How much it actually costs to live alone in NYC

Remember to check out the Empower App where you can get Cash Advance up to $250, put your savings on autopilot with their AutoSave feature, and take charge of your finances today: bit.ly/JuliaFYT
Hi Friends,
I've been wanting to do a "What I Spend" kind of video for a while, and it's finally here! I hope you all enjoy :)
xx,
Jules
[let's connect!]
instagram: @julia.fei
julia.fei?igshi...
[chapters]
00:00​ - Intro
02:09 - How I save ft. Empower
03:49​ - Weekly Expenses
09:08​ - Monthly Expenses
11:24​ - Total Costs & Breakdown
[about me]
Hi everyone my name is Julia ~ I'm a 20-something-year-old data scientist navigating through life in NYC. You can find vlogs, fashion & beauty content, productivity videos, and more on my channel. Thanks for stopping by & I hope you enjoy :)
[business Inquiries only]
email: [e-mail]
[ftc]
This video is sponsored by Empower ♥

[@juliafei]

Thank you for showing this video so much love 😭♥️ will be doing a q&a in the near future so let’s connect on Instagram! @julia.fei instagram.com/julia.fei?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=

[@brendal1156]

How do you only pay $40 a month in electricity and gas? Is it just electricity or does that include gas?

[@BigRedNutcase911]

@@brendal1156 Yeah seriously, I paid over $600 for the summer alone in Manhattan.

[@BambooMaddox]

I would like to tell you that Sunday is actually the first day of the week. Its Sunday to Saturday. Just am fyi

[@diamondlincoln7127]

$4,500 a month is not terrible for living in New York City!! Especially since you make a good amount from your job. The fact that you have money left for savings and you budget that good is great most older people struggle with that. This inspires me as a young 21 yr old to be like this by 25

[@rishabhscodes]

Me with a $850 monthly 👍🏻

[@EmpressoftheLibrary]

12:42 - "You could do the math and multiply by 4". Girl, I multiplied by 52 to figure out your whole year. For New York City, you are keeping your costs EXTREMELY reasonable. Well done!

[@alyssasbyy]

Wow I actually found this really informative and I like how you mentioned the fact that you worked hard to be able to afford all of this today! So motivated to work myself up after watching this😭

[@huangzeyong]

hello ,girl

[@juliafei]

I’m so glad!! You got this 💪🏼🥰

[@miramirla3462]

Hello dear can you tell me which college did you study on I'm international student in New York and I'm studying English language but I don't know which college is the best for software engineer and also not too expensive , thank you dear

[@miramirla3462]

I'm lost.

[@Zhajn]

@@miramirla3462 unfortunately Software engineering is the kind of field where the learning process varies from person to person. As a Software engineer myself, I usually hear from other engineers that college is a waste for a to be engineer and that it is better to either pay a bootcamp or if you have the discipline for it, to be self taught (KZbin, research). There are some that I've talked to that liked their college but mostly to just experience college rather than the learning process. If you insist on a college in NY, I would say any of the cuny schools that offers computer science should be fine (NYIT, City College, etc.)

[@yasirhussain2431]

This is actually reasonable for NYC and if you're working in tech, you have the luxury of spending to this extent without having to worry for the most part so ur fine

[@michaela9026]

This seems super reasonable! You're doing a great job of balancing being frugal and enjoying being in the city :) I really love the idea of planning days where you don't eat out. And a random tip-I also have Adobe CC, and have always been able to get a decent discount when my renewal comes around by simply going through the cancel account flow-they usually have a few offers before you actually cancel where I've saved like $20 a month on that subscription.

[@juliafei]

Thank you for the validation & for the great tip! 👀💗

[@FA9082]

She spends $350 a week on food & eating out ($1400/month), how is that reasonable? 😳

[@suqarBoomBoom]

I live in alone in Manhattan, and spend close to double that a week on going out/restaurants. Salaries are higher here and so is the cost of living which includes entertainment and restaurants. If you’re staying within you budget then there’s no issues.

