what i spend in a week in NYC *i can't believe i spend this much to simply exist*

it is so hard to exist in nyc without going broke. here is my realistic take on what i spend in a week in nyc :)
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a week of finding myself in nyc: handling rejections, discovering passions, + more
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age: 23 (when posted)
location: new york
sub count: 5,869
camera: canon g7 x mark ii

[@NikiKuchipudi]

You’re still frugal! You save money on everyday things but spend on things that will bring you joy! I think it’s a great balance 💕

[@mohuyakhan]

❤️❤️❤️❤️ it's the little things in life

[@Bakerellaful]

love this video! You don't need to apologize for your purchases! As children of immigrants, I think we (or at least I) grew up with a lot of financial anxiety around parting with money bc I saw how hard my parents worked. I've been trying to shift my mindset to thinking about every purchase as some type of investment in myself (wellness, mental health, etc) as long as I reasonably stick to my budget. Thanks for sharing your experiences, love seeing south asian creators!

[@mohuyakhan]

omg THISSSS!!! it is such a hard thing to unlearn. thank you so much for this refreshing mindset ❤️❤️

[@totallynotsonali]

I’ve literally never heard anyone talk about the sudden whiplash of needing to buy all of these things that you never considered essentials because they were always just…there until you were on your own so tHANK YOU??? I thought I was crazy or something as I was packing for college in freshman year and realized that I need so many things I usually never gave a second thought to 💀 I cannot even imagine everything I’ll need to purchase for a space of my own that’s not a dorm 😭

[@mohuyakhan]

it's a REAL LIFE PHENOMENON!! so glad u get it

[@Methzvamp]

I'm from Sri Lanka, and I recently discovered your channel. I felt really happy to see a south Asian artist who lives alone in NY🧡 you are such an inspiration. I'm also an artist and I watch ur videos while I draw 😇 and I love how genuine you are about everything, 🧡🌸

[@mohuyakhan]

HELLOOO!!! thank you so much for your support all the way from sri lanka!! ❤️❤️❤️

[@letyceleste2805]

I love how you continuously support small business. And this is so so so helpful for me I was considering moving to ny in a few months and there are def a lot of expenses I didn’t take into account thanks for the great vid !!

[@mohuyakhan]

it feels so much better to make their day instead of amazon or a bigger company. this video also definitely made me want to budget out my expenses more because this was TOO MUCHHHH. i'm glad you found it helpful

[@quirkyblackenby]

You seem to use your money well. It’s totally okay to buy things you want. Part of the fun of saving is spending your saved money.

[@anikasultana2178]

you’re so hardworking and realistic in your videos, we love and appreciate that sm

[@mohuyakhan]

thank u for noticing🥺

[@mohuyakhan]

happy sunday ya'll!!!!!💐 hope this video was insightful! :) let me know what other nyc content ya'll wanna see 🥰

[@parij6722]

hi mohuya! its so nice seeing a south asian KZbinr on here, (also I had no idea u drew that mural in pyo chai omg). I love ur art so much I barely see any south-asian prints and designs like that I might talk to my parents about buying a mug which is crazy bc I never spend money on merch/online stores at all. thank you for making me feeling empowered, can't wait for your future videos, - love from Melbourne, Australia

[@mohuyakhan]

this comment means the world. thank you for the love 🥺💖

[@MA97A]

Do any of your local supermarkets put fruit/veg on sale for 50-70% off just as it’s about to expire? What my mum usually does is buy a whole bulk, chop it up and store it in the freezer. It saves us a ton of money

[@mohuyakhan]

wait this is SO SMART!!!

[@alexandrasvdavis]

love the investment in small businesses and intentional spending. it’s really putting your money in the places you care about :)

[@mohuyakhan]

[@tiffanycurtis4794]

HAPPY HAPPY ITS MY GIRL 👏🏾❤️👏🏾

[@shanazhosein9228]

Fave way to start a Sunday!! Yes to the budgeting video :)

[@mohuyakhan]

happy to be a part of your sunday ritual!!!! and you got it :)

[@araverse]

Love the realistic approach you have. 💜

[@mohuyakhan]

💖💖

[@TSHERINGSAMFILMS]

Agreed with you, I am leaving in nyc for last 14 years and I can see how nyc has changed, way too expensive then 14 years back, life is tough here

[@leahsharp9726]

you are such a great inspiration to me! thanks for the great videos ☺️☺️☺️☺️

[@mohuyakhan]

💖

[@rubyette]

Yes I want to see a budgeting video 😍

[@lerc3690]

Best video yet! You really gave me the best advices ever. And you also gave me hope in the middle of this economic whirlwind the world is currently living.

