How much does life in New York cost: from rental housing to shopping and entertainment

According to statistics Cost of living city ranking, New York is included in the 15 of the most expensive cities in the world. And although it’s not customary to talk about money here, the former journalist Irina Sidorkina, who travels and talks about life in the Big Apple, opened the publication Life hacker this curtain.

Profits

Many people think that living in America equals high income. This is partly true. However, first you need to figure out which income is considered high and which is low.

So, the low income in the USA is up to $ 3 per month (~ 000 rubles), the average one is about $ 200 (~ 000 rubles), and the high one is from $ 5 (~ 000 rubles).

The highest salaries in the USA are with doctors, dentists and lawyers.

As elsewhere in the world, the lowest salaries are for the staff, who are saved by tips. Typically, this category includes students and immigrants.

It is difficult to remain without work in the Big Apple, even those who do not speak English are arranged, Sidorkina notes.

“I asked around and found out that the administrator of the medical center earns $ 15 (1 rubles) per hour, the Uber driver - on average $ 000 (2 rubles) per week, the cashier in the store - $ 000 (136 rubles) per month ( if you work seven days a week), and the driver of a heavy truck - $ 000 (2 rubles) per month, ”the author writes.

It is important to remember that in the USA, salaries are voiced either in hourly wages or in the amount for the year. Also keep in mind that 30% of taxes will be deducted from it.

Housing

Rental prices vary by region. For example, in Manhattan, renting a one-room apartment starts at $ 3 000 (204 000 rubles) per month.
Many Russians choose Brighton Beach, Brooklyn for life. There you can find housing from $ 1 000 (68 000 rubles).

“We rent a room in the central part of Brooklyn - $ 1 (500 rubles) per month, plus electricity bills, which in the winter season reach $ 102 (000 rubles). They paid a deposit of $ 200 (13 rubles) and bought furniture for $ 600 (1 rubles), ”said Irina.

By the way, it is important to remember that in New York to find a furnished apartment is a rarity.

Although housing prices are high, it is sometimes justified. So, rent of the aforementioned housing includes: open roof with barbecue, free parking, gym, dishwasher, washing machine, air conditioning, metro nearby and all amenities. In addition, this is a new home, Sidorkina notes.

If you want to buy your own home, then this is beneficial, since it is subject to a low interest rate. At the same time, prices range from $ 400 thousand (27 million rubles) for a studio in Brooklyn to $ 1,5 million (102 million rubles) for a house on Rockaway Beach in Queens, since this is a prestigious area. If your capabilities allow, you can buy a penthouse in Manhattan for $ 50 million (about 3,5 billion rubles).

Transport

In New York it is most profitable to travel using the subway. Because there are always a lot of traffic jams, paid parking and the maintenance of the car itself is expensive. And an unlimited metro card costs $ 121 (8 000 rubles) per month.

“The last taxi ride cost $ 35 (2 rubles) for 400 minutes. Until the snow falls, you can use city bicycles, the annual subscription costs $ 30 (120 rubles), ”says Irina.

Communication and media services

If you have a family, it is best to use a family rate. Moreover, the more family members are connected, the lower the payment.

Cellular communication and unlimited Internet will cost $ 40 (2 700 rubles) per month. This amount includes free Netflix. Full tariff without discount - $ 70 (4 700 rubles).

Internet - $ 55 (3 750 rubles) per month.

Spotify app - $ 6 (400 rubles) for a family rate.

Medicine

If we talk about medicine, then in the US there are different types of insurance with different conditions. Basic insurance - $ 380 (25 800 rubles), dental insurance - $ 40 (2 700 rubles) for two, the rest is covered by the employer.

The cost of a doctor’s appointment is fixed at $ 30 (2 000 rubles).

Put a seal - $ 50 (3 400 rubles).

“Nobody will sell you medicines without a prescription. Their prices are 3-4 times higher than in Russia, even if there is insurance, ”Sidorkina said.

Food

“I spend from $ 50 to $ 100 per week (3-400 rubles) for food. I go to a regular convenience store for groceries, ”said Irina.

