Moving can be fun, a nightmare, or somewhere in between. For those persons who have done this more than a handful of times, they might have a pretty good idea of how to do so successfully, but for others, like those on their first full-family move, the task can be daunting to say the least.
Whatever the reason may be, there are a number of factors that can be kept in mind to help the transition go a bit easier, but for those people who are also moving to a higher cost of living city there are a few things that might get overlooked.
Here are some tips for making a smoother transition during a move in any situation.
Some Things to Look Out For
Taxes
Yes, everyone is familiar with having to pay taxes, but some people may not be as familiar with the fact that tax rates can range quite a bit from state to state. Taxes rates may not feel like much at the moment (a few extra dollars per grocery bill) but those rates really add up over a year. Anyone moving may be in for a rude surprise when trying to figure out the monthly budget.
The overall tax burdens can range as much as 7.5% from the lowest rate (Alaska at 5.06%) to the highest (New York 12.47%) and depending on whether someone is a homeowner or not, the property taxes can vary greatly. Some are 0.00% and others as high as 4.72% — again, New York.
The point is that some research and thought should be done to consider how current or projected income may be affected by the move, and if getting a pay bump is not part of the incentive to move then it may actually cost way more in terms of savings and lifestyle just to relocate.
Cost of Living
Everything is more expensive today than it was even 3 years ago. Regardless, budgeting for life essentials has become much tighter in the last few years. It just costs more to live in larger cities. Again, there is significant range, but some great examples of this are the usual suspects (California, New York, and Hawaii). Other states may come as a surprise (Massachusetts, Oregon, and New Hampshire). Three factors that may get easily overlooked when relocating: Gas prices, Grocery bills, and Utility rates.
Gas Prices
While California is beautiful, gas prices there are consistently amongst the highest in the nation. At the time of writing California gas prices are nearly $1.80 more per gallon than in Oklahoma. That range from state to state can also be an uncomfortable reality to swallow— especially if a long commute is going to be a regularity.
Groceries
Grocery costs are a constant fluctuation of supply and demand, inflation, and supply-chain availability. According to the Census Bureau’s Household survey, the average American household spends over $1,000 dollars a month on groceries, with families spending roughly 41% more than single homes.
Again, California came in at the top of the list at $297 a week, but Nevada (surprisingly) was a close second at $294. The Midwest regions, however, held rates below the average at less than the $240 range. That type of ratio will add up to be uncomfortable very quickly.
Utility Rates
Electricity is a must, but unless there are sustainable urban planning practices helping to drop costs, some states rates are so high that it may be a good idea to seriously reconsider relocating. Ranges in this category are by far the largest of the three topics covered in this section.
California, Massachusetts, and Maine are near the top of the list of the states at around 30 cents per kilowatt, were on the low end of the range— North Dakota, Utah, and Washington— average around 11 cents. Hawaii is in its own universe at about 43 cents per kilowatt.
Tips for Living in Expensive Cities
Consider Public transportation
The U.S. on the whole is not very good about providing public transportation, but this is where big cities hold the benefits. However, even with more public transportation, the systems may not be useful enough or come near enough to a place of residence for that to be a good option for getting around. Find locations that are nearer to main transportation hubs.
Let the Company Pay
Moving is expensive, employers know this. Moving packages are a legitimate option in certain situations, and negotiating these processes are not only a demonstration of how much they value employees but relieve residents of a great amount of stress.
Make Friends with the Locals
This is not only a great way to establish a new community but a wonderful excuse to learn about where and why people live there. Talking with locals provides insight not just about what’s fun to do in the area but what the politics and policies governing everyday life are like, how that has changed and what that might mean for a future in that city.
Photo Credit
Photo by Handiwork NYC on Unsplash
Guest Author Bio
Sarah Daren
With a Bachelor’s in Health Science along with an MBA, Sarah Daren has a wealth of knowledge within both the health and business sectors. Her expertise in scaling and identifying ways tech can improve the lives of others has led Sarah to be a consultant for a number of startup businesses, most prominently in the wellness industry, wearable technology and health education. She implements her health knowledge into every aspect of her life with a focus on making America a healthier and safer place for future generations to come.
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