One Broke Actress Podcast

LA vs. NYC vs. ATL vs. Chicago - A Deep Dive into the Price of Life + Acting in Different Markets

Oct 31, 2024

Gabrielle Byndloss, an Atlanta-based actress and business owner, offers a fresh perspective on acting markets and living costs in different cities. The conversation takes a deep dive into how Atlanta stacks up against LA, NYC, and Chicago for actors. They break down essential expenses like rent and groceries, revealing the financial realities of pursuing acting in each city. Gabrielle champions Atlanta's thriving creative scene and emphasizes the importance of personal happiness when choosing where to live and work.

42:09

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Episode guests

Gabrielle Byndloss

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Episode notes

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Quick takeaways

Actors face significant cost of living disparities between markets, with Atlanta providing greater affordability and financial stability than Los Angeles.

Establishing strong industry relationships and ongoing skill development is crucial for long-term success, regardless of an actor's chosen location.

Deep dives

Living in Different Acting Markets

The discussion emphasizes the differences between various acting markets, such as Los Angeles, Atlanta, and New York, primarily focusing on the cost of living and how it impacts actors. Atlanta is highlighted as a market that offers a more affordable lifestyle, with a private apartment costing around $2,300 compared to $2,500-2,600 in LA. This affordability enables actors in Atlanta to have financial stability, which is crucial considering the unpredictable nature of working in the arts. On the other hand, while actors in LA often feel compelled to move based on the established notion of 'Hollywood,' the changing landscape shows that successful careers can be built in other cities like Atlanta, which has become increasingly vibrant in the entertainment sector.

Intro

3min

Navigating the Acting Market: A City Comparison

18min

Navigating City Living Costs

10min

Cost of Living and Acting Opportunities Across Major Cities

4min

Discrepancies in Atlanta's Production and Audition Landscape

2min

Navigating Acting Opportunities

6min

We’ve talked about the cost of living in Los Angeles before, but how does it compare to the different acting markets in the United States? I did some research on the cost of living for actors in Atlanta, Chicago, and New York City and compared them to Los Angeles. Bringing my bestie and Atlanta native Gabrielle Byndloss on board, I share my findings as Gabrielle reacts to numbers. We’re getting honest about the financial realities of living as an actor in all the major US markets — including rent, transportation, groceries, and acting-related costs. We talk about what some of your deciding factors may be such as quality of life, production numbers, and where to plant your roots. So if you’ve been struggling to figure out where to go due to finances, we got you. Remember, there’s no universal “right” market, but there is a market that is right for YOU!

Watch the Full Video Podcast Here!

00:00 — Let’s Talk Markets

00:20 — Nobody Wants This

03:06 — Actor Life in Different Markets

03:41 — Comparing Living Costs: LA vs. Atlanta

08:21 — Atlanta's Acting Market and Opportunities

12:10 — Detailed Cost Breakdown for Actors in LA and Atlanta

18:14 — Comparing Food and Lifestyle Costs

22:07— Exploring Chicago's Market

22:13 — Comparing Chicago and New York Living Costs

23:19 — The Reality of Living in Chicago

24:31 — Challenges of Moving to Chicago