cost of living in NY and MA

wanderer34 · #1 10-05-2005, 11:06 AM

Hello all, I just want to know what the cost of livng is like for Dominicans in those two states. I know NYC area is out of reach and that 9 out of 10 Dominicans don't own any houses or properties but maybe their businesses and that's it. And I heard that Boston was also out of reach too to the point that everybody who can't afford to live there moves to either RI or NH, both states which doesn't have a state tax. The only state in the Northeast that I can think that might be the cheapest is PA and DE, but there's no significant concentration of Dominicans in either of those states. Just need info on the quality of life in NY and MA (specifically MA).

Ricardo900 · #2 10-05-2005, 11:28 AM

Rent - $700+ (studio) in the worst areas of NYC
Food - $200+ (Groceries for a single person only)
Con Ed - $55 (No air-conditioning or electric heaters)
Gas - $30 (Moderate cooking, if not included in your rent)
Cable - $35 (Basic Digital Cable)
Entertainment - $$$ (Sky's the limit) at least $200 for a date of two (dinner & dancing)
Total not including clothing and other things $1220

windeguy · #3 10-19-2005, 09:59 AM

To add more to the good information already provided. I had no idea it could be so cheap to survive in New York City.

When many people from the DR think of the US they think only of "Neuva York". In this case the entire USA is condensed to only New York city. The OP did mention MA as well, but I think they may have meant Boston? I am originally from New York State, lived just over the boarder from MA in NH (because it was cheaper in NH) and lived in CA before moving here. First generation immigrants from any country tend to group together. My grandparents did that when they moved from Eastern Europe. Look at how many of us ExPats live in the Puerto Plata to Sosua to Cabarete areas. Did we overpay for where we are living, you bet in many cases. My point is, we all tend to pay more money to be near that security blanket of those that are "like us". I wonder if we saw those same people while we lived back in our home countries, would we even come near them?

I was doing a search on inexpensive places to live in the US and guess what? New York was one of them. No, not New York City which is one of the most expensive places, but areas of upstate New York had low costs. Why, bad weather and few jobs are some main reasons. Western MA is much like upstate New York state. But if you can find a job in such an area, the quality of life will probably be higher than if you live in the most dangerous part of New York City.

rellosk · #4 10-19-2005, 10:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wanderer34

Hello all, I just want to know what the cost of livng is like for Dominicans in those two states. I know NYC area is out of reach and that 9 out of 10 Dominicans don't own any houses or properties but maybe their businesses and that's it. And I heard that Boston was also out of reach too to the point that everybody who can't afford to live there moves to either RI or NH, both states which doesn't have a state tax. The only state in the Northeast that I can think that might be the cheapest is PA and DE, but there's no significant concentration of Dominicans in either of those states. Just need info on the quality of life in NY and MA (specifically MA).

I know you didn't ask about NJ, but I know quite a few Dominicans that own homes in NJ. There are plenty of areas in NJ where one can find affordable two-family homes.

Stodgord · #5 10-19-2005, 11:32 AM

Perhaps the rent and electric bills are high in NYC but the food that Dominican tend to eat is very cheap.

20 lbs of rice $2.99
Platanos 10 for $1.00 sometimes 12 to 20 for $1.00
1 dz egg $1.00
beans 16oz dry 2 for $1.00
and so on.

laurapasinifan · #6 10-19-2005, 01:42 PM

I live an hour north of the city...close to the ct border in NY. I have plenty of dominican friends living in ct , like danbury and waterbury. Rent in NY and danbury run from $1200 to $1800 for 2 bedrooms. My cable internet is $50 before taxes.,the dish TV runs about $100/month if you want alot of channels, electric for my three bedroom Raised ranch is about $100 per month, no A/C...if you rent , you may have to pay for heat, which could be at least $100-$200 per month depending on the insulation. Garbage removal is about $35 per month. The phone service is from $60-$100 depending on all the features you want...to supply food and household items for my house for me and a 19 year old daughter runs about $100+ per week. The water softner rental runs about $25 per month... gas is $2.95 a gallon, car insurance with good rates run about $1200/ year per car with collision. Health insurance through a good company plan will still cost you $250 a month even after the employer pays the bulk. then you have probably a $20 co=pay on visits and prescriptions. the movies cost about $8, a nice dinner for two will run $75..... what else??????....thats the bulk I guess....enjoy!.......bob

cabroncito · #7 10-20-2005, 04:33 AM

Everybodys NYC info is accurate, rent + utils are high. but, myself would prefer to live in alto mann. than boston. (just personal preference) You should try Philly, PA. A friend of mine was going to move from Mann. to Philly, cheaper houses or rent.

But don't forget 68% of Dominicans that in the US live in NY. (not important, just like throwing that out there)

deelt · #8 10-20-2005, 09:02 AM

Actually figure is no longer accurate. It has been decreasing annually as more Dominicans migrate to other areas of the country and reinforce that population with direct family migration from the island. Say, you move to North Carolina, Delaware or Utah or Alaska (yes, there are many Dominicans in all these places) and have stayed there for a substancial amount of time, like 15 years. Any family you sponsor will also more than likely go to where you are versus move to NYC. This is what has happened in places like Miami, FL, Providence, RI, and Lawerence, MA.

Quote:

Originally Posted by cabroncito

But don't forget 68% of Dominicans that in the US live in NY. (not important, just like throwing that out there)

Ricardo900 · #9 10-20-2005, 10:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by deelt

Actually figure is no longer accurate. It has been decreasing annually as more Dominicans migrate to other areas of the country and reinforce that population with direct family migration from the island. Say, you move to North Carolina, Delaware or Utah or Alaska (yes, there are many Dominicans in all these places) and have stayed there for a substancial amount of time, like 15 years. Any family you sponsor will also more than likely go to where you are versus move to NYC. This is what has happened in places like Miami, FL, Providence, RI, and Lawerence, MA.

That is one of the reasons why you can find a Mexican community all over the US, i.e. Minnesota, North Carolina, Chicago, etc..

cabroncito · #10 10-20-2005, 03:31 PM

ok, 50%...