[WestieJeff]

35k is right in the range of what a new school teacher makes and there are plenty of them.

I know people earning 35k and making it with a decent amount of student loan or CC debt, so you're already ahead of them.

A shared apartment should run you $500-$700/month including utilities. You won't be having Hawaii bound vacations every year, but I think you'll be fine. You should be able to make ends meet and still have some fun.

[Packrat1]

I would definitely ask around and see what the longevity is of the position you are looking at. Do they have frequent layoffs, have the other employees been around a long time etc.

[YoungVegas]

Thanks for everyone's thoughts. I'm fairly careful with money (college degree with no debt, a car that is paid for).

It sounds like it would be tight, but doable. The thing I wish I knew is what people who have been in the company for 5 years in marketing/PR/advertising earn.

I'm excited about the job itself. As near as I can tell there are other people about my age I would be working with.

[ecd3easy]

Originally Posted by Packrat1

I would definitely ask around and see what the longevity is of the position you are looking at. Do they have frequent layoffs, have the other employees been around a long time etc.

She's in PR she'll be fine. Plus she had ad industry expierence which is a plus.

35k is cool. You can rent a 1br in a decent area and be fine. Plus you can go out occasionally.

[longton52]

The key factors are your lack of debt and the reliable car. Plus working for a major casino provides you with health/dental insurance and at least one meal a day. $35k is definitely do-able.

But as someone else suggested; write up a budget and see how it looks..... rent, gas, electric, cable/internet, groceries, car insurance.
Depending on where you're coming from, your car insurance might increase significantly.

Good luck !

[Danknee]

Originally Posted by YoungVegas

I've read the sticky notes on moving to Las Vegas. I visit friends & family several times per year.

My question is this: I've been offered a position in PR at one of the major hotel/casino chains starting at $35K/year. Can I make it on $35K/year? Yes, Las Vegas has a lower cost of living than LA, NYC & SF, where I could make more. Yes, there are online calculators to compare cost of living, but they tend to be very general.


I'm in my early 20s, single, female, no debt, college graduate, some savings, and only 1 year of professional work experience after college at an advertising agency. I would look for a shared housing environment (share an apartment). I have a reliable, if unattractive, car.


Thanks for your thoughts!

Totally doable. Based on your blurb I'd say keep your financial situation as-is and get experience at the new job. If you have potential to advance, focus on that goal.

As long as your car is mechanically sound and has AC then drive it until the wheels fall off.

Rent in the suburbs and as you gain friends in Vegas you could consider renting a house with them and splitting costs (Money-wise this was a huge win for me when I was college age).

[C_A_Braun]

If this family of 4 can live on 14k / yr in Henderson than I would have to think that you as a single person could potentially live like a king on 2 1/2 times that. Family Of Four Live Well On Just $14,000 Per Year - Business Insider

[FML157]

You'll be fine;35k equates to $2200-2500 a month. What helps you out is the lack of debt obligations. I think you may even be able to rent a 1bedroom apartment/condo. Also, when you work at a casino usually you get 2 free meals a day (that helps out with the food expenditures). Good luck!

[ohhboy]

what is PR. does it involve bikinis? theres a casino downtown who have vey busty dealers.........lol. not the old bats and haggerdly old men like before.

[winter-rabbit]

Taking advantage of public resources is great as far as leisure spending goes. Parks/Trails/Running.