Originally Posted by
phly
I wouldn't care where I'd be based because I would just have to start a new life wherever I ended up. I was just wondering are you feeding yourselves, making rent payments and keeping a car for first year FO wages? They seem prohibitively low.
Considering the US because it seems like an ok avenue to move up in aircraft complexity.
One of the first considerations is whether you choose the CRJ or ERJ.
CRJ new hires are going to Detroit. ERJ new hires are going to Chicago. But, that could change in a heartbeat when we open a new base. Rumors about a new base are out there and a new base sounds imminent. They won't tell you where because that will disclose the partner.
If you avoid California (and New York City in case we eventually get a base there), you can survive on what you will earn. And, it becomes more liveable after you upgrade to captain (2 years on the CRJ and 3 years on the ERJ).
Both cities are comparatively (to California) inexpensive to live in. Chicago has a decent mass transit system if you live within walking distance.