living expenses in the states?.

[big bang]

I know this is a difficult question, but lets take a middleclass person that lives in a rented apartment, drives a small used japanese car and got a standard health inssurrance. Here in northern Europe thats still quite expensive and Im a bit curious about how expensive it is in the states. How far does something like 2000 usd a month (after tax) take you?

 

[mightyrick]

After tax, $2,000 isn't too bad. Your health insurance plan is usually provided by your employer and you have to pay a portion out of your pre-tax income. Your monthly expenses living in an ordinary sized city (that isn't New York or Los Angeles) might look like this.

$700 apartment rent
$200 car payment (if you don't own the car)
$200 gas
$300 food
$120 utilities
$80 health insurance
$80 car insurance
===============
Total Expenses: $1,680
Remaining: $320

So that isn't too bad. Out of that $320, you could probably put $100 a month into savings and use the rest for entertainment/gifts/dates... whatever. Also, a $2,000 after tax income would probably be about a $15 per hour (or $30,000/yr) wage. So you have to make sure that you work in a field which can support that kind of a wage.

 

[813wilson]

I know this is a difficult question, but lets take a middleclass person that lives in a rented apartment, drives a small used japanese car and got a standard health inssurrance. Here in northern Europe thats still quite expensive and Im a bit curious about how expensive it is in the states. How far does something like 2000 usd a month (after tax) take you?

Very difficlut to answer. Rented apartment? Where? Los Angeles, New York, Des Moines, Boise?

If you're bringing home 2k, you are making 30k or a bit more....? In that scenario healthcare might be coming out of your pay(not an added expense).

"Middle Class" is a huge group - some people making 100k are thought to be "middle class"

 

[Bartelby]

50 k was the median income three years ago so you'd need to earn at least that to be middle classs; and youre talking about 50k after tax.

 

[big bang]

Ok I dont really know the average income in the states, neither do I know how much a rented apartment cost, but I know its different from city to city. Lets take a medium sized city for example.

I have been offered to come to the US and work as a teaching pro, but I dont really know much about expenses and how the system works, so thats why Im a bit curious about it. I can make more than 2000 usd a month for sure, but I just chose that amount as an example.

Thanks for you replies!.

 

[Steady Eddy]

It really matters where you'll be. Places like New York City or San Francisco have very high rents. You'll probably be in a large city because tennis isn't very popular in rural areas. Some large cities, like Phoenix, Arizona or Houston, Texas have affordable rents despite their large size. But most large cities are expensive to live in.

Find out what city you'll be in, and look at how much rents are there.

 

[jmverdugo]

If you are a new resident with no credit history things get a little bit more expensive, if you want to buy a car the interest rates will be sky high, then the car insurance will charge for the first 3 years an additional premium for new driver (even though you bring your license from your own country), you may have to use somebody's else account for cellphone an internet and your deposit on the apartment will be higher. Other than that you will be fine, this is a real example:

1 Bedroom Apt / 1 small car
Apt: $850
Utilities: $80 ~ $120 (it depends on the time of the year!)
Car & Car insurance: $600 (after you make a good credit history this will go waaaay lower)
Health Insurance $180
Food: $250 (Eating at your home)
Gas: $160
Taxes??

If you are being hired by a club or an academy then things may get easier on you, you may get food and other benefits. Have in mind that you will have to pay taxes and it changes from state to state.

 

[big bang]

It really matters where you'll be. Places like New York City or San Francisco have very high rents. You'll probably be in a large city because tennis isn't very popular in rural areas. Some large cities, like Phoenix, Arizona or Houston, Texas have affordable rents despite their large size. But most large cities are expensive to live in.

Find out what city you'll be in, and look at how much rents are there.

Thanks again!.
So places like NY, san francisco and LA is quite expensive and Phoenix, Arizona and Texas is reasonable?.

If I decide to go I wish to live somewhere with nice and down to earth ppl and not some place full of snobs (hate snobs!) and spoiled rich kids. Any recommendations?, it doesnt hurt if tennis is a popular sport also.

