People who live in a high cost-of-living
city have to allocate their budget very differently from those living in the
country. While rent is supposed to be
25% of your gross monthly salary, that’s next to impossible for those living in
a city like Los Angeles. But just
because certain cities are more costly doesn’t mean your quality of life has to
suffer. Here are some frugal tips for
living in a high cost-of-living city:
Sublet
One of the biggest expenses of living in a
city is the rent. Signing a lease for a
one-bedroom apartment can cost you upwards of $2000 in some parts of Los
Angeles or San Francisco. In order to
find something affordable, you often have to settle for living in an area
that’s less safe or one with a long commute.
Many people sublet out their apartments to make extra money in cities with rent control. You can find cheap sublets on Craigslist that will let you live in a nicer area while paying much less in rent.
Take Public
Transportation
Nobody loves taking the bus, but it’s a
convenient and cheap way to get around a big city. Rural areas lack the same level of public
transportation that people living in big cities take for granted every
day. While you could hardly live in the
middle of the country without a car, it’s entirely possible to go carless in a
city like NYC or San Francisco.
Find Free Public
Entertainment
Cities that have a high cost-of-living are
usually the center of culture and art.
Therefore, you can find plenty of art museums and events that are often
hosted free to the public. For example,
the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA) gives Los Angeles residents free
admission weekdays after 3 pm. Get to
know your city by exploring different neighborhoods. This will help you tap into the cultural
diversity of living in a big city and find fun and free events going on in the
area.
If your heart is calling you to a bigger city, don’t be intimidated by the cost-of-living. With these easy tips, you can enjoy all the benefits a city has to offer without going broke.
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