Can I ask you how you managed to move to New York? I feel like you’ve already said. I’m saving to move to either Chicago or San Francisco (obviously San Francisco being the pipe dream since it’s crazy expensive). How much should I save? Is there a good estimate?

February 9, 2012

Anonymous asked: Can I ask you how you managed to move to New York? I feel like you've already said. I'm saving to move to either Chicago or San Francisco (obviously San Francisco being the pipe dream since it's crazy expensive). How much should I save? Is there a good estimate?

I would look into housing costs where you plan to be living, decide if you’ll be living with roommates or not, and try to save at least 6 months rent/living expenses in advance. Don’t forget to consider things like utilities/internet/gym membership in addition to food costs and the occasional glass of wine. I saved about 3-4 months, but I was very lucky to find a job as quickly as I did.

It’s impossible for me to estimate for you, since I don’t know exactly where and how you plan to be living, but it’s nothing you can’t calculate in an afternoon if you’re willing to do a little research.

I saved up by working full time and living with my mom for the better part of a year, which conveniently coincided with a dramatic dip in my social life. It’s tough, but if you’re committed to the dream, go for it! It’s not as impossible as other people like to make you think.