[@bryancalzadilla]

@@FA9082 ikr. OP's use of "frugal" is really throwing me off.

[@Leedah8]

@@FA9082 Remeber, this is NYC. That is actually reasonable. You should see some of these other people's video. They're spending $350 in one day, and she may not even be spending that much each week. Just this week in-partical.

[@xinyi_yap]

Don’t judge yourself about your budget, nor let others’ judgement get to you! You’ve earned it, and you know how to live your life best. 💸💸 Probably it’s different for you, but living within an Asian family and as a first gen I had to learn for myself that there’s a lot more to money and life than just “saving for rainy weather” or for some future that we have no control over. Proud of you for having a solid control of your finances and living life the way you want it!!

[@juliafei]

Oh no, I relate to this so much! As a fellow first gen kid in an Asian household, my parents still tell me that I should be living at home & saving on rent money instead. But there’s gotta be a fine balance between spending and saving right? Especially when we so work hard to make money in order to live the lifestyle we want 😓

[@julia_in_tech]

Takeaway form thos week is WORK HARD to afford your means and lifestyle. And shout out to Julia for being so transparent and truthfull. Loved this video and love tour channel!

[@1024specialkay]

this inspired me to keep a log of my expenses!! I keep telling myself to but never got a chance. thanks Julia!

[@justinreyes2064]

Love the transparency. Guess it's time to recalculate my own weekly living cost and probably cry in solidarity.

[@juliafei]

let’s all cry together 🥲💗

[@simplyhadassah]

Very insightful! Thank you Julia for sharing with us and for breaking down your expenses. Very helpful.

[@cristalnavarro8711]

Thank you for this, it helps so much! Really cool to see you leaving your life ❤

[@SuperLemoncupcake]

Late to this but I really hope many who want to move watch your videos. You perfectly articulated what they need to hear and understand. Most importantly is that you put a percentage in savings! I love my city so much but it kills me and breaks my heart to see the fiscal irresponsibility messes people get in to just to live here. ❤️

[@natalieodisho7264]

Excited for you!! You're doing it 🧡 first time watcher here

[@katmabel4619]

you are sooo relatable as someone who also lives in New York!! I love your content, I'm a new subscriber

[@shellyjay8954]

Julia, not only are you beautiful, but you are extremely intelligent, wise, articulate and talented. You are truly living your best life right now. I enjoy watching your channel. Thanks for sharing.

[@tippythepoodle]

This was great! Thanks for the transparency! 💰

[@misssophie1409]

Thank you for being so transparent!

[@ogechukwumaryann1544]

Julia your blogs are very informative, love it!!!!

[@kenzomartini]

Its one of my dreams to live in nyc and thanks for giving us an insight on how its like actually living there!!! Im from tokyo and the prices don’t differ that much! Im thinking of moving in with a friend if ever i decide to move to nyc for work :> nice vid!

[@Nicolelynnn]

*money sign emoji* i love your videos so much julia, thank you for being transparent with us! i live through your nyc vlogs

[@juliafei]

Aww 🥰 Thank you for supporting!

[@damalo2227]

I really like this because it’s very relatable. Not always are you buying your food, you can also cook & stay at home so I really relate to that ☺️ thanks for sharing! Enjoy NY! I always hear it’s a great food city sooo there’s a lot for you to enjoy! 🥳

[@juliafei]

Soooo much delicious food! That’s why it also takes a lot of self control to not eat out every day 😂

[@Sakura-zu4rz]

❤Your channel is literally my comfort place. You make me so happy. ❤😁❤

[@lulusplannerlifegmz1202]

Wow! You really budget through the month and still enjoy yourself, nice! thanks for sharing

[@kylahicks4363]

Julia, I absolutely adore your videos. My husband proposed to me in NY city, so it holds such beautiful memories. Your vlog style is so authentic and out of so many NY vloggers, I only watch you. The music you use in your videos, and sharing the beautiful food and beverages you enjoy, makes it so easy to imagine myself back in NY. On a side note, i was so impressed with how you dealt with your accident. Keep up the fab work on your channel! I look forward to your posts on Thursdays! Fyi- your taste in clothing rocks! Bye from Canada! 🇨🇦🍀💸

[@kylahicks4363]

I forgot to mention, my husband used to be a data scientist, so I always enjoy your work vlogs. You explain in lamen's terms, and I now understand more what he used to do! 👍

[@juliafei]

Kyla thank you so much for this sweet comment 😭😭😭 I appreciate you so much and cannot express enough gratitude for your love and support 💗 Hope you get the chance to visit NYC again one day!

