New York is the most expensive city in America.
The average rent is $3,783, a trip to the beauty parlor will cost you $68, and a dozen eggs is practically $3. Sigh...
But, there are a few ways to save money in the Big Apple while still living your best life. Check out our 13 essential ways to save money while still livin' it up in New York City.
1. Buy a monthly MetroCard (or enter to win one here)
Even with the recent price increase, the monthly Metrocard for $116.50 is a far better deal than $2.75 per single ride.
2. Say "no" to black cabs
I know they look all fancy and stuff.
But black cars set their own prices (which might increase depending on the time and weather), while yellow and green taxis have meters.
3. "Let's do lunch!"
eatiquette #Santina in the #MeatpackingDistrict knows what's up....😳🙌 #Eatiquette #BestofNYC #SantinaNYC #NYCFood #NYCEats #Eatupnewyork #NYCFavorite #EEEEEATS #FoodBeast #NYCLunch #Nomz #Infatuation
Like to eat out, but don’t have the cash to? Most restaurants offer discounted lunch specials.
4. It's happy hour somewhere
ladamanyc "Yucatan Sinkhole" Habanero tequila, Campari, lime syrup and grapefruit #ladama #cocktails #happyhour #nyc #nychappyhour #bar #nycbar #tequila #dinner #nycdinner #afterwork
Have champagne taste on a beer budget?
Pop into a happy hour instead of paying $16 a drink (hell, that’s what it costs to buy a shirt for a night out).
5. No cover charge
From First Saturdays at the Brooklyn Museum to the SummerStage Concert Series, the Big Apple is bursting at the seams with free events.
Take advantage.
6. Pre-game... often
Free events often rack up at the bar.
Get tipsy at the house before hitting the town.
7. Cheap rent does exist
We all know that New York City’s rent is too damn high!
But there are a few agencies that try to lessen the burden. Visit GoNoFee and NYC Housing Connect to learn more about affordable housing options.
,8. Fashion for the low-low
ashlovesclothes #Repost @shopual with @repostapp. You could say I have a dream job! 😍😘👏🏻 Great article about my company, @shopual on @racked today! Link in my bio! #regram #shopual #rackednyc #designer #liquidator #discount #honored #press #ual #badasses #girlBOSS #retaillife
Another great perk of living in one of the fashion capitals of the world are the sample sales.
Websites like Racked keep you informed on where to get deals on those designer threads.
9. Discounted living sprees
Always interested in trying something new but don’t have the money to?
Groupon, LivingSocial, and Lifebooker offer daily deals on restaurants, classes, and service providers (like maids and manicures) for the adventurer in you.
10. Whole Foods who?
Organic foods are nice and all but who can afford it? Trader Joe’s is a healthy and an affordable alternative to the expensive Whole Foods Market.
11. Go thrifting
tracychambersvintage #sundresses #rompers #spring #summer #color #prints Everything $20 and under Clearing out #thevintagestoop #TracyChambersVintage
From Housing Works to Tracy Chambers Vintage in Brooklyn, New York has a plethora of vintage digs for cheap.
12. Netflixing
Save some coins by subscribing to Netflix or Hulu for about $8 a month instead of dealing with pain in the ass and pocket Time Warner Cable.
13. Automatic savings account
The bright lights of New York City can be rather intoxicating and expensive.
You can easily spend your entire paycheck shopping and brunching. Set-up an automatic savings account at your bank to ensure you’ll always have money in the bank.
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