So, you have finally decided to move to the Big Apple, eh? Well, good on you! Millions of people travel to New York every day with dreams of making it big. No wonder why the place is known as the City of Dreams, and more than 20.1 million people currently call New York home.
However, do not expect this relocation to be a walk in (Central) Park. New York is one of the most expensive cities in the world. The cost of living in New York is 84% higher than average. And if you are coming from a smaller town, then adjusting to life in the City That Never Sleeps can be a little tricky. Everyone is on the go, whether it is 4 am or 1 pm. But fear not, we have made a complete guide for you to make this transition easier. Just read through this post, and you will be fine.
You will be living in a tiny match-box:
Space is very limited in New York, and a studio apartment might be the best option. Most people who relocate to the city have 3 to 4 housemates. So, there is little to no chance of all your belongings fitting in your apartment. The solution? Pare it all down, rent a storage space for all your most prized possessions, sell off the ones in a workable condition, and donate the rest. Not only will you save on relocation costs, but you will make a pretty penny as well.
Looking for a place to live:
New York housing is crazy-expensive. Rent varies depending on the area, with Manhattan being the most expensive. So, if you go for a place in New York City, then you might be looking at the annual rent of $600 to $800. And do not forget your broker fee, which is 10% to 15% of the yearly rent. The internet is your best resource for apartment listings. Be sure to ask questions once you find a place that fits your budget.
Ask the landlord about the security deposit and any pet fee. Always do your research before you sign on the dotted line. Do not be afraid to walk out if something does not feel right. There are many real estate scams in New York, so it is better to be safe than sorry.
Financial considerations before you leap:
If you do not have a job lined up for you in New York, then spend some time looking for one. Go through online job listings (for example non-profit jobs NYC) for any open positions in the city. Or connect with people on LinkedIn for jobs in your sector.
Another thing to consider is how much money you need to survive in the area. You should have enough money saved up to last you for six months post-move. Rent can be approximately $800 per month. That is almost $4,800 you will need solely for rent. You also have to think about groceries which cost $200 per month. So, the total savings you will need is almost $6000 before you move.
New York Tax Rates:
Now that you have found a job, you should think about the taxes you will have to pay. The income tax in New York is very high. New Yorkers pay three different income taxes; the federal income tax, the city income tax, and the state income tax. So, do not be surprised if you get only 50% of your paycheck to come payday. And that is not all. You will also have to pay an 8.875%sales tax every time you make a purchase. That leaves you with just enough to get by.
Do not buy a car unless you need it:
More than 50% of the people in New York do not own a car. The thing is that having a car in the Empire State is nothing but a hassle. For starters, road rage and honking are quite common in New York. Secondly, there are little to no free parking spots in the city.
Therefore, get ready to spend some money whenever you take the car out. But even then, you will have to search for hours before you find the best spot. And there’s the matter of biweekly alternate side parking. So, you will be endlessly moving your car from here to there. Take our advice and dump the car. Consider getting a bike or using the subway.
Conclusion
Now that most of the things have been taken care of, it is time to explore this beautiful city. The city has something for everyone. There are breathtaking beaches for beach lovers. Nature lovers can take a stroll in the magnificent parks, and party lovers can dance it out at the clubs. Pretty soon, you will come to love life in this ‘concrete jungle where dreams are made of.’
