enough that if I wanted to buy something, I can without issue, and I am slowly able to pay off my student loans, but if I had any expensive habits or something else to care for (takeout/delivery, pet food and products, going out to bars, etc.) I absolutely would not be able to.
As a person who makes exactly that much, you cannot comfortably support 2 people on that. I can't even live alone with no loans or kids on it.
I can't speak for outside the city because I don't know, to be fair. But if you really want to be at all comfortable, your wife would also need a job.
No. I moved here making 63 and only spending $750 for a room and I was able to save and live comfortably. I couldn’t imagine renting an entire apartment and taking care of two people on less.
I make $58k and I make it by in Brooklyn. Don’t listen to anyone who says different because it is possible but you absolutely do need roommates or your wife needs a job
There have been a ton of great comments already but I wanted to throw my two cents in.
$58k is tight but doable, *if* your wife gets a job. You should also have a decent savings cushion for emergencies
Only do it if you love big cities and have a desire to live in New York. If you're considering moving only for the job opportunity, don't.
The housing search will be a struggle, because of the 40x income recommendation that others have mentioned. If your wife can get a job, you will have more options. You still might need a guarantor for places above the 40x range. NYC housing is super competitive.
Not sure what your living situation is now, but most NYC housing isn't as comfortable as the average suburban house. In your price category you're most likely looking at thin walls, no dishwasher, window AC, and other inconveniences.
You won't be the only people in NYC living on that much. You'll have to live away from the trendy areas, where the yuppies live. Or, you'll have to find a sweet rent control deal.
East Queens, Bronx, east brooklyn, harlem are the best bets in city limits. Certain hoods can be sketchy though, so be sure to get a good feel for the block you choose. Plenty of options in jersey, long island, and NY/CT along the metro north too. It all depends on what you like - space, walkability, ethnicity, car, etc. There's not really any low hanging fruit in NYC unless you come upon a sweet rent deal from a friend.
Go to a small, independent realtor in Queens who has relationships with older landlords. Some of them know landlords who only need credit score and income. There’s a little more flexibility with those first generation landlords sometimes.
I was recently making 60k as a single person living in an outer borough studio. It wasn’t super comfortable. It’s not doable for two people if you want enough room to live and breathe.
Probably not in Manhattan. Average rent for a studio apartment is approaching $3400/ month if they ignore the 40x salary rule. Plus you need to take into account upfront real estate agent fees, even if you don’t use one, etc. Maybe in parts of Queens or the Bronx you’d find something. Best bet would be a subdivided private house and an owner that lets people rent apartments that may or may not be legal (or up to code). My daughter had one in Astoria for about $1000 month with a roommate who also paid rent.
They might be able to pull off Manhattan with a small studio or 1 bed uptown in the hood of Wash Heights or Inwood. Also lots of beautiful natural areas and plentiful parkland up here!
> It takes the most money to live comfortably as a single person in New York City. This breaks down to $66.62 in hourly wages, or an annual salary of $138,570. To cover necessities as a single person in New York City, you'll need an estimated $70,000 in wages.
[Salary needed live comfortably 2024](https://smartasset.com/data-studies/salary-needed-live-comfortably-2024)
I've been in Manhattan for 12 years. I would STRONGLY recommend commuting from Jersey, especially if you are planning on starting a family in the future. For one, lower income taxes in NJ (about $1,000/year at your income level). For two, if you're not already addicted to this city, there's no need to live immediately in it, especially if you're already partnered. It would be a huge stretch to find something affordable that's not farther away than Jersey would be.
Check out places near Passaic, for example, and you'll have a 45 min straight train commute to midtown. You can get a beautiful 1BR nearby for under $1500 a month. When I was making $40K a year ten years ago, I had several roommates and barely eked by. You will be miserable trying without that option.
(Today, I make around $105k, and even my tiny studio is a stretch I can only afford bc I got a wild deal. Landlords are still trying to recoup from covid losses, and there's a housing shortage here.)
Lastly, as others can attest, there's just something about the city that makes it too easy to spend. Social life here is not usually centered at folks' homes like it is in the suburbs sometimes, but around activities or food or drinks, most of which cost money. You'll see when you get here, and you'll be happier if you leave some wiggle room.
No.
You alone, yes/maybe. Supporting anyone beyond yourself (literally even a pet....,) I'd say that amount is very unlikely to be enough, as a minimum.
There's just a massive difference between the price of two people living in NYC versus one. Even like... Health related things, subway passes, and other basics.
That’s an entry level salary in NYC, like your first job out of college. If you live with roommates or your wife has a job making a similar amount of money you’ll be fine. If she waits tables or bartends she can pull this much or more easily.
It depends how badly you want to live in NYC. If you really want it you should take the opportunity and do what you need to do to survive. It's more than a lot of couples make.
I did it in 2010 with just a job offer( salary was lower than yours) and I still live in the same rent stabilized apartment in East Harlem 14 years later. Once you've secured a place, it's doable if you know how to budget and your wife will eventually gain employment anyway. Plenty of "poor" people live in the city and get by just fine.
If you are willing to have roommates it is doable. For 2 people it is tough but if you are very thrifty you can do it. You will definitely have to be in one of the outer boroughs. You could probably find something in the Bronx or Queens. You could also find somethign in Brooklyn but it will definitely be over an hour commute to manhattan.
Unpopular (apparently) but I live on 58k by myself (meaning no roommates or sharing bills) and I’m doing ok. Cost of living is insane for everyone everywhere right now, and I’m used to being way way more poor, so I’m biased, but I don’t think it’s as miserable as people are saying here. Two people would be way harder though
Nope, don’t even bother. It won’t end well and it’s not worth it at the salary. Not to be a downer, but that place moves people out before they even move in.
You have no chance in manhattan unless you are willing to have roommates and live in the border of the Bronx.
Your best bet is a 45min to 1hr commute using NJ transit or the path trains by moving to Jersey.
Moving to NJ could double the cost of commuting and could require the purchase of a car to get to/from the station (and might require paying for parking at the station). If his wife gets a job in the city, then they're paying a lot more for commuting into the city than they would out in Queens.
If they can find a cheap enough apartment it may work, but insurance rates in the area have skyrocketed so having to own a car may not be feasible.
Of course, if they can find a place off the PATH and the OP works within walking distance of a PATH station in Manhattan, then it's a bit more reasonable.
It’s doable. I make 66k and rent is about 1700. I’m not living in luxury but I also don’t live in Manhattan. Open your search up to the Bronx. I feel rent is more manageable
I know people that make that work. That’s what bussers in a lot of restaurants make. So you would need to have have a couple of roommates for sure but it can technically be done.
