A few methods to find out about the cost of a new city

September 07, 2014

When moving out of state – whether as a business or as an individual – one of the most important things to consider is the cost of living in your new destination as it compares to where you’re setting off from. Your salary won’t stretch as far in New York City as it would in Buffalo. That’s why it’s important to know a little bit about the relative costs of living in various locations.

Differences in rent

It shouldn’t be much of a surprise to learn that American cities run the gamut when it comes to rent, so the first thing on your list should be to run the numbers on rent. A rental in San Francisco, for example, costs almost $700 more than one in Chicago, according to World Times News Report. Keeping an eye closely trained on these relative rents could make a big difference.

The price of goods and services

It’s easy to overlook, but goods – often the same exact thing – cost different amounts depending on where you buy them. Therefore, before you hire that long distance moving company, it’s a good idea to know the prices of things you buy regularly. For example, a haircut will cost you about $7 more in Burlington, Vermont, than it will in Burlington, North Carolina, according to Bank Rate.

Going back and forth

There are also some costs that are a little more subtle. If you are moving away from your family or friends, you might want to factor in how often you will want to return and what that will mean for your wallet.

Keeping it simple

For less complicated equations, a cost of living calculator can be a very helpful tool. Available on many sites, these should be used for guidance only, but they can give you a basic picture of your potential new home. For example, groceries will cost six percent less in Detroit than they will in Atlanta, according to CNN. Of course, utilities will run you an extra 11 percent, according to the new source. Detroit is a lot colder, after all.

After you’ve made your decision, you are going to want to ensure you have access to reliable out of state movers to make sure you don’t leave anything behind. After all, it would be a shame to end up in Detroit without your winter coat.