How much money do you need monthly to live in a US city?
The thing is that I'm from Venezuela and I'm moving to Portland, Oregon because I'm receiving financial aid from a private college there. I don't have to pay for tuition or "room and board". But I do need to pay for the rest. So how much do you need monthly to pay for eating out on weekends, celphone credit, haircut, buses, maybe going to the movies once etc etc.
Other - United States - 5 Answers
Random Answers, Critics, Comments, Opinions :
1 :
average meal at a good sit down restuarant $10-45 depending upon what you are eating where plus what you drink, buy a monthly bus pass for transportation it will probably cost you $50 a month but check with the portland transit system for current rates, cellphone will vary depending upon what you need. you could pay $30-150+ a month depending upon your services and use(don't go crazy on texts or Iphone apps), average haircut for a guy is $7-15, evening movie ticket will run $8-15 not counting popcorn candy or soda depending upon theater. The state of Oregon does not charge sales tax on everyday purchases so that will help a little.
2 :
I'm not sure, but Oregon is very expensive. Maybe one of my Pacific Northwest contacts will see this.
3 :
I live in the east coast so my answer may not be exactly accurate... But as a college student from a city of relative size, I would suggest a good budget of 50 dollars a week. That can be a conservative estimate, some of my friends have been know to spend less or none, or a very small budget. Generally movies cost about 8 - 10 dollars meals can be 10-20 or more depending on how you choose to live. you can get a pay as you go phone for 15 dollars a week. Or you can get a plan for like 50 dollars a month. buses are 1.50 or 3.00 depending on the city and you can always get a monthly card. overall, I would estimate 50-100 dollars a week. And that I feel is if you want to live in relative comfort for a college student. Yo can live cheaper if you want. My first year I lived on about 20 dollars a week, now a few years later I still live on only 50 a week. You will have to decide how you want to spend and set the budget when you get here. Test it out for a month or two. Good luck in school!
4 :
i am not sure, but i have a contact who is from oregon. that is why i have starred your question.
5 :
Costs are fairly expensive compared to rural areas. Housing - $700 to $1100 per month for a two bedroom apartment. See www.craigslist.com: http://portland.craigslist.org/apa/ You may need to add another $200.00 per month for utilities and fees. Bus Service - $200.00 per month (guess for two people). The mass transportation is good from what I've heard. Cars tend to add a lot of cost for insurance, gas, and repairs. Food - Avoiding packaged food, buying dried beans, brown rice, fruits and vegetables, and whole grains. If you are careful $500.00 per person per month. That could easily go to $1,000.00 per month per person if you eat out. Miscellaneous - You will most likely have miscellaneous expenses such as clothing, cleaning supplies, and other expendables. Estimate: $200.00-$500.00 for both people. I hope this is of some help. Check out craigslist for some idea of costs of housing and other things you may need in the US.
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