Guide | Living on a Shoestring (without having to eat the shoe)

Someone once said, “To achieve something great you need time, money, and talent, and you can get by without one – as long as you have more than enough of the other two.” Moving to New York City is great thing (and I assume you agree, or you wouldn’t be here).  If you’re like I was, you’re moving to New York City with little or no money.  This site is about making the most of your time and talent.  

The first great thing about moving (and living) in New York is that you are constantly competing for a limited set of resources. If you don’t think that’s a great thing, move to Wisconsin. The “limited” resources in New York are really a nearly limitless set of possibilities, both professionally and personally. The truth is, most New Yorkers are respectful and kind-hearted, they’re are just facing the same challenges you are. Take solace in the fact that you are not alone.  

Shoestring Finances:

Become wealthy. The ideal way of moving to New York is to have a job paying you six figures or more that already has a company broker and is willing to cover moving expenses. In that scenario your move should be relatively painless (although you will still need to provide an amazing amount of proof of your amount of income and job stability.) 

Get a Plan. If you’re trying to move to the city with less than a six-figure income, the first thing you need is a plan. Hopefully it’s a good one but any plan–even as bad as mine was–will keep you out of jail and off the ‘A’ line. This will involve both time and talent and any connections you may already have in the city. Your plan must include your profession, shelter, standard of living, and community. I’ll touch on each of these points as we go along.

Budget if you’re not wealthy. OK, do it even if you are. It makes good sense and it doesn’t mean you have to spend every spare moment counting your pennies. There are some good websites and resources out there to helpWhat do you think about linking to some of them? -Daniel 6/23/08 11:05 AM . The point is that your finances can get away from you very quickly especially in New York. Saving money before you come is very important. Not only will that make you more desirable to potential Landlords and roommates, but it will you some wiggle room to adjust to the cost of the city and make your mistakes without going into  debt. While it is possible to live on the cheap in New York City, your expenses can skyrocket quickly. The best way to avoid this is to know before hand how much you can spend on what and what your emergency reserve is. Don’t have an emergency reserve? Start saving your pennies until you have one because there will come a day when you need it: your roommate will disappear, the utilities will spike, you’ll need an unexpected root canal. A budget will also help you avoid lifestyle creep. When you do start making more money (and you will) just adjust and enjoy your new benefits.

Shoestring Housing:

New York City, and Manhattan in particular, is a very finite space and there are fewer places to live than people who want to live there, especially when you narrow your search down to neighborhoods that are worth living in and that have reasonable access to mass transit (a real key to living on a shoe string).

Craigslist is the source for housing in New York City. Go to the Apple Store(s) if you are already in the city and need to browse around, or open another window on what ever computer you are using now and just browse around. Because they have so many entries they have divided the site by boroughs (Brooklyn, Queens, etc.), neighborhoods, and type (sublet, brokered, no-broker, etc.). The site gets updated everyday and hot deals get calls within seconds of being posted so check back regularly until you’ve signed a contract. The Village Voice has a similar service which is a little smaller and a little less spammy and the New York Times real-estate listing is good if you don’t mind paying a broker and you avoid the rent control scams.

Rent a room. I don’t have any personal experience but there are some reputable “room brokers” available. It costs about $400-$500 for the first week and to move in, $100-$150 per week after that. You’ll be sharing an apartment with total strangers (who usually won’t speak English) but that price is actually pretty cheap and the turn around can be pretty quick. With renting on a week to week basis you can move quickly when some better comes along. You’ve got to get your foot in the door or you’ll eat the shoe for sure.

Subletting is either the stuff of dreams or nightmares. Moving in with total strangers can be scary and most people will want to see references and proof of employment; however, given that most people in New York pay over half their income in rent you are more likely to find a sub-letter sympathetic to your cause than a Landlord. Craigslist is again the ideal place to find a sublet if you are not picky. Networking by asking friends, associates, or co-workers is also a great way to get on the in. New York City has a pretty transient population and a lot of performers and upcoming international workers like to sublet their places while they are gone for long stretches to reduce costs. If you already know people in the city, chances are somebody knows somebody looking to sublet or share a room. A friendly referral won’t eliminate the chance of sharing a space with a psycho but it can reduce the risk. And remember what doesn’t kill you makes a great story. What kills your friends makes an even better one.

Signing a Lease can be incredibly difficult for a new arrival on a limited budget, a new job, and no local references.  Honestly, six figures aside, it may not be the way to go. You need to make forty to fifty times the monthly rent in annual income (allot roughly a quarter of your gross income for rent) and they will make you prove it. See our guide to New York real estate for more information.  It is difficult for a Landlord to evict a tenant in the City and because there are usually so many people competing for housing, the Landlords can afford to be picky. If you are looking for cheaper housing you may also be competing against people who qualify for Section 8 or other government assisted housing programs. If you feel strongly that this is the way to go and you don’t have a load to spend on a broker or a wealthy relative in the state to co-sign, be prepared with an interim solution in the mean time–a friend’s couch or one of those rooms for rent mentioned earlier–it may take a while to find the place of your dreams.

Shoestring Transportation:

Unlimited vs. Per-ride metro card. If you are going to be riding the subway or a bus at least twice a day save yourself some cash and get an Unlimited card. You can by them from the attendant at any peopled subway station or under the “Metrocard” option at any of the kiosks. They come in one-day, seven-day, 14-day, and 30-day intervals. An unlimited card doesn’t start counting down the days until you use it the first time, but it can also expire if you buy one and let it sit unused for too long. 

Shoestring Essentials:

If groceries are too expensive, shop elsewhere. The cost of basic necessities may be a little higher in New York but it doesn’t have to be much higher. As New York City, especially Manhattan and parts of Brooklyn, become the next Beverly Hills, there are more health food stores and high priced markets. The quality of produce may a be a little higher and the chickens may be emancipated but it’ll cost you.  If you’re looking to live on the cheap find the nearest C-Town or PathMark, even if it means hoofing it an extra mile on the subway for your weekly grocery trip.

Health Care (freelancers union/fractured atlas) is very expensive in the city. There is not way around that. If you don’t have coverage through your job then you need to decide if the costs are worth it, certainly one bad accident or illness can put you back years if you file bankruptcy. If you don’t get health benefits through your job you may qualify to join either the Freelancers Union, or if you’re an artist, Fractured Atlas, which is a kind of freelancers union geared toward independent artists and artist groups. Even if health care is not an issue but you are an artist or freelancer, you may wish to join one or both of these organizations. They both are relatively inexpensive and offer a lot of perks (like discounted memberships to Zips Cars, TDF, etc.) as well as networking opportunities.

Shoestring Entertainment:

Get a Library Card. The new New York public libraries are legendary and infamous  (if you’ve ever forgotten to return something). If its been published, printed, or produced in almost any form, including movies and music, chances are there is a copy somewhere in circulation. While it is not as convenient as Netflix or Bittorrent it is legal and free (as long as you return materials on time). You may return your materials to any location, request that they be delivered to any location, and do it all online.

Walk in the Park. Aside from the well known Central Park, New York city is home to dozens of beautiful parks and recreation centers. The subway also runs to several beaches on long island as well as the Long Island Rail Road or Metro North Railroad for longer excursions.

Promotional sources. The subway papers (AM New York, Post, etc.) often have free events often promoting a community or new establishment. There are also several website like freenyc.net which list free events in the City. Events can be parties, art happenings, gallery openings, live shows, bizarre parades. One warning: if its free, good, and limited seating there will be a line. The Public Theatre’s Shakespeare in the Park is usually a great, free summer event but plan on waiting in line at least two hours or more, or paying a bum to do it for you.