 

[big bang]

If you are a new resident with no credit history things get a little bit more expensive, if you want to buy a car the interest rates will be sky high, then the car insurance will charge for the first 3 years an additional premium for new driver (even though you bring your license from your own country), you may have to use somebody's else account for cellphone an internet and your deposit on the apartment will be higher. Other than that you will be fine, this is a real example:

1 Bedroom Apt / 1 small car
Apt: $850
Utilities: $80 ~ $120 (it depends on the time of the year!)
Car & Car insurance: $600 (after you make a good credit history this will go waaaay lower)
Health Insurance $180
Food: $250 (Eating at your home)
Gas: $160
Taxes??

If you are being hired by a club or an academy then things may get easier on you, you may get food and other benefits. Have in mind that you will have to pay taxes and it changes from state to state.

Thanks that was very helpful.

 

[813wilson]

you're going to find spoiled/rich and every other type in any decent sized city, aren't you?

Warmer weather states(Florida/Arizona) offer more tennis but might be more competitive, as well.

Cooler states - indoor clubs might offer better pay(more affluent clientele).

If you land at a big club, I'd think you'll make contact with people who can guide you pretty quickly on the living/housing options.

 

[big bang]

you're going to find spoiled/rich and every other type in any decent sized city, aren't you?

Warmer weather states(Florida/Arizona) offer more tennis but might be more competitive, as well.

Cooler states - indoor clubs might offer better pay(more affluent clientele).

If you land at a big club, I'd think you'll make contact with people who can guide you pretty quickly on the living/housing options.

Yes you are probably right since its like that everywhere, but what I dont want is to coach at some "jetset club" since I dont get along very well with this kind of ppl in generel (theres always exceptions of course).

 

[Fifth Set]

In addition to the widely varying housing costs that have been well addressed by others, the other "culture shock" you will find coming from Europe is that America has a strong car culture.

Except in the middle of the largest cities, a car is essential to getting around. Gas and insurance can get pricey, as can repairs if you don't choose your car wisely. Seems you might be aware of this risk given the mention of a small Japanese car. Those will certainly help keep the costs down!

Where in the US are you considering? While the large cities get most of the attention from tourists and the media, what's special about America (like many countries I guess), is that there are many hidden gems throughout the country.

For example, I had never been to San Antonio, TX and its environs before I visited John Newcombe's tennis camp in New Braunfels. New Braunfels is also not far from Austin, a great college town where Andy Roddick lives. The whole area is fantastic. Nice weather, great scenery, friendly people, affordable housing and a fondness for tennis!

 

[Dave M]

what are you planning on doing out there BB?

 

[big bang]

what are you planning on doing out there BB?

Im not exactly planning anything, but since I got an offer to go there I just got curious

 

[Eph]

$2000 won't get you an apartment in Boston.

 

[big bang]

How about Vegas, is it expensive?

 

[mightyrick]

How about Vegas, is it expensive?

Outside Vegas in the suburbs you could make it on that. Maybe in Henderson.

 

[big bang]

Outside Vegas in the suburbs you could make it on that. Maybe in Henderson.

Thanks, I figured that it would be rather expensive living in the center of Vegas. But when you say suburbs, how far is that from Vegas?.

 

[big bang]

$2000 won't get you an apartment in Boston.

Wow Boston is that expensive??

 

[jmverdugo]

Austin and Houston are nice cities to live, cheap and you get to play tennis pretty much year round.

 

[rommil]

Thanks, I figured that it would be rather expensive living in the center of Vegas. But when you say suburbs, how far is that from Vegas?.

I wouldnt want to live in the center of Vegas anyway. Henderson, like pointed out , is about 15 miles outside of Vegas, nice and quiet, no cards of naked women splaterred all over the sidewalks.

 

[dennis10is]

I know this is a difficult question, but lets take a middleclass person that lives in a rented apartment, drives a small used japanese car and got a standard health inssurrance. Here in northern Europe thats still quite expensive and Im a bit curious about how expensive it is in the states. How far does something like 2000 usd a month (after tax) take you?

Well, on Long Island, $2000 USD will allow you to rent an apartment and pay for the cable and maybe gas.

I was taking the train into NYC today and overhead one guy tell his friend about his apartment: 350 sq feet studio, that's a bit larger than a walk in closet, paid ultilities. cost 1575. cable is 150 per month, Gas about 150-200 per month.

Actually, $2000 is what a single man spends on lap dances each month.

 

[LeeD]

Don't bother trying SanFrancisco.
Even Berkeley, a one horse town, one bedroom rents for about 800, due to all the rich parents of UC Berk students.
And 300 food? No way, no how.
I've been living in the BayArea near SF for all my 62 years, and unless you make 3 grand a month, it's bare minimal survival.

