How far does 36k a year go in DC?

[Reckoner]

I may be taking a government job down there soon, and was curious if this is a liveable wage in those parts.

 

[keeleysam]

You'll be living on the streets.

 

[halik]

you'll be living in the 'hood

 

[gooseman]

Originally posted by: keeleysam
You'll be living on the streets.

Be sure to stake out a steam grate soon. That way you'll be able to stay warm during those cold winter months.

 

[vi edit]

I don't live there...but it does seem rather low. Even here in the midwest where the SOL is very reasonable, $36k doesn't go *incredibly* far. Especially if you ever hope to own your home that isn't in a slum or 40 miles away from work.

 

[FoBoT]

you'll need roommates

 

[James3shin]

You'll either be living outside the city or in a very undesireable location within the city.

 

[Reckoner]

Figured as much... thanks

 

[eits]

Originally posted by: keeleysam
You'll be living on the streets.

that's less than our cleaning lady makes and she lives in an apartment with her daughter. you won't make it with only 36k, unless you married someone who'd be picking up your slack.

p.s. i'm from the dc area.

 

[Strk]

You can live on it, but it's nothing stellar.

 

[alrocky]

How far does 36k a year go in DC?

10 months

---

Assuming you meant a federal government job, welcome to FERS and the Thrift Saving Plan, a pretty darn good retirement system.

 

[jagec]

Originally posted by: gooseman

Originally posted by: keeleysam
You'll be living on the streets.

Be sure to stake out a steam grate soon. That way you'll be able to stay warm during those cold winter months.

On $36k, you might be able to hire a couple crackheads to help you defend it in exchange for a share of the warmth, and some beautiful shining crystals of that transcendental crack.

I'm of the opinion that anyone with decent money management can stretch a budget much further than you'd think. I could live pretty well on $36k, IMHO. Obviously I wouldn't be driving a brand-new car or living in a mansion, mind you...

 

[Rob9874]

That's approximately $2250/mo (assuming 25% to taxes, SSI, etc).

$800 - Rent (being nice, it's probably more in DC)
$100 - cable/internet
$75 - electricity
$50 - cell phone
$200 - car payment
$75 - car insurance

That leaves you with $950. You'll need to use that for groceries, gas, lunches/dinners out to eat, etc. It could be done, assuming you have no debt. Other bills could be health insurance premiums, water, natural gas, garbage, home phone. I gave you the benefit of the doubt, and left those off. And if you don't have a car payment, add $200. However, if you have a $300 car payment and a few hundred in credit card payments every month, I wouldn't want to do it.

 

[Miramonti]

36k isn't bad in DC unless you're responsible for paying your own room and board.

 

[dabuddha]

GS-7 eh? That's what I started out on. One month, I had to live off of Ramen noodles just to pay my freaking rent.

 

[GTaudiophile]

I will be making over $20K more than that...and I will be stretched thin...you'll need to find some roommates to split rent!!!

 

[dabuddha]

Originally posted by: GTaudiophile
I will be making over $20K more than that...and I will be stretched thin...you'll need to find some roommates to split rent!!!

He can do it w/o roommates. I started out at a GS-7 and lived in a 1 bedroom by myself without many problems. He'll just have to learn how to manage his money and he'll be fine.

 

[GTaudiophile]

Originally posted by: dabuddha

Originally posted by: GTaudiophile
I will be making over $20K more than that...and I will be stretched thin...you'll need to find some roommates to split rent!!!

He can do it w/o roommates. I started out at a GS-7 and lived in a 1 bedroom by myself without many problems. He'll just have to learn how to manage his money and he'll be fine.

I just got back from D.C. where I went apartment hunting for four days straight! I am settling on a studio in Silver Spring for like $1100/month including utilities...and that is on the cheap side of what I found! I am just saying that rent is a killer in that area!

 

[GTaudiophile]

From what I have read and witnessed personally, D.C. has one of the most ruthless rental markets in the USA. But craigslist is your friend!

 

[EagleKeeper]

Rents will drop off as you head outward (or inward )
Eastward outside the beltway in PG county.

You may have an hour drive (similar to the Boston area in terms of traffic) w/ less alternate routes. Only main roads to get from Md to Va across the river. All are jammed during rush hour.

 

[LanceM]

Come to Texas and you'll live like a king! Muahahahaa!

 

[dabuddha]

Also take advantage of the Metro here. Especially if it's a government job, you get a transportation subsidy of $105/month so I'd recommend going down to North Virginia

 

[GTaudiophile]

Originally posted by: dabuddha
Also take advantage of the Metro here. Especially if it's a government job, you get a transportation subsidy of $105/month so I'd recommend going down to North Virginia

How does one qualify for that?

 

[sinucus]

Rent/Mortgage should always follow the rule of thirds. Monthly income/3=Rent. Making 2250 a month and renting a 1100 apartment is 1/2 but you are getting free utilities so that might make up for it.

Now you just need to learn how to be frugal, like throwing an extension cord out the window and selling your free electricity to your neighbors.

 

[GTaudiophile]

Originally posted by: sinucus
Rent/Mortgage should always follow the rule of thirds. Monthly income/3=Rent. Making 2250 a month and renting a 1100 apartment is 1/2 but you are getting free utilities so that might make up for it.

Now you just need to learn how to be frugal, like throwing an extension cord out the window and selling your free electricity to your neighbors.

I was always told that rule applied to after-tax income only.