New York City Living

Many people relocate to New York City every year in search of fame, fortune or just to try their hands at living in The Big Apple. Some are chasing those highly touted Wall Street brokerage jobs or the glamour of the fashion industry or the cliché but alluring draw of becoming a Broadway star. Most folk's goals aren't so ambitious when arriving. They want to live where they can get around without a car because often they can't afford one. While it is true you don't need a car in NYC you will have traveling expenses.

If you are thinking of moving to the city (or are already here) remember to factor in the yearly costs of NOT owning a car. Those costs include mass transit, cabs, car services, vans and other transportation needs.

Here is a rough estimate of yearly transportation cost for the "car less" in the city:

Mass Transit

New York City has the largest public transportation system in the United States. There is virtually nowhere you can't reach by subway, bus, or train. Mass transit is how most New Yorkers get around for work and leisure. The subways, most buses and trains run 24/7 365 days a year. Manhattan has the most service, followed by Brooklyn, The Bronx and Queens. Staten Island has a great ferry system to and from the Manhattan, but only one main artery of train service through the middle of the borough and limited buses.

Most commuters use the subway or some combination of subway and bus. A regular monthly metro card cost $76 (subway turnstiles and buses do not take cash).

This is an average annual cost of about $900. There are reduced fares for student, the elderly and others.

Yellow Cabs

Let's face it if you are on a date, running late or simply don't want to deal with crowds; this is your logical option. Even with a recent fare increase, short trips add up to only about $25 a week or $100 a month, for an annual costs of $1200.

Car Service (local) / (airport)

There are many subways stations, but sometimes it rains or snows or is just plain cold. You may have heavy bags from the grocery store or you may be returning late from a party. These are the times when car services come into play.

Care services vary. On average, depending on where you are and where you are going, local service will be about $10 a ride. Figure on about five such rides a month for an average of $500 a year.

If you live in New York City long enough chances are you are eventually going to want to get away for awhile. You will want to use airport service which ranges from about $30 - $50 OW, again depending on which airport you are going to and from which borough you are coming. If you take three such trips a year, that is $240 (RT).

Car Rental

Occasionally, you will want to do the driving yourself maybe to visit friends on Long Island, at the Jersey shore or just as a change of pace for a busy weekend. Brooklyn's RENT-A-WRECK charges $189 including tax for a basic economy car. If you do three weekends a month, that's $517 per year. Keep in mind Manhattan's AVIS will run you about double that.

Man-With-Van Rental

You'll need this handy service, particularly if you live alone and are new to town. You will have to get that dresser or coffee table home from the open air market somehow. The average cost is $10 an hour, so figure $45 plus a $10 tip yearly.

Delivery Charges

Everything you heard about NYC convenience is true. Just about everywhere (including McDonald's) delivers. What you may not have heard is almost everywhere (excluding McDonald's) charges for delivery. Figure $130 dollar in varies delivery charges (including tips) for the year.

Your total estimated yearly cost for getting around the city without a car is approximately $3542.00. You can survive in New York City without owning a car; just don't forget to include alternative transportation costs into your budget.