After two weeks, it has become obvious to me that one of the biggest differences between New York City and Columbia is price. It’s not just the cost of rent, or even the cost of food–EVERYTHING is more expensive in New York City. Even a simple hamburger at a restaurant is at least $15 and let’s not even begin on drinks. (I had one the other night for $13!) There’s no such thing as Walgreens out here. Instead, we have Duane Reade, a drugstore with everything that Walgreens has, but again, it’s more expensive. To save a little money, we became members in their buyer’s reward card. We just think it’s cool to be members. And the Columbia Mall is non-existent in New York. Instead, it’s Soho, a trendy area that includes little boutiques as well as Chanel, Prada and Burberry. None of those are cheap clothing stores.
The best way to save money in New York City, then, is to not eat, sleep or dress yourself.