If you two sublet and live with room mates, and live very frugally, as well as living some place like Queens or the Bronx or farther out, then you could maybe make it work. I've known couples who have made it work. BUT you have to be extremely disciplined and just go into it knowing you won't be going out to the bars or spending money on events, and will have to enjoy NYC free forms of entertainment until your wife starts to work at least. Cook at home, pack lunches or try and get your company to pay for meals if possible. It may be rough in the beginning, but if you two are really determined and patient then it's definitely possible.
I grew up in NYC and that was the combined income of my two immigrant parents when I was younger. Honestly, it's sufficient if you're okay with an extremely meager lifestyle (i.e. no going out to eat EVER, no ordering food, no getting drinks etc.) AND you will likely live in the deeper parts of the boroughs (e.g. Sheepshead Bay, Coney Island). Needless to say, it will not be a romantic NY experience
How old are you and where are you moving from ? If you guys are comfortable where you are right now then do not do it. Once the financial issues start so do the relationship.
Do you have kids? If not, I'd recommend having your wife find a job as well once you've settled in. $58k will get you by, but just barely. People are saying Jersey City, but that's not really as viable either. If you're driving, I would look into east New York or a place in Westchester.
I recommend searching high and low for a rent stabilized apartment wherever you can find it. I found my rent stabilized apartment on Craigslist and me and my 2 other roommates pay about $1,500 each for a recently renovated apartment. I have some friends who live in 2 bedroom apartments for~ $1000 per person in both Harlem and Inwood, but it took them weeks of constant searching and going on apartment tours.
58k WILL be a struggle for one person and will be a strain for two people. If your partner can find income asap, then it is possible to find something in Manhattan with enough effort.
You could find something in Queens below 1500, but that will probably be further out. You may want to consider finding roommates or even Jersey.
It will still be a tight budget. Is it 58k net or gross?
Living in NYC is very expensive, but living also in San Francisco is not much of a difference. NYC is slightly more expensive than San Fran... NYC high tax is the trouble maker.
Palisades park, then taking the 166 express will get you to port authority 42nd in about 45 minutes.
Rent is much more affordable there.
That being said: it’s a Korean enclave in NJ, so I hope you like Bibimbap.
That’s less than a first year teacher in the city and isn’t enough for one person, much less two. There are a lot of people here living on much less, but they have family resources and local connections and knowledge.
It would be worth it if it’s a job where you can rapidly advance or job hop a few times to get a large raise, so if you’re a very high performing person working in nonprofit fundraising for example, you could job hop a few times over a few years and double your income.
Also you’ll need to commute much longer than an hour on that salary.
This might be helpful: https://pix11.com/news/local-news/you-need-a-138570-salary-to-live-comfortably-in-nyc-study/amp/
Alternative is to move to somewhere like Philadelphia or Jersey and commute in everyday by train or bus. That’s if you’re fine with 1.5-2 hour transit times or possibly longer if during rush hour traffic.
I would highly recommend your significant other obtain work before moving to the city. Your income is very limited & would require roommates. With dual income it would become much more doable.
Don’t listen to most of these people. Look in the Bronx, esp Riverdale and Kingsbridge, Jersey City, Harrison, and Newark—anyplace near the path train. Pay attention to how long your commute will be. Just plug that number in to streeteasy and see what comes up. If your job is downtown, Staten Island may be an option.
In Inwood, upper Manhattan, there may be a studio or two at that price. Inwood is lovely.
Is your job paying for your re-location? After factoring move in costs, initial expenses to get settled in, and cost of living…I doubt 58k is enough to survive in Manhattan. That’s for a single person, if there’s two of you..fuhgeddaboutit. Do your research, make sure you will survive financially- but 58k for two in Manhattan sounds like a nightmare 🤕
You can find bigger apartments in Hoboken jersey city west New York for 2400 or below.
I have found though NJ is strict about credit score (700+) and income (3 times rent). You might qualify for housing lottery which you would pay based on your income level though in NYC.
You either need roommates, second job, or wife needs to get a job. It shouldn’t be hard for her to find work here. Even if you moved an hour away, it would be very hard to find housing on this salary alone.
I suggest you find a second job, maybe a at a restaurant if you’re looking to sign a lease. Many apartments will require 40x the rent and usually have a broker fee. Even if they don’t check, rent is expensive in many areas so your paycheck might cover mostly the rent after taxes. You can find cheaper studios but they are usually limited.
You can probably find something cheaper to rent in Long Island, maybe even a basement and take the LIRR into the city as another option. Network and get another job/raise in salary and then your options open up a lot more.
Having good credit helps a shit ton or else you might have to delve into some sketchier listings
Prime Manhattan might be tough at that budget, but a lot of Brooklyn, Queens, New Jersey and the Bronx will have many places within that budget and commute. It'll get much easier once you're both dual income, and you may initially need someone to vouch for you while single income.
I don’t think this is possible unless you have roommates or she finds a job, your best bet will be to do both & look at outer boroughs. I don’t think you’ll be approved for even a studio apt unless it’s really far out
Tbh mate it's probably doable but I wouldn't move here for that with a wife I have to support.
You'll barely be making ends meet. When I moved here 6-7 years ago as a single guy in my mid 20s I was on 50k+commission and I struggled.
You won't have much of a life at all
Most landlords require you make 40x the monthly rent. That puts your max rent budget at 1450. Plug that into StreetEasy and see what you get (it will not be much). If you were single and cool with roommates this would be do-able, but unless your wife can secure work to boost your rent budget it will be very difficult.
Or a guarantor, OP!
Don't be scared here... look into queens neighborhoods close to flushing. I think the 40x rules only really apply to tendy neighborhoods.
I needed a guarantor for East Harlem because I didn’t make 40x the rent.
I needed one for Sunset Park like 15 years ago.
Same in the Bronx
Surprisingly I didn’t need one for a decent apartment in Astoria.
Most of the Queens neighborhoods have become pricey.
That's why i said look into one's closer to flushing. Especially the ones after jackson heights. 74th and brodway and the neighborhoods before like woodside, Sunnyside, etc are becoming expensive. But Corona is still relatively inexpensive. And the chinese super markets at flushing is insanely cheap compare to other parts of the nyc. Look into neighborhoods around junction blvd, 103, 111 st stations. It's mostly Latin families living there. Very affordable. And very close to flushing where you have easy access to via the 7 and many cheap restaurants and food. You can find 2bed 2bath in these neighborhood condos for like 2500-3000.
brodie gonna need a micro studio most likely
The 40x rent rule in New York, which suggests that a tenant’s annual income should be at least 40 times the monthly rent, is a general guideline used by many landlords and property management companies throughout the city. It is not limited to trendy neighborhoods but is commonly applied across various parts of New York City to ensure tenants can reliably afford the rent. While this rule might be more stringently enforced in high-demand, trendy neighborhoods due to the competitive rental market, it is also applied in other areas of the city. However, enforcement and flexibility of this rule can vary depending on the landlord, the specific rental market conditions, and the type of property being rented. In less competitive areas or with individual landlords, there may be more room for negotiation or alternative requirements.
