HCOL City Budgets

General
1

Anyone living in a HCOL city able to share how much they spend, I feel super depressed looking at my budget and not see any serious corners to cut.

Rent - 1800

Utilities - 130 + 40 in laundry

Phone + Internet - 130 + spotify sub $15? (I know this is an easier fix if you have suggestions for a good phone internet bundle for one)

Groceries - 350

Eating Out - 350 (this was an average for 8 months I have since cut it to more like 150)

Dog Expenses - 200

Personal - 185 (this would be like personal care items, medical fees etc)

Shopping - 300

Coffee - 65 (pods and out)

2

I live alone in a HCOL city too and save by cutting food costs, shopping mindfully, and thrifting.

3

@I’ll break down my shopping more—houseplants, crochet, running gear, and clothes add up fast!

4

@Strongwing check free/buy nothing groups near you, sometimes people give away plants, yarn, clothes, shoes etc

5

yes most of my plants and pots are free! i got a ton of yarn too but i use specific yarn for my blankets

6

for rent I don’t have a car and have an average of $20 on transportation so can’t really change location :sweat_smile:

7

Lokk into Xfinity, you might get a cheaper rate for Internet and phone bill (mine is $80+$30)

8

this is awesome thank you!

9

I also live in a high cost area so i feel your pain, but the wi fi speed and phone data was good so far. I switched from T-mobile (spotty data and shitty customer service) to Xfinity and all is good

10

We do this, but our xfinity sucks. Would not recommend if you work from home, or at least ask others in the area if they’re happy with it!

11

What are your $200 dog expenses? Mine is $100/month for a 110lbs black lab and two cats, Costco fed.

12

It’s all his expenses for the year divided by 12. So food ($65) insurance ($55), supplies ($15), preventives ($30), annual vaccines etc

13

Does this include preventatives and vet?

14

Yep! $30 for preventatives a month and $200 for the annual vet

15

Nice! Not to be extra nosy but are they the prescription preventatives?!

We have 3 dogs and a cat, 1 large dog and 2 small/medium, so we’ll always be higher than that but I’ll have to shop around. Currently looking for a cheaper vet too.

16

Yes! simparica trio out of costco I wanna say $145 for 6 mo for the 44-88 range or whatever that size range is

17

thank you o much :hugs: