EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW BEFORE MOVING TO NYC: cost of rent, brokers fees, where to live, etc

[@GeorgiaMayhew]

advice for anyone on a tight budget: be sure to check out flatbush and bushwick in brooklyn. my sister has lived in both and her rent has been $800 living with 3 people and $1,500 in a one bedroom, all really nice and "big" apartments (in terms of nyc standards) the commute is a little longer but as long as you're near a train it's totally fine!!

[@lifeinstpetewitharina]

is the location safe??

[@GeorgiaMayhew]

@@lifeinstpetewitharina yeah! when my sister lived in flatbush she was right next to brooklyn college so mainly just students (it is further from the city but she commuted to nyu every day so it's totally do able) and some areas of bushwick can be sketch but she was totally safe so i'd say if you wanna live in either of those areas just check them out in person or research the specific streets! but overall they are overlooked a lot but i'd say are worth it if you're on a budget :)

[@lifeinstpetewitharina]

Georgia May thanks so much girl!!!

[@fofofofo3076]

Where are you from georgia ?

[@briannacruz4434]

@@GeorgiaMayhew 💀

[@allistandefer]

you should make a video comparing your NYC expenses to your Charlotte expenses!

[@marieshan9377]

YESS

[@NatalieBarbu]

Love this idea

[@Kyshalise]

Yesss as a Charlotte native I need that ;)

[@shivanipatel1955]

“In the spirit of transparency” and that is why your channel continues to grow! So thoughtful of you to share this. You truly love to help others which is why your business that you’re starting will succeed! So genuine and passionate. Hope NYC is treating you well!

[@l.lovethepub2292]

Most definitely!

[@ElyseParis7]

as a senior in college, nyc is one of the places that I plan on moving to once I graduate so this video was rather helpful on what to look out for

[@Jenabebe]

Elyse Paris definitely not as expensive if you move to Brooklyn

[@ClearlyCat]

Same!!

[@justinschiferl213]

I agree same here as well!

[@levivise4056]

what happened? did u end up moving to nyc?

[@florencia9570]

Omg update did you move ??

[@dinosaur12345100]

As a different perspective my nyc apartment is a two bedroom, one bath for $1800 a month. We made sure to only look at no fee listings on StreetEasy and only had to pay first month and security. Essentially $1800 each upfront. Just wanted to put that out there that there are cheaper apartments and lots of no fee listings for people looking to move on a budget!

[@designerdiva423]

dinosaur12345100 was it in Manhattan ?

[@Lladyk95]

That’s a STEAL!! 😭🙌🏾

[@teenagerinsac]

As they gaze at the cracked plaster walls, and jump out of the way of the RAT PATROL!! :) 1800?? For a Roach room?? :)

[@blou9102]

ooh wow new york is expensive. washingtonian here! a 4 bedroom 2 bath is like $950 a month here in a city near seattle, such a change!

[@themanhattanettes9831]

Natalie!!! 15K upfront?!? This is crazy - I’ve been living here for over 5 years and will never pay a broker fee again. Condos and co-ops may not be regulated under the new rental laws. My best tip: ONLY rent from a NO FEE rental building. Go for a full service building with doorman, elevator, etc. and cut the broker out completely by going DIRECT TO THE LEASING OFFICE! You can get a huge 1BR apartment and flex it to a 2 bed (for the same price or less than you’re paying now) with lots of amenities and not pay a broker fee! Just moved and went this route and saved so much money.

[@NatalieBarbu]

Thank you for the tip :))

[@renmil7983]

THANK U SO MUCH i was really stressing that much money ty for the tips

[@briannaolvera4809]

I really appreciate your transparency and being honest about how much you pay because many you tubers dont

[@DigitalBayIie]

another helpful tip I’ve seen from looking is you can select no broker fee apartments.. more limited selection but the option is there 😊

[@NatalieBarbu]

100%!! Meant to mention this :)

[@a.zeinab]

Those numbers are giving me anxiety and I'm not even going to deal with it...best of luck to all not rich new yorkers...

[@Bibirallie]

From California, but I moved to New York at the beginning of this ur. I became so homesick.... it was crippling, After my internship ended, I decided to move back to San Francisco, and I’m much happier. Still love NYC though, just prefer the CALIFORNIA life and culture.

[@NatalieBarbu]

So happy you're happier where you are now!! ♥️

[@morganphenix2905]

I am usually one to never comment on videos! But I just want to say that I am absolutely loving these NYC videos! :) they are so fun to watch and so helpful! I start physical therapy grad school next summer, and I would absolutely love to move to NYC after I graduate. Sending love from Missouri!

[@NatalieBarbu]

Thank you so much for this comment. Comments like these really make my day and mean so much to me

[@ay-ay-rongaming8887]

How’s it going? Have you graduated yet? I am thinking of doing the same thing with physical therapy. Have you thought about working with the company zeel or soothe in nyc? This allows you to be a mobile massage therapist with pretty good pay. I’ve been trying to research what the best options are. Hope you do well.

[@jamilynnbenz]

Me, a sophomore in high school with absolutely no knowledge of the world, thinking it would cost like $30,000 up front🤦🏽‍♀️

[@sebspargo1198]

How much was it?

[@Illtakeyoman]

lmfaoo im a sophomore too 😭😭

[@snonyc1060]

@@Illtakeyoman i love the Harry profile picture 🥺

[@blou9102]

is it weird to have no plan for my future but just know that i wont accept not being able to afford that one 18 million pretty house in nyc i found on zillow 💀

[@mochabbr]

There's just a certain vibe to your videos that makes me love them all, I could watch them for hours and never tire. Maybe it's also because you're genuine & keep it real with your audience. Either way, thanks for the very informative video. Wishing you more success this year so they can see you're not only making as much as last year but you're making even more ♥️

[@GodlywoodGirl]

Agreed! Her vibe is so authentic and genuine!

[@NatalieBarbu]

This is so kind. Thank you so so much for this comment!

[@cisilver5982]

Love how honest you were with your numbers! The upfront cost to live in NYC is insane!

[@Thomas63r2]

If anyone is wondering, she is making good money online. Make good money and NYC can be magical and fun. Otherwise it can be miserable and depressing. Lots of people move into NYC - and lots move out. It’s unlikely that you will have the same friends in 4 to 5 years, because people are leaving all the time

[@ladie0079]

YOU 👏🏼 DO 👏🏼 NOT 👏🏼 HAVE 👏🏼 TO 👏🏼 PAY 👏🏼 A 👏🏼 BROKERS 👏🏼 FEE!!! search for “no fee” apartments (which will be stated on websites such as streeteasy) or look for apartments below your budget and ask the broker to negotiate a slightly higher monthly rent price if the landlord will pay the fee. My broker negotiated with my landlord for our rent to be $175 more per month and the landlord paid the broker fee. This actually ended up being cheaper than if I paid the fee myself AND I didn’t have to pay up front. This is only a good idea if the rent with the additional monthly increase is still in your budget. Also, if an apt is available immediately, or if it has been sitting on the market for a while, you can have your broker put in an offer for a lower monthly rent amount. However, the landlord might deny your offer and you may lose the apt and your application fee. So it is a bit risky. If your broker advises against it, I’d probably listen to them.

[@LifeOfKells]

I hate when youtubers apologize for long videos! I LOVE long videos! Your content is quality and I loved every second of this video (and Im not even considering moving to NY! LOL) Thanks for the vid and all the tips Natalie!

[@mary-janerobb6612]

It's been over two years since you uploaded this video. However, it has provided me with a lot of useful information, which is good to know for my move to New York next year. Thank you for being super honest and realistic with everything you've mentioned. It definitely will help with planning and being prepared. Instead of being hopefully naive like how a lot of people tend to be about NYC.

[@talia8953]

This video was super informative! I think it’s funny how you mentioned that getting apartments to approve you was hard because you’re self employed, but you’d think in NYC of all places they’d understand that being an “influencer” is a legit source of income!

[@NatalieBarbu]

I was thinking that!! Not being an influencer but being self employed. So many people here work freelance or have their own businesses/ start ups!

[@butterfly81307ify]

Wow! This video was actually very helpful bc a lot of these laws have changed I see since I last lived in NYC (from 2007-2016). Whew! Thank you for this informative video, really appreciated.

[@novitapulungan6933]

the most informative video of moving to NY i've ever watched!! thank you for all the details, super helpful!