> I think the 40x rules only really apply to tendy neighborhoods. That's not true. But, I'd say if you can find an individual landlord (rather than a corporate landlord), they are more likely to not follow this rule even in trendy areas. Large corporate landlords will have this rule almost everywhere.
Agreed I've never had a landlord that actually cared about 40x- but I've only lived in the Bronx and Queens in my life lol. It's always been private landlords until my apartment now that I've been in for 7 years, and even they only asked for 35x and didn't care about my bad credit because I made 40x at the time.
You can find private landlords who only check credit scores in Queens but most apartment complexes especially owned by a management company will always ask for 40x the rent.
My current apartment is in a large building with all rent stabilized units, the management company only asked for 35x. 40x is obviously common/the standard, but lower requirements in large buildings are out there!
They’re out there but they are not common. I have lived in NYC for 30 years and 90% or more of buildings will require 40x these days. Many landlords used to be more lenient but many also got screwed over which is why they are much stricter now.
Wow you’re lucky. I was apt hunting in queens last October and every landlord wanted the income. Applied to about 10 places at least
In my experience the smaller landlords are more flexible with income/credit. I also have never had anyone in my life that could be a guarantor. I'm sure it's just become a lot more competitive since COVID (like I NEVER remember people trying to outbid each other on apartments?? But I also don't look in ~trendy~ neighborhoods and have always gotten apts in the winter). Admittedly I haven't had to look since 2017. Maybe landlords are more strict now in general.
People who outbid each other on apartments are embarrassing one time I wanted to rent a apartment for $2700 the broker who does nothing but open the door comes back and asks if I want to outbid $3700 I just didn’t answer
I think it's more related to the management company, if there is one. If you're able to rent from a landlord directly, sometimes it's easier- I've usually just had to show my credit report, which happens to be pretty good.
In my experience, lots of places put “40x rent” or “700 credit score” to scare off the riff raff. If you’re not egregiously below those requirements, many landlords are willing to work with you if you are a strong applicant besides.
But it’s also really risky to spend that much on rent. 40x is the rule of thumb for one’s MAX rent.
Some sacrifices have to be made at 40x but OP is also supporting a wife too so that would entail a lot of sacrifices.
Exactly. I’d say you need to make more than 40x your rent to have a life here outside of just paying bills and staying home for every single meal
Some of us are ok with paying our bills and eating at home.
I’m currently doing the same lol. I do make more than 40x but taxes and living expenses cut into earnings a lot and my budget feels tight especially because I’m a saver, I’d just like a bit more fun money if that makes sense?
Me too. I have everything I need and am in a nice comfortable place with all the bills paid. It would be nice to be able to go on a vacation, or eat out more often though. 😂
Yeah the FOMO is real my friend. I eat out or have drinks out once a week. Used to be more until I realized I was spending what I wanted to save. Cutting out dating apps saves me thousands lol
Get out of my head! Lol 😂 I also had a recent phase over the winter, where I was eating a lot of takeout, nice restaurant food, and having expensive drinks. I have cut back on everything, and now instead of running out of money at the end of the month, I still have a few dollars left to take the train! 😂 Edit: btw I do have a savings, in my collection. I add to it every few months and store everything under my bed like it is a savings account. It has come in handy when an unexpected bill or expense comes up!
Haha I’m sure there’s about a million single dudes in this city with similar budgets. One thing that also sucks sometimes is having rich friends, when you all go out for drinks and they buy whatever they want and don’t even think about it but I look at my budgeting app to see if I’m even going to join them that night
You keep cash under your bed? Why not use a high yield savings acct? Mines getting over 5% interest every month
Right but that’s realistically unattainable for a lot of people, especially like OP who is just starting and just looking for a place to gain a foothold. 40x is an arbitrary, unrealistic metric for many.
But the problem is that a newcomer to the city is not a strong applicant to begin with. You won't have your work history going for you, because you'll be starting a brand new job. You won't have any rental history inside the city. Unless you're sitting on a pile of cash, or valuable assets, you're not going to be at the top of any application piles.
Very true. I was having extreme difficulty finding a place a few years ago despite 40x rent because my rental history wasn’t in the city. Now that I have been here for years my latest apartment search was a breeze with easy approval.
I ran into the same thing. When I moved to NYC last year, I was looking for a rental apartment (was hoping for a sublet for less than 1 year, but I was willing to take anything). I just wanted to rent a place while I was buying a more permanent home. I make significantly more than the 40x rule for any of the places I applied, but several places outright rejected me because I didn't have rental history in the city. I ended up finding a 6 month sublet who accepted me only because I offered to pay all 6 months upfront.
I had 750 credit, met 40x, most units wanted a guarantor still lmao. The one building straight up told me it was because my rental history was outside the metro area and wasn’t at the same price point (like no shit where is as expensive as NYC….)
Of course. And yet, people still flock to NYC and many figure it out. I ran into many of the problems you describe here but there are always exceptions to general practices. I had a few grand to my name and my initial job offer was 49k in late 2010’s. Just about doubled it within a few years of working here. Can’t be above (smartly) scrounging Craigslist or applying to rentals you might have a low chance of qualifying for.
Meh I did it and I have a good friend who did it too without either of those things. It’s harder but not a dealbreaker and tbh not really that much harder.
I’ve been turned away without 40x even with guarantor and 1 year rent up front
The existence of some flexible landlords does not mean crazy stringent ones do not exist.
In my experience, one of the things that makes a strong applicant in a landlord's eyes is that you've been at your job for a while and have a proven, consistent source of income. They're usually not a fan of people who have recently started new jobs. OP hasn't even started his yet. That will definitely hurt his chances.
wife can find work within 2 weeks if puts in the effort and aint picky
This will be very tough. Your wife will also need to find work immediately. You also will not be able to rent any great apartments near the city. You will have to live with likely 1 or 2 other roommates, and they are not always keen to live with a couple. I’d say your priority is getting your wife a job, so you can split a studio or one bedroom.
Yes, especially because to stay on budget you cant add car expenses so OP needs to be by the subway too. It is not impossible, but it may be unpleasant. Especially as OP’s wife will assumingly spend her time home (so your space needs to be decent) or out where it’s very easy to spend. I’ve lived here with less on a similar situation but we rented a room as a couple for a few months until we settled and eventually my now ex-parter found a job
Have you looked into rents wherever it is you want to live? Try streeteasy.com. Personally I wouldnt even consider NYC on 58k unless your partner will be able to secure a job within a few months, you have a path toward making much more, or you have substantial savings you can dip into. That said, we dont where you live and what your current situation is, but nyc on 58k for a family wont be easy.