She also gave approximate prices for food in New York:

tea - $ 4 (300 rubles);

Macaroni - $ 2-3 for 400 g (120 – 200 rubles);

Quinoa - $ 10 for 400 g (700 rubles);

strawberries - $ 4 for 500 g (280 rubles);

vegetarian sausages - $ 5 for 350 g (350 rubles);

tomatoes - $ 1,5 for 500 g (100 rubles);

avocado - $ 2 for 1 piece (140 rubles);

a bunch of greenery - $ 1,5 (100 rubles);

chocolate bar - $ 1,5 (100 rubles);

ground coffee - $ 8 for 350 g (560 rubles);

milk - from $ 2 per 1 liter (140 rubles);

kefir - $ 8 for 1,5 l (560 rubles);

cookies - from $ 2 for 200 g (140 rubles);

condensed milk - $ 4 for 400 g (280 rubles);

almond milk - $ 4 per 1 liter (280 rubles);

blueberries - $ 4 for 1 kg (280 rubles);

flour - $ 2 for 1 kg (140 rubles).

“Sometimes I visit the Korean store H-mart, where you can find curd cheeses for $ 3 (200 rubles) apiece and various interesting products like smoked tofu, candies from matcha - $ 7 (480 rubles) for a pack of 100 g - or a set for Asian soup for $ 10 (680 rubles) ”, - Irina shared.

According to her, all fruits and vegetables are fresh and cheap here. But there are exceptions.

“Once they sold me a pound of cherries for $ 13 (880 rubles) instead of three. It was already too lazy to come back and argue, so check the check, do not hope that everyone in the US is extremely honest, ”she recommends.

Cake can cost a lot here - cheaper than $ 100 (6 800 rubles) you cannot find a quality large cake in a pastry shop.

If you prefer to dine in the cafe, be prepared to leave about $ 10 per serving in an Asian cafe. Dinner in a good restaurant will cost you $ 300 (20 400 rubles).

McDonald's in New York is a haven for tourists and homeless people, because it's cheap and on every corner. Starbucks is a higher level. A glass of coffee costs $ 3-7 (200-470 rubles), ”the author writes.

Entertainment

Most New Yorkers work hard, and spend the weekend at home with family and friends. Sometimes they choose to go out of town, visit bars, exhibitions or sporting events.

Movie ticket - $ 16 (1 000 rubles).

Entrance to city museums, zoos, botanical gardens is free if you live in New York officially, the author explained.
“For the rest, the entrance to the Metropolitan Museum from May 1, 2018 became paid - $ 25 (1 rubles). Previously, the Pay What You Wish (PWYW) system operated, that is, “pay as much as you want,” the girl explained.

Ticket to the zoo - from $ 10 (700 rubles). To the Brooklyn Botanical Garden - $ 15 (1 000 rubles). Sometimes there is free admission - on Fridays in the morning.

The Museum of Modern Art (MOMA) is free to visit every Friday from 16: 00 to 20: 00. Entrance to other days costs $ 25.

Rent a yacht for six people - from $ 500 for two hours (35 300 rubles). A ride in a helicopter costs $ 350 for half an hour (24 500 rubles).

Access to the beaches is free.

Personal care

Prices for visits to beauty salons are different.

In a good salon, get ready to pay $ 100 (6 800 rubles) for washing your hair, trim your hair and styling.

But there is a budget option.

“I recently discovered a chain of Japanese hairdressing salons where a haircut costs $ 20 (1 rubles), but the difference is obvious. You can go through dry hair yourself at home with scissors, ”the author notes.

The cost of manicure starts from $ 50 (3 500 rubles), if you wish, you can find a Russian master who will make for $ 25 (1 750 rubles).

Massage hour - $ 150 – 200 (10 300 – 14 000 rubles).

Shopping

Surprisingly, within the boundaries of the largest city in America there is no mall. Therefore, New Yorkers use online stores such as Amazon, paying for the additional Prime service, which costs $ 15 (1 000 rubles) per month and includes fast delivery, free movies, audio books and music.

“You can often get into sales, the discounts are really good, up to 80%. Gradually, I came to the conclusion that buying cosmetics and clothes is cheaper than in Moscow, ”the author summed up.

To summarize, the cost of living in New York for two per month is at least $ 3 500 (238 000 rubles). This modest budget does not include major purchases, mortgage payments, renting an expensive apartment, expensive entertainment and trips outside the United States.