[@maysen77]

It IS really unfair that they discriminate against people who work for themselves. I understand why but you’re also right about people with traditional jobs could get fired at any minute. But It’s hard to prove income when you work for yourself so I’m glad you have a trusted way (with your CPA) to get around that. And everything else you were able to do. Sorry it was so hectic but I’m glad you got it! 😊

[@taylorstoltz249]

Looove how transparent you are!! Such an inspirational queen!!🙌🏻 You inspire me with my channel so much!

[@mangocaramelz]

This was actually really real and informative. Thanks for making this video .

[@Athina888]

when I saw the $4300 I think my heart skipped a beat haha! great for you though!! You look very happy, ny suits you girl ❤️ Hope this new change in your life brings you a lot of happiness & success, you deserve it all! ❤️

[@zacharysutton28]

Absolutely loved this video, Natalie! Thank you for being very informative, especially with the hopes of moving soon. I wish you nothing but the best in NYC and continue to thrive. I miss you!

[@NatalieBarbu]

Aww thank you Zachary!! ♥️♥️

[@rachelann2180]

You’ve inspired me to start vlogging! I love how down to earth you are!!

[@aubreyp3489]

oh my goodness, that is so expensive to move to new york! but i’m so glad you’re living your dream natalie. you inspire me ♥️

[@NatalieBarbu]

It really is. But thank you!!

[@xfactor1497]

Been my favorite place in the world since I was 8. Hoping to make it happen sooner than later.

[@sarahshelly8886]

I’m from a middle class Asian Family. I’ve always thought that moving to NYC would be so hard (but let’s be honest here, it is). So I’m gonna find ways to get there

[@spaceuxo5984]

Sarah Shelly ur parents are strict?

[@sarahshelly8886]

space uxo lowkey strict, but I’m talking more about the finances here.

[@elizabethjane0327]

I actually really appreciated this video because I have wanted to move to NYC since I was 15 years old and I have watched lots of videos and done tons of research and none of it was as honest and transparent than this. And your honesty made me realize that I don't actually want to live in NYC lmao

[@kaylahinojosa3538]

excited to watch! want to move to nyc so bad! hopefully sometime after my masters program

[@nadinekohl]

If you move during the winter months a lot of broker's fees are reduced or waived. I moved into a two bedroom on the upper west side and our broker's fee was waived as an incentive to move during a less desirable month.

[@joymae]

Missing your NYC content but it’s cool to see your new content in Miami.

[@angeliejb]

I loved your video!! it was so helpful knowing these tips because I'm moving to New York in June/July and vlogging my whole process! can't wait to share my experience with everybody!! I'm a smaller youtube so Im also super excited to grow my channel

[@rachnadesai1693]

I’m so spoiled i don’t think i could ever live in NYC 😂 i pay like 800/mo with a roommate living in Austin

[@NatalieBarbu]

That was me in Charlotte too!

[@fofofofo3076]

You can get à room in nyc for even 660 700 800 brooklyne with roomates of course you just need to search deeply

[@anicagervacio722]

hi natalie! i luv nyc and watching ur vlogs 😭❣ all the love from the philippines

[@zoe69421]

this is such an amazing video thank you so much Natalie! I've also been dreaming of moving to NYC since I was younger, and I plan to next December after I graduate. your video answered every single question I was wondering and I will be so much better informed during the move!

[@mariferortega52]

i’m just curious i don’t even have the money :)

[@itsme2434]

am broke as hell too

[@fofofofo3076]

@@itsme2434 where are you from ?

[@niahsky4234]

same

[@nataliek7989]

I have watched so many of these videos, this is definitely the most helpful!! Thank you!✨

[@ClassifiedCloset]

YESSSSS. moving to New York next year so this was so so helpful!! Thanks for making this Natalie! 💕

[@Shaee1210]

I can’t wait to move here next year 😊🤞🏾

[@aetutorials6516]

Girl ur living my dream good luck 😭

[@Shaee1210]

Ae Tutorials thank you 😌

[@laylay6340]

@@Shaee1210 I’m moving there too!! been working and saving up since I was 16 and I turn 18 soon good luck and be safe

[@balletshark0101]

I’m moving to nyc soon and this was sooooo helpful!!

[@rinaandreatta6645]

This was so great! Thank you for sharing your experience and knowledge. 😊

[@whitneyjohnson258]

Hey Natalie! I love your videos, this was especially informative. I do have an additional question that was not mentioned in your video, how did you find your roommate? Did you guys already know each other prior to moving in?