[@nirimushin2030]

First time viewer and I love the transparency! Idk if it's cuz I'm a bit older but this was so reasonable. It's comparable to what I spend here in DFW

[@margaretedney1671]

As someone who is looking into moving to NYC for work this is super helpful!

[@juliafei]

Yayy! Hope you make the move here one day 🤗

[@ProactiveIfeatu]

Loving the honest content!! This video is FIREEEE. From someone who grew up in NYC I can attest to the lifestyle and experiences. Have a great weekend!!

[@juliafei]

Thank you for watching 😭🥰

[@jessica1733]

you are adorable, thank you for being transparent, I have always wondered about how much it takes to live in New York

[@Wewhosee-im3ii]

Hi Julia first time viewer here, just want to say thank you for sharing your budget/expenses with us! I think your spending habits are very well controlled and planned out especially for your age! Most people your age is not this responsible, i know I wasn’t lol

[@BrittneyMo]

I always love these types of videos! It’s so interesting how living expenses vary throughout the country and the world. What you choose to do with your money is your business. I work at a credit union and it’s always interesting to see how people chose to allocate their funds. It’s kind of crazy what a persons account can tell you about a person 😆 but if anybody is reading this SAVE SAVE SAVE (if financially able). Even if it’s just $10 per pay check. And think about putting money towards a retirement fund even if you’re 20 years old. It seems so far away but you will need it eventually.

[@RanDom-bk8tt]

This is so helpful. I can't imagine the courage it took to share those numbers but thank you!! 💸💸💸

[@juliafei]

I was definitely sweating towards the end when I was revealing the final number 🥲🥵 thank YOU for watching!

[@denisemedina9812]

💸🙏

[@lavishluhvv9816]

New subscriber:) but can I say this is actually so informative rn I'm 5 minutes in and already learned something new!Thank u:)

[@juliafei]

I’m so glad! Welcome welcome 🤗

[@BlueberryBoogie]

This video was great! Honestly I live in NYC and I spend waaayy over my budget but I noticed a lot of the spending is mainly going out to eat or drinks! That’s where the most money gets spent in general (aside from bills) If you choose free activities and bring your own food or cook at home a lot you will save a ton of money (learning to do that now)

[@juliafei]

100%!! There’s so much good food in NYC but eating out all the time is the easiest way to spend your paycheck 😭

[@emiliomazzaa]

This is extremely well done and helpful

[@tilion_the_ragdoll]

Hi Julia! I'm planning to study in NYC and this video really helped me with my budgeting! I'm wondering if you can make an updated version as I heard there was quite a huge change with the expenses in NYC? So good to find you here!

[@larularularu]

love your videos! thank you for being transparent ♥ 💸💸💸💸

[@juliafei]

♥️💗

[@laurilandow]

Loved this 💜

[@Poppynator]

You deserve this! Hard working, beautiful and smart young woman 👏💰💰 Number is crazy in my eyes as we live in totally different world. We live in Prague and for two people and a dog we spend around 2.5k € sometimes more as we buy something surprising like a new bed or going for summer vacation. We try to save as much money as we can, I cook for most of the days a week. My lunch when I go to the office and go to my favourite vegan "tray restaurant" is around 6€ 😄 so very good price for Prague. And I know for fact that people here are able (or have to) live for much less than we are.

[@jessicadpearce]

oooh you inspired me to pay attention to my spending here and make a video as well. Just subscribed!

