Costs per month
Rent: $495 for a semi-furnished studio in a commercially managed student resident building; third floor in a three-floor walk-up.

Utilities: heat, water, electricity are included in rent

Food: Groceries About $275; I minimize the amount I eat out - maybe once a month for about 15$.

Transportation: I walk everywhere on foot; I may use the bus once or twice a month, about $2.75 per trip.