Cost of living in New York

[mikhail]

I was in New York in november and stayed at a hostel in Manhatten. They told me that they were looking for people to work there. I'd only make about $60-$100 a week but they'd provide a place to stay. I think they said somewhere around 110th or something.
I know $100 probably won't get me thru but I have some saving which I would use too.

I really liked it in New York and now I'm wondering if I should take that job. How much money would you say I need per week to eat and do some random stuff in New York (not pay rent because that would be taken care of).

Would $200 a week get me thru?

[spooky]

depends on how well you wanna live....how hard you want to party.

chinese food, mexican food and pizza are all dirt cheap, costing maybe 6 or 7 dollars a meal. 2 of those and a lite breakfast, and you can skate by just under 20 bucks. i think you could not do any permanent damage to your body for at least a few months, certainly long enough to find a better job and superior accomadations.

if NYC is your goal, go for it. no risk, no reward, i wouldnt hesitate.

but thats just me.

[smallnorth]

Take that job but sell perfume door to door for extra cash.

Invest your savings in a pyramid scheme too, I heard they always work out.

[mikhail]

Originally Posted by spooky

depends on how well you wanna live....how hard you want to party.

chinese food, mexican food and pizza are all dirt cheap, costing maybe 6 or 7 dollars a meal. 2 of those and a lite breakfast, and you can skate by just under 20 bucks. i think you could not do any permanent damage to your body for at least a few months, certainly long enough to find a better job and superior accomadations.

if NYC is your goal, go for it. no risk, no reward, i wouldnt hesitate.

but thats just me.

thanks for the quick respons!

I have to say New York is an amazing city and I would love to live / work there.

My biggest problem is that I'm not American (I'm Swiss-Canadien). So I'm not sure how easy / hard it is to work and live in the US.

Both my Parents have a greencard, do you think that could be of any help to me?

[quauth]

Originally Posted by mikhail

Both my Parents have a greencard, do you think that could be of any help to me?

depends on the quality of your white face paint...

[StuartPants]

Originally Posted by quauth

depends on the quality of your white face paint...

I don't think he's black. Swiss-Canadian? That would be something. Anyway... I second Spooky's comments. Be prepared to be entertained by cable television and dropping things on people from your window until you've been able to land a better job. Hookers, and binge drinking will have to wait until then. I hear that bums make $200 a day just sitting on the street with a tin can. Oh can you play any instruments? I see a variety of musicians down in the subway tunnels every day from morning till evening with guitar cases full of cash. That's another option.

[quauth]

Originally Posted by StuartPants

I don't think he's black.

avatar reference...

[mikhail]

I'm white. and thanks for the tips!

oh and while I'm already asking questions. how is work in New York, is it hard to find a job (if you really want to). I'm a tool and die maker (did a 4 year apprenticeship here in switzerland) ever heard of any of that in New York?

[Keith]

WHAT THE FUCK?! NO.

[cole]

Originally Posted by mikhail

how is work in New York, is it hard to find a job

It helps if you have any connections in the "tool and die" industry. Also, you can post something up on the jobs section on Craigslist (http://newyork.craigslist.org/) and see if you get lucky. You'd have to get a work visa though, so you better look into that as well.

And just in general, most people work their ass off to live here. I worked a 63 hour work week last week, so if that sounds appetizing to you, then come on over. Just be prepared to pay your dues...