[@lovexanisa]

yeah I really need to reevaluate my spending.... I live in the SF Bay Area and always spend like $100 when I go out..... this video was exactly what I needed

[@Macerly]

THE THUMBNAIL !! Had to click on this video instantly.

[@AyleeWonder]

Thanks for the insight, it's really helpful. I think your spending is very reasonable considering you're living alone in new york.

[@rebeccahall5865]

this is so helpful! you are the BEST!!

[@juliafei]

Yayyy glad to hear ♥️

[@iSam-96]

so glad I found your channel! 🥹 subscribed! now excuse me I’m gonna binge watch your vidoes 😂💕

[@juliafei]

Ahh welcome 🤗 so glad that you’re here 🥰

[@trishaanderson3001]

Love this, honestly felt like you probably spend less then most New Yorkers… thank you for the transparency

[@jadeparker5968]

Actually early for once! I have been to New York and stay for a week. I saw some of those prices to go out to eat and shop. Surprisingly, I was able to save pretty good. This was very informative and detailed. Don't be too hard on yourself about the numbers you actually doing well for living in New York. Love your vlogs and keep up the good work!!

[@juliafei]

Yes definitely lots of thinking and smart choices need to be made when you’re living here 😂 thank you for watching 💗🤗

[@BurntWifi]

Nyc is worth every penny if you can afford it. live it up Julia!

[@lesibanyola]

So soft spoken and pretty! ♥

[@NaturallyTeeCee]

Yay! So happy to see a video from you! 💸💰💵🤑

[@juliafei]

🥰

[@alexkkx]

this video was informative! that you julia! also coming from miami, i thought that the prices were going to be super outrageously expensive, but they actually seemed reasonable and not too different from the cost of living currently in miami. i’m guessing that miami is probably in that list of expensive us cities along with la and nyc.

[@RH0604]

This is awesome - thank you so much for this video!

[@juliafei]

Thank you for watching! ☺️

[@carolinehenson5505]

great video idea :) thank you for sharing this information - i think it really helps people understand their own lives in comparison to others' when people are open about $$$! it seems that the taboo around talking about money is (thankfully) disappearing.

[@juliafei]

Thank you for watching! Hopefully the stigma around talking about money publicly will slowly start to dissipate with time 🤞

[@ashelynjohnson4841]

Thanks for sharing and being honest, this is much needed inspiration and motivation 🙏🏾💸💸💸

[@juliafei]

Thank you for watching!! ♥️ manifesting all the monies to you hehe

[@oliviahardman3471]

I love your videos sooo much!! Please continue to do what you do!! 💸💸💸

[@juliafei]

Thank for the validation and encouragement Olivia 😭♥️

[@me160]

Great video! I live in Melbourne n it is quite expensive since I moved to a prime location in the city as I wanted that kind of lifestyle. This gives a lot of perspective so thanks 😊

[@juliafei]

So glad that you liked the video! 🤗🥰

[@CoraLam]

It's worth it!! Living your best life 💸

[@juliafei]

yes! Getting to experience living alone in such a big city definitely doesn’t come by everyday !

[@bilkisuabubakar983]

You look so pretty Julia, and I love ur vibe

[@princeflame295]

💰 best of luck girl!

[@andreacullen770]

How very fortunate to work somewhere that provides meals and snacks :) That’s quite a benefit!

[@juliafei]

Super grateful that my company provides food! 😋

[@mediumvioletred]

Probably the most honest and realistic what i spend in a week video where a lot of people can relate or would understand the lifestyle. I don't get why most influencers even post videos like this and intentionally buy luxury stuff on said week. For video content maybe? Meh.

[@queenstarlight4787]

Probably to flex lmfao

[@ceciliagonzalez1227]

Really enjoyed the video . That rent is doable I’ve been looking into Brooklyn and queens and have become discouraged cos I’m Seeing 3-7k rent but this gave me hope.

[@samuelumoh8062]

Wow!!! Nice to know. Thanks for the video👍👍

[@tadmarshall2739]

Interesting and useful, thank you!

