Living in New York City in my 20s wasn't worth it. I was finally able to save up 6 figures after leaving the city.

Thu, 01/25/2024 - 05:01

Blonde woman stands in front of a moving subway. — Lola Méndez (not pictured) lived paycheck to paycheck, renting in NYC in her early 20s.
Hello Lovely/Getty Images

Writer Lola Méndez moved to New York City in 2009 to finish her college degree.
She worked in fashion and PR and spent nearly a third of her salary on rent for years.
Méndez says moving away at 25 was the best thing she ever did for her wallet and well-being.

When I moved to New York City from Los Angeles in 2009 to finish my college degree, I was stunned at how much more expensive rent is in New York City and how little you get for the hefty price.