[Poll] Living expense

[Erez]

How much do you spend a month on rent utility's food and all..

(would really like to get some info from single US guys.. as I got a job offer in NJ and tho the money will be pretty good, I need to know how much I can expect to spend..)

You dont have to post saying how much.. I can totally understand people not wanting to say, but you can just comment and vote.. or just vote.. would be a great help..

[saadie]

well ...
for me ... if i add evythign up .... im not even spending 200 bucks on myself or whatever i do :\ ....

im living with parents tho

[Erez]

no need for a :arrow: I do too for now.. and not spending even $200 as well..
and believe me I'm in no rush to spend an extra 1000 just so i could live alone.. but if I'll take this job.. well.. I don't really have an option I'm afraid..

[saadie]

what job? ... im ready to get into the local A1 GP team as a driver ... i wouldnt mind spending $5000 then ... onlyy if ..

[TopGearNL]

Still living at home..

But as from September Ill live by myself so living expense will go up

[sentra_dude]

What part of NJ? I'm not from there so I can't comment too much, but compared to other parts of the USA its probably not very representative; i.e. its much more expensive. Any guys who live up there correct me if I am wrong on this...

[graywolf624]

^NJ is significantly more expensive then the southern parts of the US. Where in NJ also has a significant cost of living difference. If you live out in farm country in central NJ the price isnt that bad.. Near Philly is decently pricey with some of the highest car insurance.. Near NYC is close to the most expensive in the nation.
For reference I live in Delaware, about the same as south Jersey. Below are some general estimates from what Ive seen (not myself as my living expenses are atypical).
Living on your own rent should be 800-900 month. Food will be at least another 100-200. Electricity and heat 100-200 a month. Car insurance 150-200 a month.
health insurance at least 200 if company doesnt provide (many do if its professional work). Id say absoulte frugality is 1600 maybe a month.. You can drop that down to about a 1000 if you get a roomate.

[sameerrao]

NJ is expensive although cheaper than NYC where Everso stays.

Rent:
A couple of my friends live there - I think they pay about $1100 for a 1 bedroom apartment (I guess it could cost anywhere between $800-1200 depending on the howe upmarket the area is).

Meat, Veggies and dairy products from supermarkets is very cheap in the US compared to Europe. If you eat out a lot, it is still quite cheap if you stick to fast food. If you start eating out at proper restaurants it get more expensive. So your food bills would range from $100-200 depending on where you eat.

Electricity, water and heating would be around $150 p.m. on avg - I think NJ is a pretty energy intensive place all year round.

Then budget $200-400 for discretionary expenses.

As mentioned by greywolfe - the big ticket item is the rent. If you can share it with someone then it really saves a bunch.

Car insurance will be expensive

[ldin]

mortgage 3,678.87 a month...
should i continue?

[graywolf624]

^Damn.. did you put 0 dollars down or do you own a mansion.. 3300 over 30 years is over a million dollars.

[ldin]

nah 15 year, i have 9 years left, and i put down 40%

[RC45]

^^ Too true - when first married, we made do with $1000 a month for all expenses, now we piss away almost $10,000 a month on frivolous trinkets and junk

[sameerrao]

RC - can I come over and live at your mansion. Piss away some money my way bud! Your broke friend - Sameer

[ldin]

money comes, but goes much faster....much much faster.

[sameerrao]

^ Isn't that the truth.