How Did 'Friends' Characters Afford To Live in 1990s New York?

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Friends fans often debate how the characters afforded such spacious New York City apartments in the 1990s—but the scenario was more realistic than people may think.

While it may seem impossible that Rachel Green (Jennifer Aniston), Monica Geller (Courteney Cox), Phoebe Buffay-Hannigan (Lisa Kudrow), Joey Tribbiani (Matt LeBlanc), Chandler Bing (Matthew Perry) and Ross Geller (David Schwimmer) could afford their New York City apartments given their professions and lifestyles, a closer look offers some plausible explanations.

Newsweek has broken down the approximate salaries each character would have earned during the 1990s, typical rent prices in Greenwich Village at the time and the in-show details that made their living situations more feasible.

Each Character's Living Situation

Monica and Rachel's Apartment

Monica's large Greenwich Village apartment was affordable due to her inherited rent-controlled lease from her grandmother, which kept the rent "ridiculously low." In the 1990s, rent-controlled apartments in the Village could cost as little as $300–$500 per month, allowing Monica and Rachel to live there despite their modest incomes. By splitting the rent, the financial burden was manageable, even when Rachel worked as a low-paid waitress or was unemployed.

Chandler and Joey's Apartment

Chandler and Joey lived in a smaller unit across from Monica and Rachel. Chandler's stable income as a corporate executive allowed him to cover most of their expenses, especially when Joey's acting gigs were inconsistent. Chandler likely earned enough to afford their rent comfortably, and having Joey as a roommate helped reduce costs, even if Chandler shouldered most of the financial burden.

Phoebe's Apartment

Phoebe lived alone in a quirky apartment, managing on her modest income as a massage therapist and part-time musician. Her rent was likely kept low by rent stabilization, which, though less strict than rent control, still made housing affordable in the 1990s. Phoebe's frugal lifestyle allowed her to live comfortably on her modest earnings.

Ross's Apartment

Ross's more stable income made his living situation plausible. As a paleontologist earning around $40,000–$60,000 and later as a professor at NYU earning $50,000–$75,000, Ross could afford a more modest apartment. His rent was likely around $1,500–$2,500 per month, making it manageable given his steady salary.

Salaries in the 1990s

Monica Geller (Chef):

Entry-level chef: Monica likely earned around $25,000- $35,000 annually as an entry-level chef.

Later in the series: As a head chef, her salary would have increased to $50,000–$70,000 per year.

Rachel Green (Waitress and Fashion Buyer):

Waitress: As a waitress, Rachel's annual income would have been around $15,000–$20,000, including tips.

Fashion industry: Once she moved into fashion, her salary ranged from $30,000–$60,000 per year, depending on her role and experience.

Joey Tribbiani (Soap Opera Actor):

Struggling actor: Early in the series, Joey made around $500–$1,000 per day for small roles.

Soap opera star: At his peak, as Dr. Drake Ramoray on Days of Our Lives, Joey could have earned $1,000–$2,000 per episode, potentially bringing in $100,000–$150,000 per year.

Chandler Bing (Statistical Analysis Executive):

Corporate salary: Chandler's corporate job likely paid $50,000–$100,000 per year, depending on his promotions.

Switch to advertising: Later in the series, Chandler transitioned to advertising, likely taking a pay cut at first, with entry-level salaries in the late 1990s ranging from $35,000–$50,000 per year. As he gained experience and advanced, his salary could have risen to $60,000–$80,000 or more, depending on his role and performance.

Phoebe Buffay (Massage Therapist):

Massage therapist: As a freelance massage therapist, Phoebe's annual income likely ranged from $25,000–$40,000, depending on her client base.

Musician: Phoebe's side gig as a musician, playing at Central Perk and local venues, likely earned her $50–$100 per performance. Over a year, this could have added a few thousand dollars to her income

Rent Prices in Greenwich Village

By the 1990s, Greenwich Village was already a pricey neighborhood, but rent control and stabilization helped residents like Monica and Phoebe afford their homes.

Studio apartments: Market-rate studios cost $1,000–$1,500 per month.

One-bedroom apartments: Ranged from $1,500–$2,500 per month, depending on location.

Two-bedroom apartments: Market rate for a two-bedroom like Monica's was $2,500–$3,500+ per month, but her rent-controlled unit was far cheaper at $300–$500.

Rent control and stabilization: This kept prices lower than market rate, explaining how Monica could afford such a large apartment.

Could They Really Afford It?

Though the characters' living situations seem unrealistic, explanations like rent control, splitting costs with roommates, and Chandler's high salary make their homes plausible for 1990s New York, despite the Village's rising rents.