I don’t want to leave Manhattan, even when I’m gone – Ed Kock.
Whether you think about Godzilla climbing a tall building or an alien invasion, Hollywood will tell you that it will probably happen in Manhattan.
According to Jonah Engler, when an average American is asked about what exactly the American dream is, the answer is usually the same; the American dream is living in Manhattan.
Although Manhattan is said to be one of the most expensive places in America, it does not mean that a person with a relatively tighter budget cannot survive the Manhattan lifestyle.
How to Live within Your Means in Manhattan, According to Jonah Engler
1. Reduce Your Average Transportation Costs
Transportation around Manhattan can be expensive. Not only is the price of fuel or the cost of getting a cab high, but due to the long daily commutes, annual transportation costs can be considerably expensive. Hence, to cut some transportation costs, Jonah Engler recommends that you:
- Walk as often as you can to work, the mall, or a friend’s place, and leave other transportation options for far-off places.
- If walking to work gets too tiring, you can always get a bicycle. A bicycle doesn’t require any fuel and allows you to get to your destination in time.
- Instead of paying the expensive fares of taxis and cabs, travel via the underground subway.
- If there is no other way for you to reach your destination, share a taxi with a friend or a stranger who is going to the same place as you.
2. Reduce Your Everyday Food Expenses
Just like the cost of all other consumer goods, food can also be very expensive in Manhattan. As a matter of fact, a simple omelet breakfast at a restaurant can cost you as much as 50 USD. To avoid high annual food costs, Jonah Engler suggests that you:
- Get groceries from a suburban departmental store and cook at home as frequently as you can. The cost of dining out for a meal in Manhattan can nearly be the same as buying fresh groceries for one week.
- Avoid going out too often – eat out once a week only if you have to.
- When choosing a place to eat, choose a casual fast-food place, and avoid dining at a restaurant as that will help you save some money.
- Mornings in New York can be chilly and might want you to grab a cup of coffee on your way to work. The average price of a cup of coffee will set back your budget for the day. Hence, always leave your home with a thermos of homemade coffee.
3. Reducing the Cost of Living and Housing in Manhattan
Jonah Engler says that in order to make your life in Manhattan more affordable, you need to:
- Share an apartment with a friend or a housemate and split the rent.
- Learn to compromise on unnecessary facilities and luxuries that you can live without.
- Do ample research before making a down payment for a potential apartment.
- Look for places in new upcoming areas as they are relatively less costly.
Final Thoughts By Jonah Engler
Living the Manhattan lifestyle may seem like an unattainable dream to many; however, simple tips by Jonah Engler can help turn that dream into reality. It is all about being aware of your budget and making wise decisions every day.