how i afford the nyc lifestyle as a 23 year old

Living Alone in New York City at 23

Mohuya Khan describes the costs and trade-offs of living alone in New York City. She also acknowledges that she has some financial support: her parents helped with food and home decor, though she says she pays her own expenses.

Housing and Why She Chose NYC

She pays $1,650 per month for a studio apartment with an elevator and laundry in the building. Water and gas are included; she pays separately for electricity and Wi-Fi.

She views the rent as an investment in networking, work, and educational opportunities. Moving closer to school reduced her commute from about 90 minutes to 30. For now, she prefers renting rather than taking on the costs and responsibilities of owning property.

Savings Before Moving

Khan recommends having around $10,000 in savings as a cushion, though she notes that the right amount varies. Her savings covered emergencies, furniture, and move-in costs. First month’s rent, last month’s rent, and the security deposit totaled roughly $3,000–$4,000.

Income Sources

Her income is irregular, so she relies on several sources:

• She is a full-time graduate student and student teacher, but says student teaching is unpaid.
• Her clothing, art, and accessories business is her main source of income. It brings in about $1,000 in some months and $5,000 or more in others.
• She takes occasional mural, shoe-painting, and illustration commissions, including some through Fiverr.
• YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram bring in very little. She mentions earning only cents from TikTok and recently receiving her first YouTube payment after reaching 1,000 subscribers.

Budgeting Habits

Khan cooks at home, meal-preps, and buys groceries weekly, which she finds healthier and cheaper than regularly eating out. She limits restaurant meals to once or twice a week and spends selectively on experiences such as museums and galleries.

She uses the subway and buses instead of Uber, Lyft, or taxis, which she says can become expensive. She pays for transit with Apple Pay and has heard that frequent use may cap fares after seven days, though she is unsure of the details. Since moving, she has also cut back on travel because rent and necessities take priority.

Perspective

Khan describes living alone in New York as financially stressful, particularly because her earnings can fluctuate sharply. Still, she believes the opportunities and personal growth may benefit her and her family in the long run.

Notable names and references: Mohuya Khan; New York City; MetroCard and Apple Pay; Fiverr; YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram; her art and apparel business; and the Difficult-ish podcast.