I live too far outside NYC to get in quickly. It's about an hour's train ride. So I want to move INTO the city.

Can anyone tell me if being a waiter in say, Times Square will be enough to keep me alive while I look for acting work AND pay rent?

What is a typical NYC budget?

I need help!

I dont wait tables, I temp which is good money, but i know people that survive by waiting tables. I hear the upper west side is the best, money-wise.
You'll have to account for at least $800-900 most likely, plus cable (80/mo) and groceries. Food is more expensive here than most places but you can eat ramen noodles if you have to while you get on your feet. Metro card is an exta cost that tends to sneak up- $76/mo for unlimited card.

Hope that helps
Jess

I have actually heard that tourist areas like Times Square are okay, not the best. Yes, they will always be busy, but I heard that tourists in Times Square dont want to tip well. I would suggest waiting table in Soho, yes there will be some tourists but not nearly as many as a place like Times Square. Best of luck.

you could try some of the steak houses that serve nice wines...there are definitely some within the TS vicinity...maybe a bit over towards Rock Center. I had people in classes that always seemed to make big tips because of the wine.