Can anyone help me analyzing if the budgets of both universities are realistic?

I understand life in NY is way more expensive than Durham, however both budgets are quite close: NYU is $83,722 and Duke is $79,409...

Thanks in advanced!

https://law.duke.edu/internat/budget/
http://www.law.nyu.edu/financialaid/budgetandbudgeting/studentexpensebudget

Those budgets are made considering different circumstances.

For example, perhaps that budget in NY would mean you live with 2 roomates, without the possibility of going on a vacation and not going shopping while in durham you will have a room just for yourself, owning a used car, being able to travel to Washington DC.

Dont let the numbers trick you, in NYC you will probably spend at least 25 K more

Those budgets are made considering different circumstances.

For example, perhaps that budget in NY would mean you live with 2 roomates, without the possibility of going on a vacation and not going shopping while in durham you will have a room just for yourself, owning a used car, being able to travel to Washington DC.

Dont let the numbers trick you, in NYC you will probably spend at least 25 K more

New York is MUCH more expensive. As mentioned you will live in a tiny apartment and spend MORE money than you would in Durham. Costs for an apartment are about 2-3 times more in NYC than Durham. Almost everything is more expensive too in NYC than Durham. The ONLY exception I can think of if might be airplane flights.

If you like being a super large city with noise all around you, 24 hours a day, and you like to be in a sea of people every second, then maybe you will like NYC. :-))))

I know the subject is NY vs Durham, but can please share your thoughts on Berkeley CA vs Durham?

Understand the Bay Area is also expensive to live in?