10 smart tips for living in NYC on a budget

One of the things you should know before moving to New York is that life in this extraordinary city will be far from cheap. However, if you are responsible and smart with money, you can meet this challenge successfully and make your life in NYC both enjoyable and affordable. Is it going to be easy? Well, it depends on how determined you are to succeed in living in NYC on a budget. Luckily, we can help a bit.

Living in NYC on a budget is possible indeed

Before you start preparing your move to NYC and decide to calculate moving costs online as the first step, you need to be objective and brutally honest to yourself regarding your budget. Can you really afford to live in one of the most beautiful and most exciting cities in the world? Is your budget big enough to cover the costs of living and enable you to enjoy some unnecessary but yet things you can’t live without? Hopefully, the answer will be yes. Then, create your budget as accurately as possible and stick to it without making excuses. Also, pay attention to the 10 following tips for living in NYC on a budget.

1 – Finding roommates in NYC is an excellent decision

If you know how to find a roommate in NYC, you will be able to avoid paying exorbitant sums of money for the rent. Also, this gives you a chance to share the bills, utilities, expenses on food, etc. On the other hand, living with a roommate can get difficult at times, but, considering the amount of money you save, it’s worth the trouble.

2 – Find an affordable place to live

This means that you leave tips on moving to Manhattan for some other time when your budget increases significantly. Until that happens, choose an affordable neighborhood that fits your budget. For example, given the circumstances, choosing Brooklyn or The Bronx may be a very good choice.

3 – Paying per ride is a complete waste of money

Majority of people in NYC use public transport, mostly the NYC subway to be precise. However, if living in NYC on a budget is your goal, it is wise to buy a monthly or even a weekly ride pass. The reason is very simple. Those who decide to pay per ride every time they need to use public transport will spend an enormous sum of money.

 4 – Walking around NYC is possible, too

To people who are moving from a small town to New York, this seems like a mission impossible. Even though the hustle and bustle of NYC can seem both fascinating and frightening, this is one of the most walkable cities in the US. So, use your chance. Save some money by walking around the city while enjoying the view and watching people. In addition, you will stay fit, spend lots of time outside and avoid the crowds in the subway. Furthermore, if long walks are just not for you, CitiBikes may be a perfectly appropriate alternative.

5 – Having a car in NYC equals trouble

And additional expenses, of course. Having a car only adds up to your monthly expenses and yet can’t be useful enough to be worth it. You will have to pay for the insurance, gas, a mechanic occasionally as well. Besides, finding a parking place is a serious challenge to cope with on regular basis. You will soon realize that using a car every day causes so much trouble that you would do much better without it.

6 – A credit card is your helping hand when living in NYC on a budget

When considering the pros and cons of living in New York, people usually list the extremely high cost of living as the most serious disadvantage. When a lot of expenses cause you a headache at some time, using a credit card may be a favorable solution. However, it is necessary to be careful not to get into a serious credit card debt. Instead, use the card smartly and in a well-controlled way. Also, make sure you pay the card off every month.

7 – Sharing economy is necessary when living in NYC on a budget

Consider sharing some subscriptions with your roommates, neighbors or close friends. For example, share wifi, subscriptions to some newspapers, magazines or TV channels, etc. This strategy will prove to be very friendly to your wallet. On the other hand, you might find this difficult to achieve if you are moving to NYC with family, but yet it isn’t impossible.

8 – Check daily deal websites regularly

When living in NYC on a budget checking out daily deal websites can save you a considerable amount of money. How? The websites entitle you to various discounts. In the end, you pay much less when you go to a restaurant, go shopping for clothes or even decide to afford a relaxing spa treatment from time to time.

9 – Exciting NYC life doesn’t have to be pricey

Contrary to the general belief, it is possible to go out in NYC without spending a fortune. Firstly, if you are interested in cultural activities, there are some extraordinary museums and galleries in New York that you can visit free of charge.  All you need to do is explore your options a bit on the internet. Soon, you will definitely find something appealing. Secondly, if you like eating out, choose restaurants which offer large portions of delicious food at reasonable prices. Also, some of the restaurants will let you take the leftovers home. Finally, if you want to have a drink at a bar, look for happy hours. Then, you can get some great drinks at very affordable prices.

10 – Discover the advantages of shopping for clothes in thrift shops

Living in NYC on a budget means you can’t buy designer clothes that cost an arm and a leg. Instead, visit some of the numerous NYC thrift shops. Not only can you buy some nice clothing items at favorable prices there, but you can also sell some of your clothes which is in good shape, but yet not needed anymore. Doesn’t it sound interesting?