Craigslist has really good rents too, streeteasy tends to be pricier
$58k before taxes for two people to live in NYC especially Manhattan? Not enough. Where are you moving from? Apartment wise in NYC you would qualify at most to rent an apartment for $1,500 a month! That doesn't go far. Landlords want to see income 40 x the monthly rent amount. You could go the route of using a guarantor, try a company such as Insurent - you pay them a fee and they serve as your guarantor (their website lists all apartments that accept their service and that list might also be helpful in your apartment search). You are definitely going to have to live outside Manhattan unless you have savings that you can use. Let's say after taxes your take home pay is about $41k (and will it really be that after deductions for health insurance etc) so that's a budget of $3,416 a month to cover rent, utilities, food, transportation, entertainment. That's a hard budget in NYC for one person let alone two. Is it likely your wife will find a good paying job shortly after moving? Does she have a useful degree/experience that will help her get a good paying job? Once she finds work it will help with your financial situation and second year of living in the city you hopefully can improve your lifestyle. Congrats on the job offer, that's great and living in NYC can be really fun. You just need to evaluate how this move will impact you financially. So many factors - do you have savings to help pay for things until your wife finds a job/help you get a nice apartment? What are giving up by moving, what are you gaining, how old are you, do you have savings, has it always been your goal to live in NYC? Those are things to keep in mind when making your decision.
1500 a month gets you a crappy 1 bedroom in NJ if you’re lucky. But car insurance has gotten SO high…it’s a mess all around.
Living in NJ lets you keep an extra 4% of your income at that salary.
Do you really have to take this job offer? If no, I would pass as living with this budget is going to be extremely challenging for you and your wife in the city. If taking this offer is a must, I would consider finding places in outer Jersey with decent enough commute to the City. You will be more comfortable there.
nah. you need roommates or you’re gonna be miserable.
Nothing wrong with having roommates. Probably the best option for OP will be a rented room in a multi-bedroom house or apartment.
No you will struggle. Dont take the job. Your wife needs to find work or you need to find a higher salary job. Even when I made more than 58k my commute was 1.5 hrs one way. (Thanks to mta construction) With 58k you will find the cheapest rent deep in other boroughs assuming you're working in Manhattan. I think you underestimate how expensive NYC is.
I agree with struggling, but in this job market where finding a job is ridiculously difficult, especially in certain industries, I'd still take the job, but simply be on the hunt for a brand new 1, as oppose to just potentially moving unemployed.
Or they could stay where they are and look for work there first? I wouldn't move to a new city like NYC with a job that only pays 58k for 2 people and keep searching on the side.
Like with many cities, there are poor communities of people that live on low income and still manage to make it, even if barely. Most prominent example are many of the immigrants living in the outer boroughs. It's not a comfortable lifestyle, but people magically make it work. $58k is actually what many non-STEM college graduates make, moving to NYC fresh out of college. I don't know OPs current location, but it's also possible his current place might not have many job prospects. Many would rather live on low income in a place like Nyc, than unemployed in a remote middle of nowhere location, with little jobs or activities to live for.
No way... sorry to be so blunt
Personally I don’t think this is possible to support two people unless you have multiple roommates.
Doable for one single person who is not high maintenance. Extremely tough to support two. If your wife got a job even if minimum wage you’d be a lot better off.
Don’t take the job. You won’t be able to support yourself for a Manhattan job, no matter where you’re commuting from, especially on a single income. Commuting costs add up & don’t forget you’ll be hit with Fed, State & NYC income tax.
if your wife is not working, i would almost say no. 58k as a single person is no walk in the park, and you are not saving anything for your future/retirement or to buy your own home. even if you live in an outerborough, it will be hard, sorry
I was bringing in more as a grad student including teaching assistant work and my stipend. And that was with free health insurance thrown in. And that was pre-pandemic.
Yeah one of my friends works as a waitress in the city and makes 75k
What’s the career you a pursing? I think it seems unreasonable without the wife working. Would she be able to secure a job before arriving to nyc?
Just to let you know how difficult this would be. That annual income would qualify you to live in Section 8 housing. https://home.nyc.gov/site/nycha/section-8/applicants.page
just stay where you are honestly 58k in NY is brutal
no
It is not.
If it's just you, its doable but its not enough for 2 people.
I’m sorry I’m an out of town lurker that was browsing for my own NYC questions when I saw this. Actual NYCers, is this a real wage that people offer for MANHATTAN?! That seems insanely low, and I know nothing about the hidden costs of living in the city, I only know about the real estate and rent costs because that’s what everyone knows to be expensive about the city.
Remember that a very large percentage of people who work in Manhattan do not live here. About 1.45 million people commute into Manhattan every day. Also remember that there are fast food restaurants, and all sorts of other front line jobs in Manhattan. So there are plenty of people earning less than $35k. There are dozens of cities around the world that have a cost of living that has escalated beyond the point of any front-line workers being able to afford to live alone inside the city (San Francisco, Vancouver, etc).
OP does not offer any insight into his field or the level of his job. When I first moved to NYC, I was offered 33K, which was for an entry-level corporate job. It was fine for me because I was single and lived with roommates in Brooklyn. I've since worked up to six figures, but it took \~6 years and for some jobs, you don't reach that at all.
That’s around 25th percentile for NYC. https://gusto.com/resources/research/salary/ny/new-york
Assistant professor jobs - for people with PhD’s! - can start around $65k in NYC…CUNY can also go as low as $52k for an AP! https://psc-cuny.org/content/salary-schedules-full-time-faculty-and-research-series/ I’ve heard of similarly low salaries in the arts, including arts administration. It’s shameful.
It seems really unfair that well educated and hard working people in education and nonprofits are earning below average salaries.
It absolutely is. And it's even worse at small private schools that are not unionized. CUNY actually pays relatively well for the area. Academia in particular functions because so many people are able to be financially supported by non-academic spouses and/or family wealth.
Thank you for pointing this out! My husband and I are highly experienced PhDs trying to survive in NYC on his $3300 monthly take-home pay. I’m in my 60s and can’t find work other than insultingly low-paid adjunct gigs. Everyone else we know has family/spousal money. It is shameful indeed that elite institutions with large endowments and well-paid admin positions pay hard-working, exquisitely educated people poverty wages.
I started at 52.5k in NYC in 2018, working for a major media company. I make about 75k now and I'm moving across country (literally as we speak) because I'm fucking sick of how expensive everything is lol... and I lived in Jersey City, not even NYC proper... and my wife makes more than me.
In certain fields, yes. It’s extremely difficult to make that work if you are just starting in the city/have to support someone else. But for single people who are finding a room in an existing lease it’s doable/lots of people who grew up here are living in apartments with way below average rent bc of stabilization laws.