[@angeliquereg]

thank you for being honest lol i've seen so many of these videos where they won't reveal expenses or give tips!!

[@wiktoriabadora1243]

I live in Poland but I’m watching to support you! I love all of your helpful videos like that one ❤️

[@maddietyler8094]

Could you please do a what you need for your first apartment video?!

[@inthepinkvlogs]

Thank you for being so transparent about the prices! This video was so helpful!

[@Southsidelion514]

Planning on hopefully moving here in 6 months and this was really informative. Thank you

[@l.lovethepub2292]

I learned so much. I thought you would talk about traveling in general. So, this was a great vlog!

[@amyworley6221]

i really have no plans to move to nyc but i still love these videos

[@makennatanzo4273]

I’m going to be going to new york for my first time in april and i’m so excited! It would be awesome if you could do a video on all your favorite places to visit and things to do in new york :) and places to eat lol

[@ericadilworth3784]

Great video! I subscribed and will stay for this kind of content! 23 trying to move to nyc and don’t know how to adult

[@heyitsamyyyyyy]

damnnn I'm over here stressing about my 8 thousand dollar loan

[@carmellab1549]

YOU DIDN'T MENTION ANYTHING ABOUT UTILITIES. Are they included in the rent or did you just forget to include that expense and deposit? I mean you must have a/c for summer, heat for winter, water, sewage, waste management?

[@NatalieBarbu]

Yes, you have to pay utilities every month! I haven't paid my first bill yet so TBD on how much I will pay. :)

[@NatalieBarbu]

Water + heat is included in rent. Electricity is separate. WiFi is separate.

[@carmellab1549]

@@NatalieBarbu thanks 💕

[@kirstieverdejo]

Depends on the landlord! I live in nyc too

[@MadisonSievers]

@@kirstieverdejo ^^^ mine have always been heat/hot water included and con ed/internet is on your own but some landlords are different.

[@JennaDineen]

you are sooo knowledgeable for your age!! you've accomplished so much❤️ such an inspiration! love you hun proud of you, your apartment is so cute❤️❤️

[@alexagelso4366]

Okay, I know that this is kind of a silly request, but can you pleeeasse do a little video on how you do your hair?? So curious haha it’s so pretty ☺️💕

[@vanemtj4902]

me hearing about the prices: *crying in european* I mean, wtf it's more than expensive :O

[@snonyc1060]

Omg same and i’m from Europe too i’m so anxious about how i’m gonna do it

[@hecatrice2064]

@@snonyc1060 Rent is very expensive in America compared to EU, but their salaries are a lot higher as well.NY has probably the most expensive rent in the US which is why everybody is leaving the city to go to Texas.

[@nadjasafonova7028]

I just started today watching your videos and I’m already a big fan of them

[@TeddyD4]

Such a helpful video !! Also you’re gorgeous here!

[@snonyc1060]

I love video’s like these because i’m planning to move to New York and i’m from Europe so i’m so excited and scared at the same time😂 but thank you for the video it really helped me a lot!

[@drewreignbalan7470]

do you have to have a realtor to see apartments? could you avoid the broker fees if you don’t decide to use a realtor ?

[@-annakatelynscroggins8]

Excuse you for making me procrastinate my homework 😂😘 Ur so beautiful!!!

[@TheKaseyfelker01]

Awwww thank you for the tips! I am moving next year and I want to be prepared as possible ❤️ thank you

[@Apple-qi3mi]

I will go there in Jun for my brother’s graduation and will stay there with my cousin for three months, and find out a college to study in order to improve my english language, if you have any suggestion, please let me know, thanks🙂

[@peachemoji]

I can't imagine paying $2150 a month to share an apartment.

[@sharpayyevanss]

The broker's fee is absolutely ridiculous!

[@MadisonSievers]

When I brought up the application fee thing with over $20 with my realtor (august also), I was told that's only the max if you don't go through a broker and rent from the landlord only.

[@MadisonSievers]

Also, you can put guarantors & the people living in the apartment on the lease at most buildings but you have to pay the application fees for everyone. Also there are services you can use as guarantors if you don't have anyone and are fresh out of college.

[@ericadilworth3784]

Do u have a doorman in your building?