[@SweetKel]

Your expenses are totally normal. Having fun with friends is what makes NYC worth it. I can't imagine doing it any cheaper. You didn't include anything for buying new clothes and shoes and laundry, but I guess that fits into the weekly $100. I hope you also do the occasional movie and maybe a play. Thanks.

[@tramanh294]

im actually surprisingly early,, thank you for the video!1

[@juliafei]

Thanks for watching! ♥️

[@718og]

According to the most recent census in 2022 the average household income in NYC (5 boroughs) is only $67,046 . I'm a native New Yorker and personally make a good amount more than this but according to the census most people in NYC live on a lot less than 1k+/week for one person. The numbers are probably more realistic for people working in tech living in Manhattan.

[@maryanyah]

💸loved this video, Thankyou 😍

[@juliafei]

Thank you for dropping by ♥️

[@xYummyBieber]

I grew up in a suburb of NYC and couldn't wait to escape it. I just can't imagine living there by choice. Especially when they take so much of your income in taxes. I'm glad I grew up being able to take the train 30 min to visit whenever I want because that was fun as a teenager but it really is not worth the cost of living

[@kaskahea1274]

I give you credit as a female making it in NYC at your young age! 🙏🏽 good for you! 👏🏽

[@worldview730]

Why doubt the female ability In these times?

[@kaskahea1274]

@@worldview730 it's not DOUBT! NYC isn't the most affordable place to live and as a female I commend alot of women who are making their dreams come true by working hard to achieve their goals!

[@user-kd7kr1zu8x]

She’s a Data Scientist, that’s $200k+ a year

[@christinevaleriduwiri6594]

This is so helpful juliaa🥺🤗🤗 thanks for sharing with us🙏🙏🤗🥰 💸💸💸💸💸💸

[@juliafei]

I’m so glad to hear!! 💗

[@user-gj2tp5tq7f]

I'm not living in NY but this video was so informative! I'm now motivated to save mine haha🤣

[@kethmiubeyrathna3381]

Love your vids ❤💸

[@juliafei]

Thank you for watching 💗

[@jason20122]

Very informative thank you!!

[@user-id8we5be2c]

You are very smart and practical about your money. Your rent expense made my eyes water but you save by not having car expenses (loan, gas, insurance, parking) and I assume not paying off a student loan since you didn't mention it. It's fantastic you can get such great free food through your workplace. Incentive to work on site no doubt 😏. You definitely seem to be living within your means while still living the fun life a 25 year old should.

[@juliafei]

Don’t worry, my rent makes my eyes water too 😭😂 thank you for the support as always 💗

[@altighnari5195]

Hello Julia! I don’t think you should feel bad for how much you spend! You are young and enjoying your life. It’s NYC so I would expect it to not be cheap especially with all the good food. I am thinking of moving in a couple of years but I’m not sure just yet where exactly. Have a nice day :)

[@juliafei]

Thank you for these words of affirmation 😭 hopefully my videos can convince you to move to nyc, the best city ever 😉🥰

[@bgjm6399]

I love your videos. keep going

[@juliafei]

Thank you for your support 🥰🥺

[@CapitalCH]

so different from my experience in NYC in my 20s. We were always going out to bars in the week, eating out for lunch and dinner, NEVER made food at home. So we were spending so much money every week just on food and drinks.

[@salwahigazi]

You are so right. Things changed after the plandemic 😢

[@dongshuowu3454]

Your rent looks like such a steal depending on the neighborhood. Great video.

[@Gc7788m]

interesting video! thank you for sharingggggggggg

[@abangthywill8136]

This video surely will help alot

[@emichew]

Spring Cafe Aspen! 😍

[@itunuoluwa-ajayialbert]

Thanks for sharing, Julia...

[@juliafei]

Thank YOU for watching!