 

[Eph]

Wow Boston is that expensive??

Well, you can get a studio apartment around 400 sqft for $1700. That's about the lowest they go, unless you find yourself in an attic apartment that has been converted with no kitchen, or half a kitchen and a shared bath. You can find these in Back Bay and Beacon Hill for $900-1300.

 

[Ballinbob]

try coming to colorado. its an affordable place overall, and there is a decent amount of tennis. no joke look into it. you dont want to be in LA or New york FOR SURE. you want a state like Utah, Arizona, Colorado, Kansas, Nevada, Texas ect ect.

I cant tell you if 2000 dollars is enough, so I asked my dad for you. He told me in a middle class neighborhood here you can find a decent apartment. He said prices vary by neighborhood, which is true. But he said here in colorado it is much more affordable than many other states and the standard of living is good.

also, if your a skiier there are world class skii resorts here

if you end up looking into Colorado, im your man. my dad can help as well

good luck man

 

[big bang]

Thanks again for all the replies.
Again the 2000 usd is only to set a certain amount and compare expenses to what Im used to.

try coming to colorado. its an affordable place overall, and there is a decent amount of tennis. no joke look into it. you dont want to be in LA or New york FOR SURE. you want a state like Utah, Arizona, Colorado, Kansas, Nevada, Texas ect ect.

I cant tell you if 2000 dollars is enough, so I asked my dad for you. He told me in a middle class neighborhood here you can find a decent apartment. He said prices vary by neighborhood, which is true. But he said here in colorado it is much more affordable than many other states and the standard of living is good.

also, if your a skiier there are world class skii resorts here

if you end up looking into Colorado, im your man. my dad can help as well

good luck man

Thats very nice and helpful of you Ballinbob, it really sounds like a nice place.
I love skiing and used to travel to countries as Sweden, Norway, Switzerland and Austria to ski. But Im afraid my right knee cant take it anymore.

Im actually a bit shocked that living expenses are that different from city to city. One place you can live an ok life and another place you cant even make it. Prices around here vary too, but only the Copenhagen area and north of Copenhagen is considered expensive.
How about shopping prices then, they vary as well?

Thanks again you guys have been a great help for someone that doesnt know much about the states.

Another question for you!. Are Americans in general welcoming towards europeans?. Around Europe its very different from country to country, some are very nice and open, some are not. If I decide to go I dont wanna end up some place full of unfriendly ppl. But if everyone is as nice and helpful as you guys I wont be concerned.

 

[jhick]

Another question for you!. Are Americans in general welcoming towards europeans?. Around Europe its very different from country to country, some are very nice and open, some are not. If I decide to go I dont wanna end up some place full of unfriendly ppl. But if everyone is as nice and helpful as you guys I wont be concerned.

Again this tends to vary from state to state. Minnesota (where I live) is made up of lots of Scandinavians and Germans. There is a perception that people here are friendly (Minnesota nice), but I've also heard that people in general are more reserved and just not as bold about speaking their mind. I do like living here. You get all four seasons, though you need to be able to withstand 1-2 months of brutal winter temps (below 0 degrees Farenheit) in Jan/Feb.

If you are looking for people who are more laid back, I would think about living in the mid-west or west coast.

 

[dParis]

50 k was the median income three years ago so you'd need to earn at least that to be middle classs; and youre talking about 50k after tax.

Where? Not in the U.S.

And what kind of "logic" is this? You'd have to make at least 50k to be middle class? So if you make 49k, you are "Lower class" but if you make 51k you are "Upper class"? You were able to contradict yourself in the same sentence. That's impressive.

 

[krz]

Well, you can get a studio apartment around 400 sqft for $1700. That's about the lowest they go, unless you find yourself in an attic apartment that has been converted with no kitchen, or half a kitchen and a shared bath. You can find these in Back Bay and Beacon Hill for $900-1300.

Well, on Long Island, $2000 USD will allow you to rent an apartment and pay for the cable and maybe gas.

I was taking the train into NYC today and overhead one guy tell his friend about his apartment: 350 sq feet studio, that's a bit larger than a walk in closet, paid ultilities. cost 1575. cable is 150 per month, Gas about 150-200 per month.