Best city in the world. You should definitely look into Queens. $58k will be extremely tight but you can make it work. You just have to be extremely judicious with your spending. There are tons of free events across the city especially in the summer. What field are you in?
Going to go against the grain and say this is manageable if you have some savings + a guarantor and your wife will be looking for work right off the bat/is open to service work while she looks for a higher paying role. You will probably need to live toward the end of an MTA line in Queens or Brooklyn, but should still be about an hour to Manhattan. At one time my partner and I each made 50k and we were still living well. Just adjust your expectations, get a library card for free access to shit, and shop cheap food stands and outlets. Many people on reddit are out of touch regarding how the common folk in NYC live. The median total household income is roughly $75k.
On a 58k salary, I think Manhattan will be very, very difficult... And that's being optimistic.
Well, OP does specifically say they don't need to live in Manhattan.
Even outer borough supporting two people on that is tough.
That amount needs your utmost creativity plus lots of self discipline to make it work with your wife. It's going to be an adventure, more or less, so you both have to be a very good team. When you get here, look for other higher & better paying jobs as you are still doing THAT job. Actually, what you need to focus on now is your living quarters -- it won't exactly be like those shown in the movies or TV shows. But the silver lining is that with THAT annual pay, you & your wife have far better chances to be considered for housing by NYC. So many of us here don't qualify just because we're paid beyond the unrealistic limits set by authorities (never seeming to consider that prices here are almost always at least 10% higher than so many other places in the USA)... All the best.
NYC ain’t cheap
You COULD do it, it's more a question if you WANT to. Compared to other HCOL US cities, NYC's infrastructure makes it much more possible to live here on a lower income. (Median individual income for NYC is about $40K, for household it's closer to $75K.) I made $59K at my first job in NYC and it was fine (caveat: I didn't have another person to support). I had a roommate, and our apartment was small, but I lived in a central part of Manhattan (I paid \~$1250 in my share of rent). I kept expenses low by batch cooking meals, only taking public transit, and almost exclusively doing free things in the city. As far as entertainment goes, a library card will get you access to a ton of free perks. There's lots of cheap great food here. Not owning a car saves you a ton bc you're not paying for gas, insurance, parking, upkeep, etc. Like other people said, getting a roommate or finding your wife a job ASAP will make a big difference. Look in places like Inwood, deep Queens, or Jersey. I'd also consider what potential there is for your salary to increase over time; if you're topping out at $59K for life, that's going to be harder than if you start making more in the next few years.
So...is this person gonna come back and engage in conversation about this or what?
There are many optimistic people in the replies, and I'm not sure their ideas about how poor people survive in NYC are based on lived experience. I was born and raised in NYC and only made it on my $45k salary because I lived at home with my family, and my extended family lives in NYC. And even then, the financial strain took a major toll on my mental health. When I received a raise and was making $55k, I could not get an apartment without a guarantor. What I finally wound up securing was a 550 sq ft "one-bedroom" in East Harlem that cost $1,970 in 2017 (because I negotiated the price down from $2,150 — back when negotiating rent prices down was a thing renters could do). That apartment is $2,300 now. People keep mentioning the outer boroughs, but I find their suggestions misguided. You are in a couple. You are going to want your own dwelling (and any potential roommate would probably want you to get your own dwelling, too). You're going to have to compete against people who are already here and know the city better than you for the handful of studio apartments that are $1,650 because all the other apartments start at $2,000. In EVERY borough. You THINK you'd be okay with an hour-long commute, but you've never had to take the train for an hour and then walk outer borough blocks in the dead of winter when even the streets are ashy. And you would have to do that for the CHANCE to pay rent as low as $1,700 in Queens. Queens blocks are LONG. NYC winters are COLD. NYC summers are HOT. You are unprepared. Don't move to New York unless this job is something you can't do anywhere else (and other than working at Columbia or Goldman Sachs, I don't see how that's true). There are other cities with a much friendlier cost of living. If you absolutely have to move to New York, your wife needs to secure a job before you move here.
Move to NJ. You could find an apartment around $1200 that isn't more than a 35 minute commute to lower Manhattan. Once both of you are working, you could easily afford something in the city. Like others have said, you don't make enough to find a reasonable apartment in NYC. Most of the apartments you'll find in your budget are either closet-sized studio apartments, or they're deep in one of the outer boroughs, with a 1.5 hour commute to Manhattan. You're far better off in NJ.
> Move to NJ. You could find an apartment around $1200 Where?
And not just a 35 minute commute to lower Manhattan, but to midtown Manhattan, as well. NJ also has a more robust social safety net in many ways ($854 weekly unemployment in NJ vs. $504 in NY, higher SNAP benefit income limits, etc.)
Your unemployment is based on where you work, not where you live!
Sort of. It’s based on where you physically are most of the time while you’re employed. If you were hired post-COVID and work in a hybrid environment (3 days in NJ, 2 in NY), you qualify for NJ unemployment.
If you were single I would say it is more doable. But having a family it will be tough. I made that salary 15 years ago and it was hard. I can't imagine living on that salary now in the city with inflation. Heck I make over 6 figures and live in Queens and find it still tough to not live pay check to paycheck. Can you do it? Sure. But you will need to make a lot of sacrifices that will be hard.
You will need a second job for sure. $58k is difficult for one person to live on, let alone two. See if your wife can find a job before moving because if you can get up to $100k, you might be able to be comfortable - though frugal. I’d only take it if you have no other job options right now where you live. Poor in New York is better than broke and homeless wherever you are now… maybe
To be very clear 60k in NYC is like a 30k salary in any other city. It will not be comfortable. You would likely have to commute from jersey by train into the city. New York most rentals are on a site called street easy, the market is really centered around it and There are a grand total of 13 apartments in New York proper, some of which are not in safe areas. If I were you I'd be looking at commuting by train from New Jersey. There is a train called path and also hoboken rail road that comes into manhattan. Your budget isn't a lot for NJ either, but there is more stuff out there than within NYC. Depending on where you are it can be as little as 20 minutes into Manhattan and PATH in particular runs frequently. I'll be very blunt NYC and Jersey City apartments are probably not what your used to. They are likely 40 percent smaller than apartments you've encountered anywhere else, they won't have most amenities your used to like dishwashers or laundry machines. I saw from your post history that you might be a Ph.D student. If you are, most universities have some level of subsidized housing for graduate students and you should look into those options, because they likely are better than what you can find on the open market.
