Post: #1

I’m a 30 year old Canadian who has been living in Toronto for about 8 years. I have a good six-figure career in financial services here. I have the opportunity to take a similar position for the same company in New York, specifically Manhattan. I would make a bit more in Manhattan, and 30%+ more when you factor in the currency conversion. Obviously rent and other expenses are higher in Manhattan.

Has anybody lived in both cities? What did you like and dislike? Any advice as I make the tough decision on whether to move or not?

Manhattan seems exciting but I don’t know anybody there and have an established life in Toronto. Anybody else move to Manhattan in a similar situation and how did it go?

Post: #2

I haven't lived in Toronto (only visited), but I doubt you'll have a problem meeting people in New York. There is literally an unending supply of foreigners who move to the city for exactly the same kinds of reasons that you would have. And that doesn't even count all the people from other parts of the US who move to New York either right after college or in the middle of a career like yourself.

Post: #3

I've been most of South America and Europe as well as in many states in United States, I think New York, (Manhattan) is the best city in the world. But you need to make minimum $10,000 to live well off there. I don't think I would like to live in Manhattan if I make $5000 or $6000 net.

But if you make $10,000 net or above preferably like $15,000, I would live in New York forever rest of my life. I would rather live in New York and make $15,000 than living in London and make $30,000.

Post: #4

While I believe the toughness game wise of toronto is over stated I do agree the quality is on the lower end. However New York girls are better looking and easier then Toronto girls so girl wise I think New York definitely wins.

Post: #5

Go for it, once in New York, you will never want to return to Toronto.

Post: #6

I agree with Rossi, it's a city that is only worth living in if you make top dollar, but if you don't it sucks and you will be cutting corners and missing out on things from not having the money. For someone making 15k+ it probably has more things to offer than any city in the world.

Post: #7

Manhattan is way more fun than Toronto, but you may need to make some compromises financially.

To me, Toronto is obsolete in terms of long time stay when compared to NYC. At the end of the day, the things people want from Toronto you can basically find in Queens..

Post: #8

(05-09-2018 09:22 AM)Gotti Wrote:  I’m a 30 year old Canadian who has been living in Toronto for about 8 years. I have a good six-figure career in financial services here. I have the opportunity to take a similar position for the same company in New York, specifically Manhattan. I would make a bit more in Manhattan, and 30%+ more when you factor in the currency conversion. Obviously rent and other expenses are higher in Manhattan.

Has anybody lived in both cities? What did you like and dislike? Any advice as I make the tough decision on whether to move or not?

Manhattan seems exciting but I don’t know anybody there and have an established life in Toronto. Anybody else move to Manhattan in a similar situation and how did it go?

I've lived in both.

It's a no-brainer between the two. Manhattan any day of the week, twice on Sundays.

- Wider, better talent pool
- Lots and lots of nightlife options
- You can walk from Central Park to Soho (roughly an hour) and you don't feel it one bit, because it's rare to see a boring street.
- There's always something happening, lots of resources (for example, I was looking for Russian classes in the evenings, and you find a huge number of options to choose from...not in Toronto)
- The winter is nowhere near as brutal as that of Toronto's
- Much cheaper to travel internationally (both flight costs, and of course you making USD)

In terms of costs, Manhattan is more expensive by 20-25% give or take, but the pros definitely outweigh the cost).

Post: #9

Appreciate all the feedback so far.

Salary is still being determined. Let’s say I have a base of 130k with bonus target around 15%. Would I be living pretty good on that? I’m not a bottles in the club guy at all but I eat out a lot and do like me some nightlife.

Post: #10

(05-10-2018 05:58 PM)Gotti Wrote:  Appreciate all the feedback so far.

Salary is still being determined. Let’s say I have a base of 130k with bonus target around 15%. Would I be living pretty good on that? I’m not a bottles in the club guy at all but I eat out a lot and do like me some nightlife.

If you hit your bonus target all in all it will be about $98k after tax. So about $8200 per month which can definitely give you a nice life in manhattan, it just depends on how much you want to end up saving and how nice you want to be living. Many people say New York/Manhattan is expensivem while that's true there is definitely levels to the lifestyle so it all comes down to what you want, want kind of place you want to live in, if you'll want a car etc.

Post: #11

If you're eating out a lot then you'll definitely see it hit your wallet. It's not hard to get good, healthier food on the cheaper side in just about any neighborhood if you know where to look, but those sit-down restaurants will run you a pretty penny.

Post: #12

(05-10-2018 05:58 PM)Gotti Wrote:  Appreciate all the feedback so far.

Salary is still being determined. Let’s say I have a base of 130k with bonus target around 15%. Would I be living pretty good on that? I’m not a bottles in the club guy at all but I eat out a lot and do like me some nightlife.

I lived in Manhattan almost 10 years straight, man. I did my college and mba there at New York University.

How much will you make net roughly per month?

Post: #13

I've only visited New York but it shouldn't even be a question that it's superior to Toronto in every way imaginable.