is it cheaper to live in city or suburbs

Is city living more expensive than suburbs?

City living is overall more expensive than suburban living … until transportation costs are factored in. Suburban workers with commutes usually pay around 15% of their annual income in transportation costs, but these expenses can balloon to 28% in inefficient locations. Bridges, tunnels, and toll roads pile on the expense.

Are there pros and cons of living in the suburbs?

There are definitely many pros but also some significant cons. I used to live in the city and now live in the burbs with young kids. Here's my perspective. Many people don’t aspire to live in the suburbs.

Is it cheaper to live in the suburbs in Houston?

Verdict: Suburban living is cheaper for buyers, but there’s not as big of a difference when it comes to rent. The median list price per square foot is $142 in Houston, compared to $120 in the suburbs. Median rent in Houston is $1,500, compared to $1,599 in the metro area.

How much does it cost to buy a home in suburbs?

On average, a home in the suburbs costs $230,000, compared with $431,000 for a home in a city. For example, in Silver Spring, MD —a suburb of the nation’s capital—the median price per square foot is $248, compared with a whopping $432 in Washington, DC. (You can find out the price per square foot in any neighborhood at realtor.com/local ).

What is it like to live in the Burbs?

How much money do suburban people spend on entertainment?

How much does a household spend on food?

How much did suburban households spend on health care in 2011?

Do suburban homes pay more in property taxes?

Is it cheaper to buy a city home in the burbs?

Is it better to own a car in a metropolitan area or suburban area?

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Is it better to live in the suburbs or the city?

The Bottom Line: Living in the suburbs can provide more real-estate space and, perhaps, a safer environment while saving you money. However, living in a city exposes you to new cultures and entertainment that are more easily accessible with public transportation.

Are cities or suburbs more expensive?

City vs suburb living One is that, typically, housing and the cost of living generally are more expensive in cities than in suburban areas.

Is living outside the city cheaper?

While housing per square foot is undeniably cheaper outside city limits, other costs come into the equation that can, in some cases, make city living a less-expensive decision after all.

Are cities more expensive to live in?

Understanding how much it costs to live in a city, and why, can make or break a decision to move. Not surprisingly, our research has found that California cities dominate the list of America's priciest cities. All figures are updated as of July 2022, unless otherwise specified.

Why living in the suburbs is better?

You Get More Space for Less Cost Whereas the city has plenty of apartment buildings and condos, the suburbs have single-family homes. This means that in addition to more living space, more bedrooms and more bathrooms, you'll also get a yard for your pets and kids to play in!

Why do people want to live in suburbs?

Larger Living Space Suburban homes typically come with a backyard, garage, deck, or patio as well ‒ features unavailable to most city dwellers. It's an increasingly popular choice for young families looking for more space and a lower cost of living.

Where is the most affordable place to live?

Here are the top 10 cheapest places to live; you can access the full list here.Fort Wayne, Indiana.Wichita Falls, Texas.Brownsville, Texas.South Bend, Indiana.Dayton, Ohio.Toledo, Ohio.Evansville, Indiana.Buffalo, New York.More items...•

How can I live very cheaply?

Here are 15 frugal tips to look like you're living large without overspending.Eliminate monthly subscriptions.Shop for new insurance.Reduce prescription costs.Buy used items.Rent, don't own.Purchase at the right time.Buy high-quality products.Enlist your friends.More items...

Why is living in the city more expensive?

The biggest reason? All those higher wages were being sucked up by higher urban housing costs. It is a familiar paradox: as a place becomes attractive over time, rising demand to live there drives up housing prices, which makes it less attractive for many people, or at least less viable.

What is the cheapest state to live in?

Here is a list of the 10 cheaper states to live in the U.S. in 2022:Mississippi (84.9)Oklahoma (85.7)Kansas (86.4)Alabama (87.5)Georgia (87.8)West Virginia (88.5)Missouri (88.6)Indiana (88.9)More items...•

What is the most expensive city to live?

Shanghai, named the world's most expensive city in the world by Forbes in 2021, is an energizing city booming with business and billionaires.

What is the most expensive city to live in 2022?

Hong Kong tops Mercer's 2022 Cost of Living City Ranking, based on our latest research, followed by Zurich and Geneva, while Ankara closes the ranking at the 227th spot.

Are towns cheaper than cities?

Are you thinking about relocating from the city to the suburbs to save on living costs? If saving money is your thing, you might be better off staying put. A new GOBankingRates study analyzed the cost of living in 35 major cities and their suburbs across the country — and in most places, living in the city is cheaper.

Are houses more expensive closer to the city?

Housing tends to be more expensive in the city Since housing in the city tends to be smaller square footage-wise than it is in the suburbs, it's very possible that you can live in the city for close to the same price you could live in the suburbs—though you'd have a smaller property.

Why is living in the city more expensive?

The biggest reason? All those higher wages were being sucked up by higher urban housing costs. It is a familiar paradox: as a place becomes attractive over time, rising demand to live there drives up housing prices, which makes it less attractive for many people, or at least less viable.

What made suburban houses cheaper to produce which made them more affordable to buy?

Techniques of mass production made it possible to build homes faster and cheaper than ever before. Using an assembly-line system, the construction firm Levitt and Sons built three giant "Levittown" suburbs in New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania.

Living in the City vs. the Suburbs: Pros and Cons — Modern ...

Should You Live in the City or the Suburbs? Only you can decide if living in the city or the suburbs is right for you. Many city dwellers choose to leave their metropolitan home when they raise a family, while others see the parks and culture as a worthwhile trade-off for space.

Living In The City Vs. The Suburbs: Pros And Cons - Boomer & Echo

There’s a lot to like about buying a home in the suburbs instead of the city. Houses are bigger and more affordable on the outskirts. Arguably, the quality of life is better too. Small communities have quality schools, low crime rates and plenty of amenities nearby, which is desirable when you’re raising a family. Related: Pros And Cons Of Waiting To Buy A Home On the other hand, most jobs ...

What is the median price per square foot in Chicago?

The median list price per square foot is $243 in Chicago, compared to $165 in the suburbs. Median rent in Chicago is $1,750, compared to $1,695 in the metro area.

What are the advantages of living in a city?

Lower transportation costs are one of the key advantages of living in the city, Chiaramonte says. “With public transportation, you can get to work easily and there is no need to pay for a car or parking,” she says. Think about not having to pay car insurance every month, registration fees, gas, oil changes, and repairs. Plus, there’s that whole “time is money” concept and you won’t be wasting precious time during a commute or sitting in rush hour traffic as you try to make your way in and out of the city. Also, with rideshares and hourly car rental services, it’s easier than ever to ditch the car.

Is it cheaper to live in the suburbs or the city?

Is it cheaper to be a city dweller or a suburbanite? When it comes to real estate, the obvious answer is that, yes, it’s probably much cheaper to buy a home or rent in the suburbs. (Thank you, next!) But, wait just a second! When you start factoring in other costs of living, or you hone in on some housing markets, ...

Where is Eric Sztanyo?

This one can be close, says says Eric Sztanyo, a Realtor at Team Sztanyo in Cincinnati, Ohio, and founder of We Buy NKY Houses. You may pay more in property taxes in the suburbs, he says, but you can also escape some city taxes.

Is median rental price a wild card?

But median rental prices can also be a wild card in some markets. Here’s an example using data from Zillow to look at home prices in Denver and the surrounding metro area, where millennials make up the largest generational group.

Where does Sztanyo live?

In his own situation, Sztanyo says he lives in northern Kentucky about two miles from downtown Cincinnati. While he has fairly high property taxes, he can avoid paying taxes on Cincinnati amenities, like the stadium where the Cincinnati Bengals play.

Is suburban living cheaper than city living?

Verdict: Suburban living is cheaper for buyers but city living is cheaper for renters.

What are the factors that determine the median rent in a city?

The main factors were (1) median rent in the main urban city vs. the average median rents of surrounding suburbs, sourced from Zillow’s rent index for February 2018; and (2) overall cost of living, which includes itemized categories like utilities, transportation, health and miscellaneous, in main urban city vs. average costs of living of surrounding suburbs, sourced from Sperling’s Best Places.

How many cities per state in GOBankingRates?

A maximum of four cities per state was allowed.

Is it cheaper to live in a city or suburb?

Of the 35 cities and their suburbs analyzed, living in the city is cheaper in 25 areas, while living in the suburbs is cheaper in 10. Places where living in the suburbs is more affordable tend to be around the cities that require the most income to live comfortably, including San Francisco, New York City and Washington, D.C.

Who is Gabrielle on GoBankingRates?

Before joining the team, she was a staff writer-reporter for People Magazine and People.com. Her work has also appeared on E! Online, Us Weekly, Patch, Sweety High and Discover Los Angeles, and she has been featured on “Good Morning America” as a celebrity news expert.

Is it cheaper to live in San Jose or Miami?

Although San Jose, Calif., is one of the most expensive cities to live in, it’s cheaper to live in the city than its suburbs. In general, it also is cheaper to live in cities in the South, but Austin, Texas, and Miami are exceptions to this rule.

What are the factors that determine where to live?

Those factors could be anything, from the commute time, proximity to attractions, neighborhood demographics and school systems.

Why is it better to live in a suburb?

A larger home in the suburb might also be better if you have an eye for home renovations and want more control over the changes made to your property. A house in the suburbs gives you the potential to expand and alter your living space for years to come, instead of conforming to the confines of a home within a crowded city.

Why is it important to own more land in the suburbs?

Your dollar will stretch further in the suburbs, which can be important if you are on a strict budget. For less money, you can own more land and a larger home to call yours. If you have a growing family, you will definitely appreciate more space for you children and pets (to run around).

How are urban schools funded?

Urban schools can be overcrowded with children, hindering the quality of education that children receive. Schools are funded through property taxes. Consequently, schools from impoverished inner cities receive less funding than middle class suburbs.

Can a long commute make you accept a job offer?

For many people, a long commute can make or break accepting a job offer or moving to a different location. If your workplace is located within the city, living in the city nearby would also make for a shorter commute than driving in from the suburbs. If you do not have means of transportation, living in the city might be ideal as you can rely on ...

Is suburbia a middle class city?

While suburbs have typically been home to primarily middle-class, there has been a shift in recent years. In 2017, the average city saw a demographic shift as more people flocked to suburbs. With the recent movement towards the suburbs, the financial demographics have shifted from being predominantly higher income to a population that is decidedly more diverse. Many people in the millennial generation are also taking up residency in suburbs surrounding major cities, changing the average age of the population.

Is it cheaper to live in the suburbs or the city?

While it can be more affordable to live in the suburbs, that isn’t the case for every region. Some major U.S. cities like Philadelphia are actually more affordable to live in than their surrounding neighborhoods. When choosing between the city or the suburb, pay attention to the fluctuation in the cost of living that is specific to each city.

Why are cities better than suburbs?

Cities are also great if you want to get to know more people, whereas suburbs would be more accommodating for people who want a routine and to avoid surprises . If you live close to the city center, there’s a good chance that there will be a parade or some type of event that will eventually be noisy.

What do suburbanites think of cities?

Some suburbanites (my mom) think of cities as noisy, crowded, and stressful. Some city folks (my BF) think of small towns as creepy and hostile to outsiders.

Why don't I like the suburbs?

I don't enjoy the suburbs as much anymore because there's not as many opportunities for adult activities as in the city (bars, music venues, group meetups, etc.). Most of my friends still living in the suburbs are those who never left home or aren't working good jobs--the rest are in cities. In addition, people are generally more open-minded in cities because they're exposed to all sorts of people (which means there's more to discover). Cities are also more environmentally healthy, as compared to driving your car everywhere in the suburbs. In the warm months, I bike to many places if they're close enough, or I try to take public transportation. Let me add, though, that most cities in the US have terrible public transportation--everything is spread out.

What are some examples of birds in Houston?

A wide variety of birds and small mammals. In Houston for example Armadillos, Squirrels, possums, raccoon, hundreds of types of lizards and frogs, birds by the thousands, and other species, even the occasional alligator in the edges of the suburbs or semi-rural areas, all co-exist. There is life all around you.

What is a suburban backyard?

Backyards in suburban areas often are large enough for trampolines, swimming pools, extensive gardens that produce all the produce needed by a family for a couple months a year, a place for large dogs to run around, kids to run around in. Enough space to pull a beat up old car into and restore it or build a workshop.

What is a HELOC in 2021?

Updated June 10, 2021. A home equity line of credit (HELOC) gives you access to cash through a portion of the equity you’ve built in your home. The amount of credit is determined by a combination of your home’s value and your remaining mortgage balance. There can be several advantages to HELOCs, including low-i.

Why is it so hard to live in the suburbs?

Living in the suburbs, it tends to be hard to motivate yourself to go experience the city even if it’s reasonably accessible, just because you get so much more wrapped up in your day to day life than you expect to.

City vs. Suburbs

Friends of ours, Dan and Heather, built a house in a small town about 35 kilometres from Lethbridge, AB. They used Mayflower moving to save costs on the residential move. Their home cost $320,000 – about $100,000 less than a similar home in Lethbridge – and their lot is twice the size.

Which is cheaper?

Most people assume that living in the suburbs is much cheaper than living in the city. And while Lethbridge is not exactly downtown Toronto or Vancouver, the comparison between city and suburbs is still valid.

Final thoughts

You’ll pay less to live out in the ‘burbs, but the savings will be off-set if you commute daily in-and-out of the city. So if it’s a wash financially, you’ll need to evaluate other factors when deciding where to live.

19 Comments

My wife and I grew up in the city as kids & teenagers and moved to the suburbs because it was the only place we could afford a house of our own. We were on a 5 year plan and fully intended to move back to the city… 25 years later we are still in the burbs in a larger house backing on to a large park.

Why do kids like to bike in the suburbs?

Arguably, because there’s less traffic and parks are nearby parents are more likely to let their kids roam a bit in the suburbs than in city centers. Our oldest son is now biking to friends’ houses down the street and to his grandparents’ house on his own. I doubt we’d do that if we lived in a buy city center. This not only helps kids gain more independence sooner, but they love it – he loves it when we give him the nod that he can ride on over to so-and-so’s house.

Why is city living so good?

City living is fantastic because public transportation is better and you can walk to more places. This is a huge benefit of city living and it gets more and more appealing as kids get older. The burbs can be boring for teenagers whereas the city offers more for them to do without having to drive.

Why did we move to the Burbs?

We moved to the burbs primarily for a larger house, bigger rooms and a yard. Could we make do in an apartment? Sure, we could and there would no doubt be advantages, but having some breathing room and a yard for kids is fantastic.

What is a suburb?

Suburbs are often situated outside of cities which means it’s merely a car ride, train ride or public transportation lift to the city center for some city fun. For us, it’s a short car ride followed by a pedestrian ferry boat to the heart of downtown.

Is it easier to park in the burbs than in a city?

All week it’s errands, school drop-offs, the library, swimming lessons, extra-curricular activities – all of which is so much easier to get to and park in the burbs than in a city. While public transportation is great and I happily take it when I can, being dependent on it with young kids is difficult and takes up a lot of time.

Do you need a pickup truck to get groceries home?

You almost need a pickup truck to get the groceries home. You aren’t going to carry it. And that’s just the grocery store. All week it’s errands, school drop-offs, the library, swimming lessons, extra-curricular activities – all of which is so much easier to get to and park in the burbs than in a city.

Where did we live before the burbs?

Before the burbs, we lived in a cozy beach community. Before that we lived in heart of the city.

What is the difference between suburbs and cities?

Perhaps the biggest difference for kids growing up in the city versus the suburbs is diversity. As cities draw workers from all over the world, children are more likely to spend time with students of different ethnicities, religions, and upbringings.

What did Matthew Yglesias write for Vox?

Matthew Yglesias wrote for Vox about the variety of activities available to families in major cities: "One recent weekend when my wife was out of town, my son and I went with various groups of friends to the National Building Museum, a WNBA game, and a brunch-hour children's musical performance at a hipster cider distillery (don't ask)."

Why are children exposed to different foods in cities?

In addition to hearing different languages on the subway, children in cities are exposed to different types of foods and meals they may otherwise never encounter until they are older and move to a city on their own. That's not to say parents in the suburbs can't try to expose their children to different experiences, but it makes it much easier in a city where there are streets full of different dining options.

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Why do millennials move to the suburbs?

Due to the housing crisis in many major American cities, many millennials are forced to move to the suburbs. Even without the cheaper housing market, some parents would prefer to have a spacious two-story home over a cramped apartment. Especially depending on the number of children, storage becomes a major factor for family city living.

Why is traveling with a child important?

A Vox report emphasized that traveling with a child in non-driving situations allows for multitasking, like reading or talking with them without fear of getting distracted. Additionally, raising children in the city usually entails more walking, which can help keep families healthy.

What are the small tasks that parents have to do to stock their home?

Other small tasks include back-to-school shopping or even the weekly grocery run. Without an easy way to load up a car in a parking lot, parents have to be strategic about what and where they buy things in order to make it home on the subway. Otherwise, parents are forced to spend more time making multiple trips in order to stock their family home.

Why do people pay more for groceries in suburban stores than in urban stores?

That's because there's a much larger supply of food in cities, which forces city grocers to lower prices to foster competition.

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Why are city residents less power per capita than suburban residents?

City residents consumer significantly less power per capita than their suburban denizens, largely due to HVAC costs. A standalone suburban residence of comparable size to a city condo will cost much more in terms of heating and cooling mostly due to cooled or warmed air escaping through windows or attics.

What are the hidden costs of living in the suburbs?

Living in the suburbs can be extremely expensive, and often in unexpected ways. Some of the hidden costs of suburban life include sky-high transportation expenses and pricey groceries. Here are six of the worst hidden costs of living in the suburbs. Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.

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What happens to a suburban house in a city?

Suburban living, on the other hand, exposes you to damage from flooding, hail, falling tree limbs, creeping roots, and so much more.

What is it like to live in the Burbs?

While life in the burbs offers more affordable housing and slightly lower taxes, city dwellers enjoy the comforts of cheaper transportation, groceries, and health care. Of course, deciding where you want to live will still depend on some intangibles, like whether having a house with a big backyard beats being able to walk out your front door rather than needing to hop in a car.

How much money do suburban people spend on entertainment?

According to a BLS report, suburban households reported spending $2,652 on entertainment, $86 more than urban households.

How much does a household spend on food?

The typical household spends $4,015 a year, or around $334 per month, on at-home food, according to the BLS. And despite conventional wisdom, food prices are in fact often cheaper in cities, says a recent study conducted at the University of Pennsylvania and Columbia University. The reason: Cities boast 20% larger supply of products; this increased competition forces many city grocery stores to sell at lower prices than suburban grocers.

How much did suburban households spend on health care in 2011?

In 2011, suburban households reported slightly higher spending than urban households on health care, $3,426 to $3,303, according to a Bureau of Labor Statistics report. Although that’s a small margin, suburban households also reported spending 32% more on prescription and over-the-counter drugs than urban households.

Do suburban homes pay more in property taxes?

Suburb. Although homes in the burbs are more affordable, suburban homeowners often pay more money in property taxes. In Chicago, for example, homeowners shell out less in property taxes than the vast majority of their suburban neighbors, according to an analysis by the Chicago Tribune.

Is it cheaper to buy a city home in the burbs?

But while homes are cheaper in the burbs, home buyers shouldn’t overlook their potential return on investment when considering whether to purchase a city home. Recent studies show that urban home values climb 11.3% year over year, outpacing suburban home values, which grow at a more modest 6.7%. So do the math.

Is it better to own a car in a metropolitan area or suburban area?

Generally speaking, metropolitan areas have better public transit than suburban neighborhoods. This enables many city dwellers to abandon car ownership all together, which can lead to huge savings. Indeed, AAA estimates that the cost to own and operate a vehicle—between gas, maintenance, insurance, and the car itself—is roughly $8,558 a year.

Daily Commute

Size and Type of Living Space

Demographics

Proximity to Attractions

School Districts

Cost of Living

• The cost of living will typically be higher directly in a city since the demand for everyday goods and services is higher. However, depending on where you spend your money, the cost breakdown can vary between a city and a suburb, so it’s important to set a realistic budget before deciding where to live. While rent or mortgage is cheaper in the subu...

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