[@mohuyakhan]

thank you so much!! so glad you found it helpful 💖

[@viviangoo1645]

hi Mohuya! I just came across your videos and I love how honest you are about living in nyc. I totally agree with everything you said about nyc being glamorized and it takes a lot to afford this city. I also live in nyc and recently started my channel. Your video has inspired me to see how much I spend in a week! Looking forward to more content from you :)

[@mohuyakhan]

thank you so much 💖💖 best of luck to you!

[@sherinakter2111]

Thank you for your transparency and effort in these videos

[@mohuyakhan]

thank you for noticing

[@aloemela]

New subbie! This was a great and helpful video! I also live in NYC and completely understand that feeling of seeing how much you actually spend throughout the week; living in the city is not easy 🥲 but also teaches you how to budget properly and how to spend your money wisely. Great video Mohuya!!!

[@mohuyakhan]

thank you so much 💖💖💖

[@tjoti]

Love your videos!! I live in NYC with my family. Planning to move out end of this year. Your videos are helping me a lot to plan ahead!!!❤️

[@mohuyakhan]

❤️💪🏽

[@annaglenka]

I love this and honestly enjoy every single video you have, Mohuya. 💙 We just moved to NYC and hope we can be frugal but that coast-to-coast move really hurt our savings! Anyway hope you are doing well! Thank you for bringing and sharing your light & warmth.

[@mohuyakhan]

thank you so much 💖

[@keithmartin1067]

You have an engaging-personality! You keep it real! Loving your KZbin channel.

[@mohuyakhan]

thank you so much 💖

[@Keuell17]

I love your videos sis. I love how realistic you are. I am planning on moving to nyc as well. So your videos have definitely helped. I wish more ppl would make more of these videos especially brown skin women when it comes to living in ny. Also, stop apologizing!!!!! No need to say sorry for spending your money…. Please keep this up. You definitely have a supporter here.

[@mohuyakhan]

❤️❤️

[@carableu]

Great video! You are realistically portraying what it costs to live in NYC. Even when you are a good money manager, things cost what they cost! And I really like the fact that you bought a rug from an artist. That is like living art, and will enhance your quality of life! 💗🌸

[@kxiii33]

im from bd and like ive honestly NERVER seen a bd creator anywhere and when i found u it was so cool!! i relate a lot to u even tho im still 13 u just inspire me alot to be a better person and work hard and be patient and appreciate my parentss!! thanks mohuya!!

[@mohuyakhan]

love u

[@xL0V4BL3]

found you from your nyc apartment video and now i can't stop watching you lol! so happy you posted this!

[@xL0V4BL3]

also you and mei ying chow are two of my favorite lifestyle, frugal queens i need a collab between yall!! itd be london x nyc

[@mohuyakhan]

omg i have to check her out!!!! thank u for supporting

[@xL0V4BL3]

@@mohuyakhan thank you for the content!! im waiting for my finances to be more stable to buy one of your prints, they are amazing!!

[@skinnylegend4787]

you’re such a gorgeous girl and I look up to you! I am a college student still living with my parents hoping to move out soon. I’ve been watching you for inspiration. you’re doing great!!

[@mohuyakhan]

thank you so much 🥺 praying you get to soon 💖

[@Barbarajhere]

Happy Sunday! No need to apologize for your talking, you're doing a great job.

[@mohuyakhan]

💖💖

[@rubyette]

Love your channel ❤️

[@mohuyakhan]

thank you so much ❤️❤️

[@flogstascreamer]

Hey there i’m new to your channel and i don’t even live in the same country as you, but i am 23 too and have just moved out not long ago and this video is so relatable! It does feel like even breathing costs money and i still need to save up for my future aspirations:’) but i think you’re really frugal and you don’t have to be apologetic for supporting the small businesses and artists, it’s a really nice gesture. Hang in there!

[@mohuyakhan]

💖💖💖

[@moonlightandsunshine-]

i'm from india and nyc is my dream city and i plan to move there in the next 10 years.. i have watched soo many vids abt nyc but your posts are soo transparent and i actually get to learn from it. thankyou for sharing and keeping it soo open. you are doing great and thing will get better. i subscribed too

[@mohuyakhan]

thank you so so much for the love

[@sanakhader4030]

I appreciate you normalizing saving and being frugal

[@mohuyakhan]

thank u so much!! and yes, i made it 💖💖

[@shadaane]

Loved the video!!! What’s your skincare routine?