[@cheryltaylor4928]

Great job in explaining the process . Good Content

[@XOLorena]

Hey girl! Do you know if you can combine guarantors?

[@DaintyGlam]

How does it work if you just graduated and don’t have the past years income/ show paystubs if you haven’t started working yet

[@NatalieBarbu]

Offer letter!

[@azureterry1647]

Any tips on moving to New York alone, I’ve always wanted to go but my whole family can’t afford it so I’d like to go alone.

[@CamilleLouisa]

also sis all that traffic - sounds like you live on houston

[@gizelleherrera2247]

I truly appreciate this very informative video!

[@Itsalekss]

I feel so lucky having a laundromat right under my apartment

[@jessayala7846]

Awesome video! Thanks for the transparency. I recently met with a broker and they told me there was new laws passed regarding brokers fees so that it’s in favor of tenants. Not sure if this was same time as the other laws you mentioned.

[@claudiaaa4268]

Do u have a video on how to change ur mentality to save .. PLEEEASE. I cant seem to save. Always buying cloth, shoes and food 😒

[@k78w_17]

do you have to pay that 15 000 dollars every month? or just that 8000 a monts or how it is. i dont understand. please answer

[@Lladyk95]

The requirement to make 80x the rent is crazy and brokers fee JEEEEEEZZZZ😭😭😭

[@justinschiferl213]

Any advice on to where to meet people to make friends in nyc

[@Jessalove777]

So if you dont or Cant have a guarantor they wont accept you?

[@didine256]

What kind of job does your rooms makes ?

[@victoriaebo3745]

How did you find your roommate?

[@sofiabjelanovic3926]

i was born and raised in new york for 15 years and moved recently to the south but in new york taxes are pretty high and it can be pretty expensive. also in the city there is snow but not too much compared to upstate new york. weather also can be really bi polar like one day it’s 60° and the next day can be snowing and it’s -5°. also be ware of the people in nyc because they can be really rude and snotty lol. although there are negatives about living in new york there are also pros. oh and before i forget you get all 4 seasons in ny.

[@NatalieBarbu]

Taxes are so high :(

[@anabelle3179]

Sofia Bjelanovic Why does weather like to be bi-polar 😂 I can totally get that. In Texas it can be 115°, super dry and 60mph wind one day and the next 40° and raining.

[@superseceretninja01]

Ok but what part of the city are you in because I can find things that are larger for less...

[@VeggiesbyEos]

I'm the opposite - I don't care if I have a dishwasher but need a washer and drier! -I'm a small KZbinr who just uploaded a post grad budgeting video

[@lyssamomafollo1446]

Did you pay fees?

[@autumnathena5257]

Why does everyone still act like Williamsburg is cheaper than Manhattan? 👀

[@rose-uu6yq]

SF is the most expensive place to rent in the country now but holy shit we did not pay $15k to move here!

[@NatalieBarbu]

I know!! I feel like nyc is honestly more expensive

[@teenagerinsac]

As Frank sings- GOODBYE to YOUUU New York, NEEEEEWWWW YOOOOORRKKKKK!! :) FUGGEDABOUTIT!!

[@ericaaguilar9712]

omg I currently live in charlotte, nc and want to move to nyc AH im scared though.

[@acewasherelolno6406]

I know that I'm never gonna be able to afford college but I really want to move to nyc a month after I graduate high school so I will have a very new credit and when you said 40x the monthly rent that's when I knew I would never be able to move there:(

[@lady.divinaxx]

Where did u get your phone case?

[@ashu8395]

Hey m from India love ur new series NYC life video 🥰😋keep it up n do give inspiration to all girls around the world 😊

[@erinmcdonnell1088]

Omg wait I’m so confused, she was in a car accident? Why don’t I remember this, or was it hush hush?

[@monicacinco577]

Are you going to do vlogmas this year?

[@NatalieBarbu]

Yes:)

[@janani1848]

Thank you so much im moving out next year and this video is soooo helpful

[@sebspargo1198]

Hey uhhh could u please tell me how much money u probably need upfront, cheers bro

[@janani1848]

@@sebspargo1198 if you’re gonna rent you need atleast 30k

[@renmil7983]

@@janani1848 this is very untrue, it’s definitely depending on where your living and living expenses change very frequently

[@openbob6656]

what is your preference of men? do you like men with dark skin?