[@josephinepotter3758]

Wow that's a very expensive ice coffee 😲! Sounds about right for the city 🌆

[@CaseyJisue]

so close to 100k!!!! ahhhhh

[@chloeeeeeee9690]

💸💸 I’ve lived 2 years in Hong Kong so I can totally relate when it comes to living in a super expensive city! My rent was less than yours but going out and eating at restaurants (except street food which is less expensive) was way more hahahah. I really enjoy that kind of content because it shows that everyone budgets in a different way and it’s okay to treat yourself and enjoy sharing a good drink or meal with friends. I tend to be so stressed by saving money that I sometimes feel guilty when I spend 🥲🥲 Great video anyways! Thanks for your transparency ✨❤️

[@juliafei]

Hong Kong is crazy expensive too! The rent prices for a such a tiny apartment…and that’s coming from me living in a shoebox here in nyc haha 🥲 The guilt in spending is so universal I feel like, and there should be no shame in treating yourself once in a while or just spending if it’s within your budget! I always like to think that money needs to flow out for more to come in 😉 thank you for your constant support Chloé ♥️

[@lour8749]

as another HKer I feel you haha, it’s like a cash burning city

[@neensdotcom]

girl!! I pay similar rent in the bay area !! I wish I was in new york instead!! This all sounds very reasonable.

[@bea_hani]

this is super interesting and kinda crazy for me. I'm a 24 year old student in germany and currently pay for all my monthly expanses myself (my parents only pay my yearly university tuition which is about 700 euros). what you spend in a week in new york is about the same if not more as what i spend the entire month living in germany. I share a flat with a friend and we each pay 450 in rent and utility. i spend about 50 in random subcriptions and about 200 on groceries. i spend about 100-200 for eating out and meeting friends and the rest is either saved up or spend on new clothes, amazon buys etc. my income is 1200 so i nearly spend all the money i make. cant wait to finish uni and get a full time job tho :)

[@kingeyo8964]

U look great. And I thinks your doing an excellent job.

[@paularanjeira]

Loved the video ☺️ how about the cost of the health insurance by month?

[@galapagos1809]

as a data scientists I would hope you know to multiply weekly expenses, not by 4, but by 4.33 since there are 4 1/3 weeks per month when calculated over a year. But nice breakdown and really cool to see what it costs!

[@TheMisschrisaz]

That was very informative! 💰 $ 💵 Thank you for sharing!

[@juliafei]

Thank you for watching ♥️

[@ThatBelleStyle]

Very Informative and detailed video. I'm definitely inspired to organize my expenses💲 better.

[@umgirassol]

Julia, obrigada pela transparência! Realmente é um alto custo viver em Nova York mas, não se sinta culpada, afinal de contas você trabalha duro para manter o padrão de vida que você deseja ter. Sou brasileira e moro na Flórida, aqui o custo de vida está alto também. Esse vídeo foi uma inspiração para mim, obrigada =)

[@gamedesign1323]

Vc já mora na Flórida há quanto tempo? Já falava inglês?

[@thelifestylebybudgeting]

I spend approx. the same over the bridge here in Jersey for my son & I so don’t feel too bad. It’s all about location & I wanted the best for him 🤷🏻‍♀️ as I’m sure you wanted the same for you! Love your videos thanks for always sharing!

[@juliafei]

Jersey has much more space + better bang for your buck. Definitely a great place for families! hope you and your son have been liking the area 🥰

[@rosemaryfengchannel]

OMG I saw one news said Shanghai is more expensive living here compare with NY So right now I'm planing leaving Shanghai to anther country. Thank you for sharing! Maybe you can also talk about how to find a job and average salary related stuff, thanks a lot!😘

[@Nursegermz]

Mmmh. I’d love to follow that 1/3 rule perfect for my first paycheck☺️

[@mrsmuir81]

💸 you are doing well! Thanks for sharing.

[@juliafei]

Thank you for stopping by ☺️

[@qiansiying613]

I also live alone in NYC, and I would like to say this total number is quite fair.

[@sinayoung8245]

I love your channel very much.

[@juliafei]

Such motivating comments for me, thank you 💗