Living in the Big Apple, means you need a big budget for housing, or be okay with roommates. Unless you're not claustrophobic.

A couple years ago, Manhattan architect Luke Clark Tyler, lived in a 96 square foot apartment. Instead of upsizing with his latest move, he chose to squeeze himself and his belongings into even less space.

Luke now lives in a 78 square foot shoebox studio. It's too narrow to fit a bed lengthwise, but using a bit of plywood and 2x4s he built his own custom bed/couch.

He keeps his clothes, plates, microwave, books, spices and shaving and cleaning supplies in a large built-in cabinet. The rest of his kitchen is a tiny refrigerator that helps hold up his desk (he works for home as a contract architect).

While he admits he misses being able to cook a real meal- though he's vegetarian so eats a lot of vegetables and nuts and can even microwave eggs- Luke doesn't see living small as a sacrifice.

He loves living in the heart of New York City- his place is in Midtown Manhattan's Hell's Kitchen- and he likes paying just $750/month (cheaper than the shared housing he could find in the area).

That's insane! I thought I had it bad in my mid 20s I lived in an apartment that had 500 square feet and I paid $500 a month. I felt crammed in my apartment. Granted my old bedroom at my parents was about 500 square feet. But I made it work.

I can't fathom living and WORKING in basically a closet.

Different strokes for different folks I guess.

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