[@mohuyakhan]

thank you! i have an in depth routine on my cozy night time routine in nyc video

[@AviationShawnny]

When you asked me to like I immediately did. New subbie here 💕. I see your passion. Keep going 👏🏽

[@mohuyakhan]

❤️❤️❤️

[@shadaane]

Idk why but you motivate me to keep hustling 😭🙏🏽

[@mohuyakhan]

love to hear it!!!

[@aculturacionsin9852]

Hope we cross paths in the city your beautiful glad you took the step to live on your own hope things get better you seem very grateful so it will come

[@mohuyakhan]

thank you so much!!

[@ParutoX]

I'm glad I came across your other video in my recommendation despite not residing in NYC, but in a different state on the east coast, which is MD. This is another excellent video, not sure what's the KZbin requirement for channel membership. However, I would subscribe and tip out if you had one set up. I'm a full-time graduate student with a full-time job salary. I used to do a lot of freelancing/side gigs, but it's very time-consuming b/c I prioritize other things. Ngl, I complained about spending monthly $1,300 (luxury apartment) for 1 Bed | 1 Bath with all the amenities I dreamed of.. parking, in-laundry, dishwasher, stainless steel appliances, community gym, etc. For apartment utilities, I have to pay for water and gas on average monthly, $90 - $130 (varies monthly). For transportation, my car expenses can range monthly from $250 - $300 (gas estimation included). Now for other costs like wifi, subscriptions (entertainment & music), etc., monthly is $75 (used to be more but cut down on DisneyPlus & HBOMax). Finally, for food and grocery, I spend a lot weekly, it's about $300 - $400, which varies as well. I recommend you to use Mint to keep track on spends and total net wealth in the bank (debit & credit). It is an excellent app for budgeting, and I use it to cut down spending on other areas. Honestly, props to you literally; the cost of living in NYC is extremely expensive. I don't know how you are able to manage this. Again, continue the great work! Edited: I forgot to mention my shopping -- I have a shopping addiction. I find myself unnecessary stuff buying new fits and shoes, etc. ($200 - $400 monthly)

[@mohuyakhan]

i appreciate your support so much!!! i will definitely try out mint, i've heard great things about it. even just sharing netflix accounts with friends and family can help you at the end of the month hahah

[@treyshaffer]

Don't be too hard on yourself, you really didn't spend too much as a young person living in NYC! According to MIT's living wage calculator, the spending for a single adult in NYC at a bare minimum comfort level is $37,274/year which translates to $716/week. You're barely above that, so pretty impressive! I definitely spend a lot more 💀 which wow I really need to cut back. Also, it's awesome that you're able to support small business owners and artists! :)

[@shayfrailey9455]

Phew this made me anxious but I needed it 😂🤑❤️ can’t wait for the budgeting video!! Thank you again for your relatable content 🥰🥰

[@mohuyakhan]

a wake up call for all of us LOL ❤️❤️❤️

[@DeborahCaldwell77]

This will be interesting Thank You.

[@PraisePelumi]

Was running on the treadmill while watching this, once you said like and subscribe, I got off the treadmill, commented this and liked 😂 already subscribed

[@mohuyakhan]

we love the support 😭😭😭

[@Savage2548]

Hi. I am a viewer that never comments. Lol. I am so excited! I just ordered a piece of your artwork. I can't wait to put it in my space. Thank you so much for you videos. I thoroughly enjoy them!!

[@mohuyakhan]

omg WHAT AN HONOR!!! thank you so much for the love ❤️❤️

[@razwanabdullah2745]

really like this video mohuya... being frugal=being rich in the long run woohoo

[@Evejackson777.]

There are more affordable grocery stores like Trader Joe’s is reasonable, and you can get fruits and vegetables from the many carts in the city I just stopped taking the train but now I walk or bike to work but I do live closer to work now and when I worked in Manhattan I biked from queens to the upper Eastside. I go to planet fitness and I will be working out from home lol what I like about NYC is you can cut corners and I can survive. For the most part 😂 it also depends on how comfortable you are with doing that.

[@PraisePelumi]

Your channel is gonna be so big very soon

[@mohuyakhan]

🫶🏽🫶🏽🫶🏽

[@MarkisCouch_1WhatJustHappen]

WOW! Interesting!

[@yourfavpersuasion9385]

im also a child of immigrants(the islands) and I am outta here this year! im 32 and I have nothing to hold me back and I know rent is up all across the usa but at least you get money than you would up north!

[@mohuyakhan]

good luck to you!!!

[@bethanyoyston-mann7982]

Travelling using OMNY and travelling using a weekly MetroCard is exactly the same cost. OMNY caps after 12 taps between Monday and Sunday. 12 *$2.75 is $33 which is the exact cost of a weekly metrocard.

