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FAQs - Frequently Asked Questions
 Personal Expenses & Daily Life

  1. How much should I budget for living expenses

  2. Where can I buy inexpensive furnishings for my apartment or room?

  3. Should I buy a car while I'm in Portland?

Q1. Where can I buy inexpensive furnishings for my apartment or room?

A: You can find inexpensive household goods at:

  • Yard Sales (People selling things in front of their house. Look for signs in residential neighborhoods and also listings in the local newspaper.)
  • Classified Ads in the local newspaper
  • "For Sale" Signs posted around campus

Discount Stores, such as:

Q2. Should I buy a car while I'm in Portland?

A: In Portland it is very easy to live without a car.

Q3. How much should I budget for living expenses?

A: The following is a rough estimate of living expenses in Portland, Oregon.

 

Host family fee (includes 3 meals per day):

Housing  
  Host family fee
(includes 3 meals per day)		 $600 / month
  Apartment $400-700 / month
  Food & personal necessities $200 / month
  Furnishing for your room $100+
Transportation
  Portland bus pass $45 - $60/month
  Bicycle $100+
  Car $1500+
  Gas $20 /week
  Car insurance (male) $100+/month
  Car insurance (female) $50+/month
Utilities
  Local telephone service $20+ / month
  Cellular phone service $30+ / month
  High Speed Internet access $30+ / month
  Electricity/Gas $25 - $80 depending on month (heating)
  Textbooks & school supplies $200+ / per term
Entertainment & Recreation
  Movie $6 matinee / $8.00 evening show
  DVD / Video rental $3.50
  Rock Concert $50+
  NBA Basketball game $20-$50+ (depending on seat location)
  Winterhawks Ice Hockey game $16+
  PSU Student Theater production $6
  Broadway Show $35-$50 and up
  PSU Gym Pass $5 / term
  PSU Recreation/exercise classes $2 -$100 (cost varies depending on type of classes)
  Museum Admission $7-9
  PSU Dance Party $5-10
Eating Out
  Lunch $5+
  Dinner at a moderate priced restaurant $12 - $16.00 per entree
  Dinner at an expensive restaurant $20+ per entree
  Cup of coffee at Starbucks $1.40

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