I wonder how much the “living allowance” is
http://www.nydailynews.com/money/2009/02/05/2009-02-05_nyc_so_costly_you_need_to_earn_six_figur.html
A New Yorker would have to make $123,322 a year to have the same standard of living as someone making $50,000 in Houston.
In Manhattan, a $60,000 salary is equivalent to someone making $26,092 in Atlanta.
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Benefits
How much do NYC Civic Corps members get paid?
Corps members receive a living allowance of $1,129 per month. In addition, at the end of the year service, members have the choice of an education award of $4,725 or a cash stipend of $1,200.