I've rented a studio in Flushing, Queens for 500/month. A 1bed/1bath walk up in Astoria, Queens for 1350/month.

If we are talking about Manhattan I had a place on 28st. Our 3Br/2Bth with doorman was 5000/month.

That's an idea of NYC prices.

edit: There is no way the average salary in the US is 50k. That sounds more like a median houshold income.

 

[rufusbgood]

Another question for you!. Are Americans in general welcoming towards europeans?. Around Europe its very different from country to country, some are very nice and open, some are not. If I decide to go I dont wanna end up some place full of unfriendly ppl. But if everyone is as nice and helpful as you guys I wont be concerned.

When it comes to tennis lessons, the guy with the European accent is golden in the US. You will have instant credibility.

Good luck though with avoiding rich people and tennis brats if you are a teaching pro.

 

[FloridaAG]

$700 rent is really cheap for an apartment rental in South Florida.

In Key West, it would be impossible. Crappy places are $1000

 

[dParis]

Another question for you!. Are Americans in general welcoming towards europeans?. Around Europe its very different from country to country, some are very nice and open, some are not. If I decide to go I dont wanna end up some place full of unfriendly ppl. But if everyone is as nice and helpful as you guys I wont be concerned.

Remember and abide by that old saying: "When in Peoria, do as the Peorians", and you'll be fine. You don't come across as one of those pompous, know-it-all Europeans so you will probably be comfortable and enjoy most areas of the country and be treated as a welcomed guest. In some places, the locals may even help themselves to your bill-fold. Seriously though, if you come, find a location with some semblance of culture, activity and transportation. While I find life in rural Europe to be charming, small-town, rural America can be excruciatingly boring.

 

[CDestroyer]

try coming to colorado. its an affordable place overall, and there is a decent amount of tennis. no joke look into it. you dont want to be in LA or New york FOR SURE. you want a state like Utah, Arizona, Colorado, Kansas, Nevada, Texas ect ect.

I cant tell you if 2000 dollars is enough, so I asked my dad for you. He told me in a middle class neighborhood here you can find a decent apartment. He said prices vary by neighborhood, which is true. But he said here in colorado it is much more affordable than many other states and the standard of living is good.

also, if your a skiier there are world class skii resorts here

if you end up looking into Colorado, im your man. my dad can help as well

good luck man

I agree with this very much Big Bang except Texas. Colorado is a great place, so much to do outdoors, the people are very friendly, its clean, air quality is excellent. Probably one of the top 3 best states to live in. Forget California and New York.

 

[Ballinbob]

Thats very nice and helpful of you Ballinbob, it really sounds like a nice place.
I love skiing and used to travel to countries as Sweden, Norway, Switzerland and Austria to ski. But Im afraid my right knee cant take it anymore.

Im actually a bit shocked that living expenses are that different from city to city. One place you can live an ok life and another place you cant even make it. Prices around here vary too, but only the Copenhagen area and north of Copenhagen is considered expensive.
How about shopping prices then, they vary as well?

Thanks again you guys have been a great help for someone that doesnt know much about the states.

Another question for you!. Are Americans in general welcoming towards europeans?. Around Europe its very different from country to country, some are very nice and open, some are not. If I decide to go I dont wanna end up some place full of unfriendly ppl. But if everyone is as nice and helpful as you guys I wont be concerned.

haha as long as your not mexican you'll be fine Jokes aside, you'll be fine. I mean you obviously know english, and Europeans are welcome anywhere. Cant see where you would have a problem. And the shopping prices are pretty consistent, but of course there are bigger malls than others.

I agree with this very much Big Bang except Texas. Colorado is a great place, so much to do outdoors, the people are very friendly, its clean, air quality is excellent. Probably one of the top 3 best states to live in. Forget California and New York.

I guess you have a point about texas. and yeah i love colorado, great place overall. I think this may be one of the best states when considering how much " bang for your buck" you get, if you know what i mean.

and as you said, LOTS to do outdoors, all year round

 

[mightyrick]

I guess you have a point about texas. and yeah i love colorado, great place overall. I think this may be one of the best states when considering how much " bang for your buck" you get, if you know what i mean.

and as you said, LOTS to do outdoors, all year round

With Texas... you just have to be more specific. Outside of Alaska, Texas is geographically the largest state in the USA -- by a large margin.

