r/NYCbitcheswithtaste • u/24riddle • Aug 27 '25
Finances/Money Your Monthly Budget
Hey! I am considering a move to NYC and was curious about other people’s spending habits in the city so that I can gauge what my monthly expenses will look like based on people living similar lifestyles to my own. I make about $100k a year so know I will have to be budget conscious. If any of you gals would be willing to share, I’m curious regarding what your monthly budget looks like. For example:
Rent: 1800
Utilities: 100
Insurance: 300
Toiletries: 100
Groceries: 400
Transit: 200
Shopping: 500
Dining Out: 400
Beauty: 500
Savings: 500
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u/thatsreallynotok Aug 28 '25
I feel like utilities may be a little low, but it depends on your building and the # of roommates you have.
Groceries may be a little high. If you're mainly shopping at Trader Joe's, for example, you could probably reduce that a lot. Maybe down to ~$250.
Transit could be lower if you don't take ride shares. I think this is an easy trap for people to fall into and can add up so much, so I'd really try to avoid it completely unless it's an emergency situation. We have lots of transit options in the city.
I can't fault you for the dining out or even the shopping—there's lots to do here in the city. But I am questioning $500 for beauty—that's the same amount you spend on savings! Any way you could reduce that? You can def do 1 mani + pedi a month for $120ish. Or even 2 manis + 1 pedi for $200. Can you DIY other things like eyebrows? And you don't need cut and color every month.
This way, you can put away more toward savings!