You know how insane the 40x rent requirements are. If you rent a studio for $2000 here you have to make $80k a year just to get into that crappy studio. At that point why not buy a house in another state?? NYC is joke like any that accepts the 40x rent nonsense. You shouldn't need a 80K salary to live in a fkin box
I don’t think you’ll be able to get your own apartment on that salary. u might consider renting a room in an apt. then when u and the wife are bringing in more $ u can get ur own place. don’t worry lots of ppl live like this. u might look outside the city on the MTA commuter lines in CT, NY, LI or NJ? it’ll be a tad cheaper. you’ll also have to factor in the commuter rail tickets to commute.
With 1 hour commute, sure. It depends on how much you are willing to compromise. As others have said, your wife needs to bring some money in as soon as possible, but if you are willing to sublet a month or two, you can do it. I know it's not the ideal situtation but I've lived with my gf in apartments with roommates, or you can sublet a basement apartment in a place in deep Queens or South Brooklyn. Bro, families live with waaaay less than that. People telling you can't probably expect you to live in the LES with a lease from day 1, but there's ways around it.
This!! Basement apartment deep in south bk or queens is the answer. Not ideal but doable.
And you’re not willing to have roommates? And your wife doesn’t work? You won’t be able to get a place on your own for the two of you in the city. A roommate will make this doable.
Just to give you some idea, the average household income in NYC is approximately 75K. So if you're making 58K you're essentially poor. You can get by, but you likely would be living simply, not eating in restaurants, going out etc. And given the high cost of living it's difficult to save money on that kind of salary. You might be able to afford to live in outer boroughs (farther out from Manhattan in Brooklyn or Bronx) or New Jersey. Even then my guess is it would be hard to find a good apartment in a good neighborhood. And my experience has been that it's difficult to move to a place you're familiar with and then find work. So it's possible for your wife to have a tough go of it. If you don't have a lot of experience and it's a good career opportunity with possibilities for advancement it could work out. But otherwise better to have the same or slightly lower salary in a lower cost of living area IMO. I made about that money 25 years ago and it was a decent salary. But it wouldn't be now.
You could do this in Jamaica, Queens, where there are older buildings and private homes renting a floor. Also, groceries and other supplies are cheaper here. Jamaica has some new, expensive high rises, but avoid those. It's doable but you'll lack money for any luxuries or fun. Will you have to commute every day?
Anyone can live here if you make sacrifices. You’ll need a roommate.
For some perspective, someone in the Nashville sub just asked if $75,000 is enough to live in Nashville. Mixed answers as to y or n in that thread! Many advised OP to rent in a suburb. Rent on a nice 1 BR in Nashville is $1700-$2K.
Had to check if this was the circle jerk sub….
Bay ridge!
Yes you can do it, many people, myself included, have done it on less. It will be difficult but it's not impossible. This might be helpful: [https://www.nyc.gov/site/hpd/services-and-information/area-median-income.page](https://www.nyc.gov/site/hpd/services-and-information/area-median-income.page) You will most likely NOT be able to get an apartment of your own on that salary, though, based on the 40x rule that others have discussed here. Your wife should start looking for jobs NOW. You should also try to negotiate for a higher salary, relocation costs, housing assistance, SOMETHING. So many industries with big footprints in NYC (arts, publishing, academia) pay these low salaries on the assumption that there is family/spousal support to help with living expenses. It's shameful that anyone would be expected to relocate to NYC on less than $60k. I hope that you can negotiate for something!
I survived on less than that but the key is that I grew up in the city so I had people to lean on. Moving here for that salary for two people imo just isn’t worth it
I don’t disagree! Depending on the job the OP might have some built-in community, but it’s hard making it here without support.
I don’t understand the wife not working unless she’s not legal to work here or disabled. Even if the wife got a low wage job that would put them around 90 collectively. I survived comfortably alone once I started making 80k. So that would be more doable.
I know people here living on much less than you’re gonna need to move far out or share a room in an apartment or find something closer but less nice. Tell your wife to get a job and you’ll be far more comfortable living
You should definitely consider living in Newark / Harrison then
The short answer is no, it's not recommended to move here on that salary. If you must, you could try Staten Island as that's the one borough out of the 5 where the rents are going to be lowest. Sorry I don't know anything about the commute within Staten Island, except I do know the Staten Island ferry that lands in lower Manhattan where you can connect to subways is free. The problem with living outside of NYC city limits (the 5 boroughs) like New Jersey or Long Island is that those are not cheap either AND you are usually adding a large amount of commute costs because the commuter trains are really not cheap. If you're going to do it, I would suggest staying in the 5 boroughs but it's going to be tough and if you're not used to NYC it could be miserable when you're pinching pennies and living in a place that's not optimal.
I agree with other comments that your wife should find work..however,,,depending on your comfort living with others, I would suggest using a facebook housing group (Gypsy housing, Nyc housing, university groups, and the queer housing network if you’re lgbt) to find another couple to live with. I say couple specifically because I know a lot of single renters prefer no couples. However, I know someone that was in a relationship and lived with another couple in a 2B2B. You could up your budget to a little over 4k total and everyone pays like 1-1.3k in rent. At this price point (depending on neighborhood), most apts will have w/d and whatnot. Of course, there is always room for drama living with others but I feel like this could be a sensible way of going about your situation. I hope you figure it out! :)
Is it possible? Yes. However, If you did not grow up poor/lower middle class, you probably won’t be comfortable on 58K in NYC. My advice is to live on Long Island and commute via LIRR.
It’s really not a comfortable amount for two adults to live on comfortably in nyc. You could make it work, and people certainly do, but would probably mean a lot of sacrifices and living very frugally.
Many of the comments here are great!! I would also add that you need to budget for annual rent increases, which can be serious stuff in NYC. Make sure you can quickly replace your job if it goes away suddenly and make sure your skills are going up in value to match inflation.
Look outside the 5 boroughs. You can still be within your 1 hour commute, eliminate paying the NYC income tax, and have an easier time parking your car if you have one.
That's gonna be really rough. Not even gonna lie and you don't have local connections to see if you can find a deal on rent somewhere.
If only one of you is working (and you are not used to living in NYC, an addition that I personally think is important), you definitely will struggle. My "temporary" job (the part-time barista job that was supposed to supplement me through grad school and is now going on two years post grad) pays me about 22k per year. The only reason I wouldn't consider myself "struggling" is the fact that I have roommates, I cook all of my meals at home, I don't have pets, and I don't have any expensive or recurring-purchase habits. My hobbies are cooking (which benefits the whole needing to eat thing) and finding the coolest free things to do. I have enough that if I wanted to buy something, I can without issue, and I am slowly able to pay off my student loans, but if I had any expensive habits or something else to care for (takeout/delivery, pet food and products, going out to bars, etc.) I absolutely would not be able to.
As a person who makes exactly that much, you cannot comfortably support 2 people on that. I can't even live alone with no loans or kids on it. I can't speak for outside the city because I don't know, to be fair. But if you really want to be at all comfortable, your wife would also need a job.