I live in Austin, and I'd recommend it to anyone. Very diverse. Lots of different kinds of people, cultures, religions, sports, music... everything. I'd venture to say that Austin -- in terms of richness of character -- is probably one of the top three cities in the USA. Keep in mind that most of the people in Austin aren't from here (myself included).

However, outside of Austin... I would not live anywhere else in Texas. In my opinion, the rest of Texas is still far too one-dimensional.

 

[jmverdugo]

I am a south american living in Houston, - will be a year next month - so far so good. Not a single problem in any sense, quite the opposite actually, as long as you do not break the law I do not see how you could have any problem. Where I live, work and play tennis are a very multicultural places, a guess you could say the same of any big city, everybody is used to deal with foreign people from all around the globe.

 

[rovision]

Keep in mind also that when people talk about cost of living, besides expenses, the incomes also differ from state-to-state, or city-to-city.
As a tennis coach, you'll make probably around $65-$80/h [maybe even more if a higher level pro, or coach a college prospect] in California/big city for private lessons.
Don't know how much can you make as a club tennis coach, but private lessons are one way to add to your income.

I'm not sure how much can you make in Colorado, or Texas, or NY [probably close to Ca], but from what people say in general, incomes tend to follow expenses. So lower incomes, lower expenses and vice versa.

 

[Fearsome Forehand]

The OP's question is very vague as cost of living varies widely within the 50 states. Are you living in Atherton, CA; Honolulu, HI or Postville, IA?

The average tiny apartment in Manhattan, NYC rents for more than $3000/month. It is insane!

If you throw out the extremes on either end of the spectrum, e.g., Manhattan on one hand and Middleofnowheresville, KY or the other, you could slide by on 2K/month in many places. Just don't expect a Trump-like lifestyle.

 

[Steady Eddy]

However, outside of Austin... I would not live anywhere else in Texas. In my opinion, the rest of Texas is still far too one-dimensional.

True. Austin is like a piece of San Francisco somehow in the middle of Texas.

 

[Cindysphinx]

When it comes to tennis lessons, the guy with the European accent is golden in the US. You will have instant credibility.

Good luck though with avoiding rich people and tennis brats if you are a teaching pro.

I have a bit of experience with teaching pros. The clients, often women, just love a pro with an accent. Europe, South America, Russia, it's all good. If you are handsome, so much the better. The ladies won't be talking about how well you feed.

I'm afraid that being a teaching pro at a club will involve a lot of interaction with rich people. Some are great, some are dreadful. Gotta just smile, make admiring sounds when their lame shot lands in, pretend their winner was too good. Hey, it's a living.

Rent in big cities is expensive. I was paying $850/month for a bland 2BR/1BA in the utilitarian part of San Francisco -- in 1988!

These days, the local cable companies advertise landline phone, basic cable and internet for $99/month. Ouch.

 

[krz]

The OP's question is very vague as cost of living varies widely within the 50 states. Are you living in Atherton, CA; Honolulu, HI or Postville, IA?

The average tiny apartment in Manhattan, NYC rents for more than $3000/month. It is insane!

If you throw out the extremes on either end of the spectrum, e.g., Manhattan on one hand and Middleofnowheresville, KY or the other, you could slide by on 2K/month in many places. Just don't expect a Trump-like lifestyle.

$3000/month for 1br will get you a decently sized(600sqft) and pretty nice place in NYC. The 1brs in my building start at 2960/month and a studio start at 2200/month depending on the floor you are on.

This is in midtown east with a doorman, granite counters, private court yard, basketball/tennis court and gym so I'm sure you could find a decent place for 2k or so.

I've looked at at 1200sqft lofts smack dab next to Madison Park(28th and 6th) and they were ~$4500/month.

Looking at LES/alphabet city rents get dirt cheap for NYC standards. I've looked at 4br's around $4000/month.


The only other parts I've lived where I can comment on rent is Buffalo, NY and Tampa, FL. My decent(650sqft) 2br/1bath in Buffalo was like $710/month.

In Tampa I've had a pretty nice 2br/2bath in a gated community/2 pools/1100sqft/gym/jacuzzi etc. And that was about $900/month.

So there's a sample of those cities.

I only have this to add. If you want to be around talent and culture the best places to be are going to be NYC, Bay Area, DC, Colorado, Seattle, Chicago, Toronto. Probably in that order.