The Economics of Phoebe Buffay: How Could She Afford Her Lifestyle on Friends?

Nobody on Friends embodied the New York hustle better than Phoebe Buffay. The eccentric character lived a boho-chic lifestyle that many city transplants dream of, but without breaking the bank.

Phoebe, portrayed by Lisa Kudrow, was the only main character on the show who lived on her own, despite claiming to have a roommate named Denise who was suspiciously never seen or heard. This raised questions about how she could afford her lifestyle.

Phoebe’s most consistent job on the show was working as an independent massage therapist, which often put her in hilarious situations. While fans might assume that her side gigs didn’t bring in much money, real-life massage therapist Anna Ortolano says that Phoebe could have actually made a good living from her massage career.

Ortolano explains that massage therapists in private practice can do well for themselves if they keep their schedule full. In the ’90s, when Friends was set, Phoebe could have charged anywhere between $90 to $200 per hour for her services. Since New York treats massage therapy as a form of healthcare, Phoebe’s rates would likely have reflected that. However, she also had the freedom to choose her own rates and might have even offered deals.

Despite the high cost of living in New York, particularly in Manhattan, renting an apartment in the ’90s was a bit more affordable. The average monthly rent for a one-bedroom apartment was around $1,500, making it manageable for a full-time massage therapist like Phoebe. If Phoebe’s roommate Denise actually existed and split the rent, it would have been even more affordable.

Phoebe’s diverse work history on the show included not only being a massage therapist but also working at a Dairy Queen, doing phone telemarketing, and pursuing a career as a musician. She even took on temporary jobs at her friends’ workplaces. The pay for these various gigs would have varied greatly, but having a regular massage schedule would have provided Phoebe with a steady income.

While Phoebe valued small, independent businesses and often lived within her means, her lifestyle choices were not solely motivated by finances. She championed vintage and secondhand furniture, which would have been more affordable than trendy options like Pottery Barn. As a result, her financial situation was likely more comfortable than her friends who splurged on luxury items.