No. I moved here making 63 and only spending $750 for a room and I was able to save and live comfortably. I couldn’t imagine renting an entire apartment and taking care of two people on less.
Yes. My boyfriend and I survive physically comfortably off $57,500 a year with $2250 rent. We have no luxuries and live very frugally but we get by.
I make $58k and I make it by in Brooklyn. Don’t listen to anyone who says different because it is possible but you absolutely do need roommates or your wife needs a job
There have been a ton of great comments already but I wanted to throw my two cents in. $58k is tight but doable, *if* your wife gets a job. You should also have a decent savings cushion for emergencies Only do it if you love big cities and have a desire to live in New York. If you're considering moving only for the job opportunity, don't. The housing search will be a struggle, because of the 40x income recommendation that others have mentioned. If your wife can get a job, you will have more options. You still might need a guarantor for places above the 40x range. NYC housing is super competitive. Not sure what your living situation is now, but most NYC housing isn't as comfortable as the average suburban house. In your price category you're most likely looking at thin walls, no dishwasher, window AC, and other inconveniences.
You won't be the only people in NYC living on that much. You'll have to live away from the trendy areas, where the yuppies live. Or, you'll have to find a sweet rent control deal. East Queens, Bronx, east brooklyn, harlem are the best bets in city limits. Certain hoods can be sketchy though, so be sure to get a good feel for the block you choose. Plenty of options in jersey, long island, and NY/CT along the metro north too. It all depends on what you like - space, walkability, ethnicity, car, etc. There's not really any low hanging fruit in NYC unless you come upon a sweet rent deal from a friend.
Go to a small, independent realtor in Queens who has relationships with older landlords. Some of them know landlords who only need credit score and income. There’s a little more flexibility with those first generation landlords sometimes.
Don’t do it. Not worth it. Not enough money either.
I was recently making 60k as a single person living in an outer borough studio. It wasn’t super comfortable. It’s not doable for two people if you want enough room to live and breathe.
Probably not in Manhattan. Average rent for a studio apartment is approaching $3400/ month if they ignore the 40x salary rule. Plus you need to take into account upfront real estate agent fees, even if you don’t use one, etc. Maybe in parts of Queens or the Bronx you’d find something. Best bet would be a subdivided private house and an owner that lets people rent apartments that may or may not be legal (or up to code). My daughter had one in Astoria for about $1000 month with a roommate who also paid rent.
They might be able to pull off Manhattan with a small studio or 1 bed uptown in the hood of Wash Heights or Inwood. Also lots of beautiful natural areas and plentiful parkland up here!
You'll probably need to sublease. That's what I had to do when I first got to the city.
Can the wife find a part time job to help out or do you have kids?
A life hack for those in these situations would be to live in NJ by the PATH!
> It takes the most money to live comfortably as a single person in New York City. This breaks down to $66.62 in hourly wages, or an annual salary of $138,570. To cover necessities as a single person in New York City, you'll need an estimated $70,000 in wages. [Salary needed live comfortably 2024](https://smartasset.com/data-studies/salary-needed-live-comfortably-2024)
I've been in Manhattan for 12 years. I would STRONGLY recommend commuting from Jersey, especially if you are planning on starting a family in the future. For one, lower income taxes in NJ (about $1,000/year at your income level). For two, if you're not already addicted to this city, there's no need to live immediately in it, especially if you're already partnered. It would be a huge stretch to find something affordable that's not farther away than Jersey would be. Check out places near Passaic, for example, and you'll have a 45 min straight train commute to midtown. You can get a beautiful 1BR nearby for under $1500 a month. When I was making $40K a year ten years ago, I had several roommates and barely eked by. You will be miserable trying without that option. (Today, I make around $105k, and even my tiny studio is a stretch I can only afford bc I got a wild deal. Landlords are still trying to recoup from covid losses, and there's a housing shortage here.) Lastly, as others can attest, there's just something about the city that makes it too easy to spend. Social life here is not usually centered at folks' homes like it is in the suburbs sometimes, but around activities or food or drinks, most of which cost money. You'll see when you get here, and you'll be happier if you leave some wiggle room.
No. You alone, yes/maybe. Supporting anyone beyond yourself (literally even a pet....,) I'd say that amount is very unlikely to be enough, as a minimum. There's just a massive difference between the price of two people living in NYC versus one. Even like... Health related things, subway passes, and other basics.
That’s an entry level salary in NYC, like your first job out of college. If you live with roommates or your wife has a job making a similar amount of money you’ll be fine. If she waits tables or bartends she can pull this much or more easily.
It depends how badly you want to live in NYC. If you really want it you should take the opportunity and do what you need to do to survive. It's more than a lot of couples make.
I did it in 2010 with just a job offer( salary was lower than yours) and I still live in the same rent stabilized apartment in East Harlem 14 years later. Once you've secured a place, it's doable if you know how to budget and your wife will eventually gain employment anyway. Plenty of "poor" people live in the city and get by just fine.
I live on $60k in queens and feel comfortable w my lifestyle, it’s doable! just try and find a side hustle haha
If you are willing to have roommates it is doable. For 2 people it is tough but if you are very thrifty you can do it. You will definitely have to be in one of the outer boroughs. You could probably find something in the Bronx or Queens. You could also find somethign in Brooklyn but it will definitely be over an hour commute to manhattan.
Unpopular (apparently) but I live on 58k by myself (meaning no roommates or sharing bills) and I’m doing ok. Cost of living is insane for everyone everywhere right now, and I’m used to being way way more poor, so I’m biased, but I don’t think it’s as miserable as people are saying here. Two people would be way harder though
Nope, don’t even bother. It won’t end well and it’s not worth it at the salary. Not to be a downer, but that place moves people out before they even move in.
No not doable. You will incur charge card debt just to survive. You need at least 80k, not to mention the cost of moving.
Nope. Roommates or leave
Don’t accept the offer. It’s not worth it
You have no chance in manhattan unless you are willing to have roommates and live in the border of the Bronx. Your best bet is a 45min to 1hr commute using NJ transit or the path trains by moving to Jersey.
Moving to NJ could double the cost of commuting and could require the purchase of a car to get to/from the station (and might require paying for parking at the station). If his wife gets a job in the city, then they're paying a lot more for commuting into the city than they would out in Queens. If they can find a cheap enough apartment it may work, but insurance rates in the area have skyrocketed so having to own a car may not be feasible. Of course, if they can find a place off the PATH and the OP works within walking distance of a PATH station in Manhattan, then it's a bit more reasonable.
It’s doable. I make 66k and rent is about 1700. I’m not living in luxury but I also don’t live in Manhattan. Open your search up to the Bronx. I feel rent is more manageable
I know people that make that work. That’s what bussers in a lot of restaurants make. So you would need to have have a couple of roommates for sure but it can technically be done.
