I don't expect someone with a 30k salary to pay anywhere near 33% tax. Federal: 12k standard deduction for an individual, looks like $1969 in taxes on the rema

I don't expect someone with a 30k salary to pay anywhere near 33% tax. Federal: 12k standard deduction for an individual, looks like $1969 in taxes on the remaining. New York State: 8k standard deduction, roughly $1100 tax on the rest (eyeballing it). FICA: 7.65% tax on 30k is 2295. $1050 per month after rent instead of $675. Not saying it's comfortable... in fact I think I'd still agree with your "barely livable" description.