Shelley, Utica was once a great city. When I was a kid in the 1940-50's it was very dirty from all the factories, lots of slums and crime. The prime was apparently back when the Erie Canal was the main means of transportation across the state. Utica has done a lot of cleaning up, and now offers a lot for a city it's size. I don't know how rents and other living expenses are there, but know is considered one of the less expensive cities in the state. Even so, if you aren't offered enough on this new job to meet your expenses......Perhaps they will decide you are so stunningly right for the job they will offer you more. Have you let them know how much you need? Jo