Cherokee4Less took a quick 3 day trip to NYC to catch up with the #DealWithIt Nurse Katie Duke.  My oh my did we learn how different it would be to live in New York versus North Carolina!  Although the big fancy buildings, high end studios, hailing a taxi like we see in the movies, and living like movie stars may seem attractive, wait til you hear this!!

While perusing the streets of West and East New York City, I had some questions….like always.  I am aware the cost of living is much different in NY than NC, but I wanted to know exactly how much.  On average, a 1 or 2 bedroom apartment here in NC averages $700-$900.  We pay a deposit which may be a couple hundred bucks or up to as much as the first month’s rent.   No real estate agent or broker is necessary.  It’s really a quick and easy process.  As long as you don’t have a criminal record, have decent credit, and make 3 times what they’re asking in rent per month, you’re golden.

Totally different up north!  A small studio can average anywhere from $2000+ and a 2 bedroom flat can run upwards of $4000-6000 a month.  Wow!!!  A payment like that would be equivalent to a huge home and several acres in the south!  In NYC, renting typically requires a broker, which may cost up to $6000. There are a handful that don’t require a broker, but they’re few and far between.  Katie Duke also mentioned that an apartment that has washer and dryer connections or a dishwasher is a big deal!  Same goes for a patio.  You’re big time if your apartment has a patio.  Some studios or apartments have a door man, others don’t.  It is considered a luxury to have a home with a white gloved doorman.  And get this!  In order to be approved for your lease, you must make 40 times your first month’s rent.  What?!  If you require a co-signer, make that 75 times one month’s rent.

So in a nutshell, although cost of living is MUCH higher in NYC, pay rates are dramatically higher to help compensate for this traumatic cost difference.  The New York hustle and bustle is no joke!  Be prepared if your dream of being a big shot is in NYC!  But overall, my experience in the big city left me thinking I’d love to relocate for work for maybe just a couple years ;-) --Dawn @cherokee4less