[@mohuyakhan]

you're right!!! what a scam! perhaps the only benefit is having it become digital and efficient

[@augustek5382]

wow, 49 dollar groceries lasted entire week?! I am actually very surprised that it lasted for the entire week! I spend at least 100 a week on groceries and usually more like 140 without eating out. This sometimes includes 1 or 2 coffees from a local coffee shop.

[@TheSunshinefee]

Did you go to art school or are you an autodidact? What is your morning and evening ritual? what time do you get up and go to bed?

[@50plus2013]

What were the steps you took to start a podcast. Also what made you start

[@aculturacionsin9852]

Use transfers while using metros

[@mitalibharali3631]

May I ask which neighborhood are you at ? I am paying much more for a similar studio around Murray hill

[@andreamolano4046]

I think buying a metro card for a week might be cheaper since you get unlimited use for the entire week rather than paying for each individual fare. Love your art!

[@mohuyakhan]

it ends up being the same price, so no difference really except quicker accessibility :/ thank you so much 💖

[@alexandrasvdavis]

What gym brand is it? latinx moving in june trying to not die with these nyc prices

[@mohuyakhan]

blink! one of the more affordable options

[@julianewcorn7071]

I go to planet fitness which is $10 a month :) (bushwick)

[@sania4763]

I thought u gonna show us the rug u got 💔i wanna see 🥺luv from India ❤️🥰

[@shalizeboh125]

To save more money, I would suggest not getting groceries at target!!!! There groceries are so much more expensive than trader joes, local markets, etc

[@gothamgalleria]

New STREET STYLE video uploaded. Let me know what you think

[@curtflirt2]

Right about those Chipotle Bowls. Smh

[@mohuyakhan]

it's CRAZYYYY

[@cleophea777]

nice video! all the best from the most high prized country Switzerland 😺💌🌈💜🌟

[@lorrainei1622]

New York is so expensive I moved here 3 years ago from England.

[@DaMVP17]

I’m actually moving to NYC for a job soon. What area of NYC could I find a nice apartment like yours for only $1650? I need help lol

[@mohuyakhan]

good luck!! any of the boroughs like queens, brooklyn, bronx

[@DaMVP17]

@@mohuyakhan I’ll do more research in the boroughs. Thank you so much! 🙏🏻

[@00ghostcobra]

Nothing wrong with splurging on something that you want every so often..

[@AnonYmous-xk9vx]

nobody can get mad at you for spending your own money except yourself. you ARE allowed to buy things you like. you ARE allowed to do the things you want to. you are already saving money anyway. it's not like you're spending so much every day.

[@sujoychakma8766]

are you from Bangladesh? i can see something behind you on sofa where written joy bangla and a royal bangle tiger. 🤨

[@mohuyakhan]

I am! I made those items and you can find it on labyrinthave.com 🇧🇩

[@mbuck5044]

You're so refreshingly honest in the fakery terrain of KZbinrs living in New York city.

[@kambakallon]

How tall are you?

[@mohuyakhan]

5'2

[@kambakallon]

@@mohuyakhan cute 😍

[@user-jd9jw4co5h]

Gyms in my city are 600$ per month Lol 💔💔

[@mohuyakhan]

omggg??!!!????

[@debrafirestone861]

Why do you still live there I woukd not want to live in a place where I just exist

[@debrafirestone861]

5 grand a month for rent is outrageous anybody who says otherwise is not living in reality

[@Ishamel88]

As Salam alikum sis you need to get a ebt card Beloved it

[@amirtusher]

Isn’t planet fitness cheaper?

[@drivethrutours1916]

Have you taken the COVID-19 vaccination? If so, which one?

[@mohuyakhan]

phizer and moderna

[@drivethrutours1916]

@@mohuyakhan Why did you take the vaccine?

[@zonayadhasan]

12:51 based on that timeline, I am assuming your ethnicity is Bangladeshi 🙄

[@mohuyakhan]

you guessed correctly

[@zonayadhasan]

@@mohuyakhan yesssss!!!!

[@debrafirestone861]

I guess you don’t care

[@Samoteroxd]

instead of target, you should go to Mango Rico literally right across the street! you'll save so much on produce. truuuuust me

[@annascottthompson2794]

I’m hopefully moving to NYC in September for ballet, your video makes me want to go even more💗

[@mohuyakhan]

that is SO exciting 💖💖

[@PlumeMarqueur]

What fabric store was that?

[@mohuyakhan]

the iconic ISP india sari palace