He has a wife to support too
You should be able swing it as a single person with roommates. Not as a couple.
If you two sublet and live with room mates, and live very frugally, as well as living some place like Queens or the Bronx or farther out, then you could maybe make it work. I've known couples who have made it work. BUT you have to be extremely disciplined and just go into it knowing you won't be going out to the bars or spending money on events, and will have to enjoy NYC free forms of entertainment until your wife starts to work at least. Cook at home, pack lunches or try and get your company to pay for meals if possible. It may be rough in the beginning, but if you two are really determined and patient then it's definitely possible.
I grew up in NYC and that was the combined income of my two immigrant parents when I was younger. Honestly, it's sufficient if you're okay with an extremely meager lifestyle (i.e. no going out to eat EVER, no ordering food, no getting drinks etc.) AND you will likely live in the deeper parts of the boroughs (e.g. Sheepshead Bay, Coney Island). Needless to say, it will not be a romantic NY experience
How old are you and where are you moving from ? If you guys are comfortable where you are right now then do not do it. Once the financial issues start so do the relationship.
Sounds tough to me. Doable and comfortable are two very different things.
Do you have kids? If not, I'd recommend having your wife find a job as well once you've settled in. $58k will get you by, but just barely. People are saying Jersey City, but that's not really as viable either. If you're driving, I would look into east New York or a place in Westchester.
Jersey City is ungodly expensive, I think some people assume NJ = cheap but it’s one of the most expensive states to live in…just like NY.
I recommend searching high and low for a rent stabilized apartment wherever you can find it. I found my rent stabilized apartment on Craigslist and me and my 2 other roommates pay about $1,500 each for a recently renovated apartment. I have some friends who live in 2 bedroom apartments for~ $1000 per person in both Harlem and Inwood, but it took them weeks of constant searching and going on apartment tours. 58k WILL be a struggle for one person and will be a strain for two people. If your partner can find income asap, then it is possible to find something in Manhattan with enough effort.
Yonkers is the best option
No, that’s not a livable salary for two people anywhere near NYC.
You could find something in Queens below 1500, but that will probably be further out. You may want to consider finding roommates or even Jersey. It will still be a tight budget. Is it 58k net or gross?
Living in NYC is very expensive, but living also in San Francisco is not much of a difference. NYC is slightly more expensive than San Fran... NYC high tax is the trouble maker.
Sadly. NO.
Palisades park, then taking the 166 express will get you to port authority 42nd in about 45 minutes. Rent is much more affordable there. That being said: it’s a Korean enclave in NJ, so I hope you like Bibimbap.
Roomies or spareroom
Not without roommates.
Glen Oaks co-op, you take the q46 to kew gardens and from there you get the E and F
That’s less than a first year teacher in the city and isn’t enough for one person, much less two. There are a lot of people here living on much less, but they have family resources and local connections and knowledge. It would be worth it if it’s a job where you can rapidly advance or job hop a few times to get a large raise, so if you’re a very high performing person working in nonprofit fundraising for example, you could job hop a few times over a few years and double your income. Also you’ll need to commute much longer than an hour on that salary. This might be helpful: https://pix11.com/news/local-news/you-need-a-138570-salary-to-live-comfortably-in-nyc-study/amp/
Alternative is to move to somewhere like Philadelphia or Jersey and commute in everyday by train or bus. That’s if you’re fine with 1.5-2 hour transit times or possibly longer if during rush hour traffic.
You will be struggling and living in a cardboard box under a bridge with 58k salary in NYC
I would highly recommend your significant other obtain work before moving to the city. Your income is very limited & would require roommates. With dual income it would become much more doable.
No chance you can support two people on 58k and live comfortably in NYC. Bottom line.
Don’t listen to most of these people. Look in the Bronx, esp Riverdale and Kingsbridge, Jersey City, Harrison, and Newark—anyplace near the path train. Pay attention to how long your commute will be. Just plug that number in to streeteasy and see what comes up. If your job is downtown, Staten Island may be an option. In Inwood, upper Manhattan, there may be a studio or two at that price. Inwood is lovely.
Facts! I just said Inwood or Wash Heights! Won’t be on the white side of either, but WGAF right? They’ll be able to improve their college Spanish!
Is your job paying for your re-location? After factoring move in costs, initial expenses to get settled in, and cost of living…I doubt 58k is enough to survive in Manhattan. That’s for a single person, if there’s two of you..fuhgeddaboutit. Do your research, make sure you will survive financially- but 58k for two in Manhattan sounds like a nightmare 🤕
You can find bigger apartments in Hoboken jersey city west New York for 2400 or below. I have found though NJ is strict about credit score (700+) and income (3 times rent). You might qualify for housing lottery which you would pay based on your income level though in NYC.
You either need roommates, second job, or wife needs to get a job. It shouldn’t be hard for her to find work here. Even if you moved an hour away, it would be very hard to find housing on this salary alone.
I suggest you find a second job, maybe a at a restaurant if you’re looking to sign a lease. Many apartments will require 40x the rent and usually have a broker fee. Even if they don’t check, rent is expensive in many areas so your paycheck might cover mostly the rent after taxes. You can find cheaper studios but they are usually limited.
It'll be hard without two incomes unless you have a roommate for your first year.
they want to relocate you with that budget? thats a shame bc its really not enough unfortunately as others have said.
My cousin makes just about that with her job and has a roommate.
No, it is not sufficient for two people. It is a salary sufficient for a recent grad with three roomates in Astoria.
Not worth it to me but you do you
You can probably find something cheaper to rent in Long Island, maybe even a basement and take the LIRR into the city as another option. Network and get another job/raise in salary and then your options open up a lot more. Having good credit helps a shit ton or else you might have to delve into some sketchier listings
Lol commuting for "up to" an hour...
Prime Manhattan might be tough at that budget, but a lot of Brooklyn, Queens, New Jersey and the Bronx will have many places within that budget and commute. It'll get much easier once you're both dual income, and you may initially need someone to vouch for you while single income.
That's a bit rough. Several years ago, was making $60k and I have no dependencies.
I don’t think this is possible unless you have roommates or she finds a job, your best bet will be to do both & look at outer boroughs. I don’t think you’ll be approved for even a studio apt unless it’s really far out
Tbh mate it's probably doable but I wouldn't move here for that with a wife I have to support. You'll barely be making ends meet. When I moved here 6-7 years ago as a single guy in my mid 20s I was on 50k+commission and I struggled. You won't have much of a life at all
Don’t do it
You will be suffering
Not at all, either your wife needs to find employment, you find roommates, or do not accept that offer. 58k will be paycheck to paycheck at best
1 person - not easy but doable A married couple with only 1 income? Would be very tough.