[ruigomes]

Is it realistic for a fresh graduate (with a masters) in Informatics and Computing Engineering from Portugal to go straight to NYC and be able to live alone (as in not sharing rooms) and actually have some money saved by the end of the year?

I would absolutely love to experience NY, since I'm a passionate web developer.. There's so many companies in this field over there that I feel that my career would grow so much faster than if I stay here in Europe (at least in Portugal).

I would personally prefer NY over SF since it's way closer to "home".

Any thoughts on actually being able to financially live in NYC as a fresh grad?

[ceras]

By "alone" do you mean not sharing just bedrooms or any rooms? Most new grads share an apartment with roommates but have their own bedroom.

I know many recent grads living in New York (myself included), mostly earning from $60k to $120k, and it's not a problem for any of us. What's tough is settling down with a family. But as a single person - especially with the additional savings you get by not owning a car - it's fine for tech salaries.

To make it more concrete, here's a budget:

$70k starting salary (low for NYC tech)

-$24,500 taxes (overestimated at 35% to be safe)

-$18,000 (1500*12) Manhattan rent + utilities

-$18,000 careless youth living expenses ($1.5k/month subway, eating out, bars, museums, music, traveling, etc)

______

$9,500 left over per year for saving.

So even underestimating salary, overestimating taxes, not choosing a super cheap apartment, and not being frugal in the slightest on monthly living expenses, you still net $9,500 per year.