# Two women reveal NYC budgets: $35K vs $2,500 a month

2026-08-06T14:43:48+00:00 | Business & Economy | Indian Opinion Desk

Corroboration: 1 independent outlet

Two New York women have shared detailed budgets for living in the city, offering contrasting numbers. Julia earns $35,000 a year after tax, pays $1,200 rent for a shared Brooklyn apartment, spends $250 on groceries, $200 eating out, $70 on transport using a discount OMNY card, and $200 on dance classes. She uses free apps and lottery systems to see Broadway shows for almost nothing. Trisha, who has lived in NYC for eight years, says a single person in their 20s will realistically spend $2,500 to $5,000-plus per month. Her breakdown includes rent of $1,800-$2,800 with roommates, groceries of $500-$700, and eating out often costing $900-$1,400. Both agree cooking at home and avoiding Ubers are key to saving money.

## Coverage

- timesofindia.indiatimes.com <https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/us/on-a-budget-woman-reveals-how-she-survives-in-nyc-on-a-35k-annual-income-she-lives-in-a-brooklyn-apartment-eats-out-and-still-enjoys-life/articleshow/133005843.cms>
- timesofindia.indiatimes.com <https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/life-style/travel/news/moving-to-nyc-after-8-years-in-the-city-a-woman-shares-a-real-cost-of-living-breakdown/articleshow/133067794.cms>

Tags: budgeting, cost of living, New York, personal finance
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