<p>In light of the thread asking what a person needs to make in Manhatten, perhaps some new grads or nearly grads would like to hear what new grads manage on in some cities.
I'll start....
Several young people I know do pretty well around $45,000 in Dallas. (about new teacher salary) OK, they aren't living wildly, but rent a cool urban studio, plus some extra for fun. (assuming no big student loans or other debt) Their vacations are restricted by number of vacation days instead of money to take vacation. Right out of school running into the norm of 2 weeks vacation is kind of a wake-up call.</p>
<p>In Western WA, it depends. Seattle got very pricey, and $45K would not put champaign and oysters on the dinner table every night, but somewhere South or North of the city (but not in Bellevue) that would mean a studio, a Corolla and occasional steak for dinner. Yes, and 2 weeks of vacation is pretty much standard in the biotech and high tech industry around here. HI flights are relatively cheap and short (5 hrs), and many people end up vacationing there, especially if they do not have kids and can plan their trip in the off-season. Some companies have a Christmas break, and that's a great perk to have.</p>
<p>Best to live out of a suitcase and an air mattress for a minimum of 3 months/years. That's what I did when single and again when we got married.</p>
<p>We (fiancee and I) currently live in Pittsburgh. We have been getting by and having fun on $18,000 a year from our stipends(the rest is being saved). We are moving back to Boston in August and we anticipate needing $30,000 next year.</p>
<p>D can make do in St Louis on her assistanceship amount (WashU PhD) of approx 21,500 which she supplements with some p/t library work at $10/hr. She shares a really large 2 bedroom apt with central air,parking for 650$ month..thats the total rent.No car payment,its old and paid off but pays car insurance.Medical ins. supplied by the University,slight extra charge for eye/dental.manages to vacation though cheaply and to eat out nicely/drink out nicely. If she had a down payment, theres nice real estate available there for excellent prices.</p>
<p>Just talked to a kid who is starting teaching around Atlanta. $43,000. He seems to think that will do, but is questioning if teaching will ever get him to the point of having a house or family....</p>
<p>In many of these cities, by looking in college neighborhoods and renting a room, a young person can do very well. In Manhattan it is pretty much a necessity without some subsidies. But in other cities, a graduate can get out of the old student ghetto, rent an apartment either with other professionals or get a 1 BR or studio that is pretty nice, and live a nice life.</p>