The The Fifth Element has been called both the best and worst summer blockbuster of all time (we say, the BEST). The science fiction film was set during the twenty third century and the plot focuses around Bruce Willis’ character saving earth from some giant black ball of fire. If you have not seen it, gather your shame and try harder at life. This really is a must-see.
However, what is most interesting about this movie is Korben Dallas’ (Bruce Willis) studio apartment in NYC.
How much would you pay for this?
– Around 300 square feet
– Midtown Manhattan location
– Tons of storage
Get ready for the terrifying results from a new, highly scientific study (two Suitey team members with a calculator and the “compound annual growth rate” equation) on projected rents in New York City.
Over the last 21 years, the average annual change in rent was +3.3%. In 1992, studio apartments in the city averaged $1,230 per month, whereas today studio apartments in Manhattan average $2,483 per month. That is DOUBLE the amount our preceding generation was paying when they said goodbye to the Golden Girls in 1992.
We used the yearly 3.3% increase to determine what we would be paying for Korben Dallas’ apartment in the year 2214.
Can you guess?
In 2214, if the rent continues to increase by 3.3% every year, Korben Dallas will be paying $1,780,000 per month for his studio in Fifth Element
I mean, really, is living in NYC even worth it? Do you think heat was included in his rent?
Bruce Willis’ character is a retired Major in the Special Forces and now works as a taxi cab driver. If rental requirements in the city remain the same in the next 200 years, landlords will still be insisting that tenants prove 40 times the monthly rent in annual income. THAT means that Willis/Dallas would be raking in $71,200,000 every year!
We don’t hate THAT number!
Being a guarantor in Manhattan requires proving 80 times the monthly rent. Can you imagine asking your parents to prove that they are making $142,400,000?!
In conclusion, be thankful for the measly amount of rent you are paying here in the city. It could be worse. You could be Korben Dallas in 2214.
