Finalized Temporary Assignment Living Arrangements

Whew! After getting over the sticker shock of rental prices in NY, I have reached an agreement to rent a room for $800/month. This is above the most likely estimate I was shooting for paying in rent, but I think I did better than it initially appears.

Rent includes all utilities - I am not even sure what this would have cost me, but with internet and cable this would have cost me at least $100/mo.

Rent also includes basic furnishings - This is the best part, I was able to convince my employer to give me a $300/mo subsidy in lieu of moving my household goods so the net is $500/mo for rent and utilities. This will be a big help for the budget.

On the downside, it will feel more like living in a hotel room than my home, but I will be saving money and could return home more often on the weekends so I think I have made the right tradeoff without busting my budget.