This is a good list however it is not entirely accurate and these numbers here are all based on NYC living which skews the COL numbers higher.
If you live in Upstate, Central or Western New York, these numbers wouldn't be so high.
The salary a single person needs to live comfortably in 25 major U.S. cities
- Thread starter geechiedan
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If you live in Upstate, Central or Western New York, these numbers wouldn't be so high.
“Comfortable” is defined as the income needed to cover a 50/30/20 budget
Most Americans dont save 20% so thats why it seems so high for you.
Less jobs in those areas too.
Living in Raleigh, I don't necessarily agree with that number. That salary is on the higher end and I know a good amount of single people who make well below that annual salary who aren't struggling. They do have a budgeting system but they're not eating ramen every day trying to make ends meet.
Less jobs because there are less people.
The heavier populated areas will always have a higher cost of living.
and less people because theres less opportunity.
Cornell kids cant wait to get to NYC. Because they know you could go work on something really cool around other people for good money, or be pushing databases for the Syracuse Local government for 65k
Making 65k as a kid (single) out of college working in Syracuse is damned good.and less people because theres less opportunity.
Cornell kids cant wait to get to NYC. Because they know you could go work on something really cool around other people for good money, or be pushing databases for the Syracuse Local government for 65k
Yes, you could make more money in The City.....however, sometimes it's better to make less and have more. None of my NYC friends I went to LIU with that stayed in NYC own property. They're renters for life.
Meanwhile, I'm on my fourth home (second in NYS).
You will see more single Americans become expats
Hell 65k is about what I started with out of Georgia Tech down here in Atlanta, but I also wasnt in the same state as a place that would have paid a new grad 2x that or where that opportunity was at.
You speak from a place of elder wisdom, and I can totally respect that, but im talking about that young kid. Im talking about that kid back home. San Pedro. Got more game than anybody. He can make a nice little living at home, maybe open up a shop, or he can take that shot in the minors in America and potentially change his bloodline forever. Thats the game-changer for someone who has that dog in them. Im talking about the kid at Cornell who knows if he makes it in he can learn and run circles around them. Get more in stock options than his old man makes in a year. 10 years later he can come back there, with a remote job as a senior, and buy a house outright. Saw Cali tech bros do it in Atlanta after Covid. Those who took their shot, and made it. Thats the opportunity that comes in the big city, with the best going against you and working with you.
Could he have been happier staying at home and playing it safe? Maybe, but he wouldnt have been happy if he didnt try.
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